Carrying on the Torch: The NKU MPA Experience: Back to Reality Again

Welcome back everyone!

I can’t believe this will be my third year doing all this again, but also sadly my last. I will finally be graduating in May so cherish these last few posts of mine.

The MPA program has changed a little bit since May. Dr. Mattson has officially retired and Dr. Lambert has taken a position at a university in Louisville. They will certainly be missed and will no doubt be successful in their new endeavors. On a brighter note, Dr. Olberding has finished her book on social enterprise and special events, of which I am a co-author of the final chapter, and should be released late this year. It’s very exciting for her and the department. Dr. Misis, and undergraduate student, and I are currently working on the presentation of our research on social media practices of Kentucky law enforcement agencies for a conference next month being held here at NKU. After the conference we will be writing the paper to submit for publication.

I’m sure all of you want to know about my summer. My study abroad trip to Austria was quite simply, amazing! I learned a lot about leadership, the Holocaust, Europe, and myself. I was able to visit Munich, Vienna, Venice, Rome, and Zurich during my five weeks. I checked a lot of stuff off my bucket list. I was able to see the Colosseum, ride a boat in Venice, drink a beer at the Hofbrauhaus in Munich, watch an Opera in Vienna, visit a concentration camp, and so much more. The classes were a little bit more difficult than I had hoped, but it made me a better student. Both of my classes were very insightful. I definitely recommend KIIS-Austria, Bregenz for any future students if it is offered for the MPA program again. It’s a once in a lifetime opportunity. (Pictures are attached to induce jealousy).

On top of that I was able to take a week-long vacation to Cabo, Mexico with some friends. It was nice to unwind after 5 weeks of riding trains, studying, and sleeping on a couch. I luckily didn’t get too burnt either. I then spent five days in New York City with my mother and brother. I was exhausted already, but I mustered up the energy to see the Big Apple. We took bus tours of the island of Manhattan, walked through Central Park, and saw a Broadway show (“An American in Paris” is amazing btw). After my two month long travels I sadly had to return to reality of work and school.

I’ll write a new post in September with an update on my classes, the MPA program, and any other odds and ends I can think of. As always, thanks for stopping by!