My name is Brooke Rondeau and I am currently a junior at American University in Washington, DC. I am in the School of Public Affairs majoring in Political Science, double majoring in Secondary Education, and pursuing a certificate in Advanced Leadership Studies. The SPA Leadership Program develops students’ leadership skills and prepares them for futures in public service.

I am originally from Bozrah, Connecticut. I attended Norwich Free Academy and was very involved in the school community. I was class president during my junior and senior year and represented my class on the Student Advisory Board. This entailed organizing and promoting class and school events, addressing students and the community, and working with my peers to ensure my class’s needs were met. I was also a member and officer of several academic National Honor Societies and of many clubs, including the Environmental Club, Young Voters Society, the Special Olympics Unified Sports Program, and the school’s volunteer program.

Furthermore, during my time at Norwich Free Academy, I received several awards and honors. These included being nominated for the George Ripley Humanitarian Award, the UCONN/Avery Point Book Award, and Katie and Walter Navick Prize Fund Award.

I have always had a passion for helping others and learning what I can do to improve upon myself for the future. Politics, activism, and equality have always been important values of mine and I intend to use the skills I develop here at American and in the SPA Leadership Program to advance them. My current internship in U.S. Congressman Joe Courtney’s office has further helped me advance my interests and skills. Some topics I am passionate about are women’s issues, gun reform, and education reform. While I’m not sure yet what I hope to do in the future, I hope to use skills I learn to aid in the issues I am passionate about and to make a difference in people’s lives, no matter how big or small.