Makeshia Welch

Vanderbilt University, Nashville, TN
Bachelor of Science, Graduation Date: May 2012
Major: Human and Organizational Development,
Minor: Child Development

I am currently a senior at Vanderbilt University. The coursework in this major has strengthened my skills and interests in the areas of writing and research.

Peabody College (Vanderbilt University), Nashville, TN
Masters of Public Policy in Education Policy
August 2012 – May 2014

The Education Policy program focuses on issues of education policy through the use of analytical methods derived from sociology, economics, and political science (Google for more info: Vanderbilt MPP). The Education Policy program will prepare me for career paths in policy analysis and public service leadership for governmental and/or private institutions.

I am currently serving as an intern with the Safe Children program of Vanderbilt in which I gain experience in research, project management, and community outreach. My main projects include providing safety education to families and childcare workers in Middle Tennessee and conducting research and analysis of laws and statistics relevant to child safety. I have a strong passion for education, community outreach, and youth that is rooted in my experiences as a tutor in the Metro Nashville Public School system, student coordinator for Vanderbilt Children's Health Improvement and Prevention program, and volunteer with various organizations and causes in the Tennessee area (Nashville Mobile Market, Boys & Girls Club, Pencil Partners, Manna Project, etc.).

I do not have a dream job. I only have immense passions and hopes for a significant positive impact on the education field. I am a believer that the most effective method for enacting transformational change in the issue of education is through the changing of policies, laws, and systems that are at the root of the issue. I aspire to one day hold a position in which I am leading the efforts for this type of transformational change with effective ideas and solutions. I am constantly in search of new opportunities (internships, practicums, fellowships, etc.) to further my experiences in the education and policy fields and strengthen my skills in research, policy analysis, program evaluation, and writing.