UAA political science student Peter Finn. Student Spotlight: Peter Finn, Political Science
Wednesday, 16 February 2011
Deciding what to study at UAA was an easy choice for Peter. “When I was 11 years old, we had a man who was an economist and lobbyist visit my class to talk about the stock market, how legislatures operate and how various interest groups have to advocate for why they deserve funding,” said Peter. “I was interested in learning more, so he suggested I take some time to watch C-Span. I ended up getting hooked on the channel and everything political."
Peter is currently the speaker of the Coalition of Student Leaders and the treasurer for the UAA College Democrats. In the past, he was an active member in UAA’s Speech and Debate, USUAA and UAA Assembly.
Peter’s role as speaker of the Coalition of Student Leaders makes him the primary representative for all UA students on a system-wide and statewide level. The Coalition just succeeded in getting student wages raised and stopping a major tuition increase over the last year. He’s now focused on getting students and outside interests organized to support a scholarship from the legislature to help not just the students with the highest GPAs from high school, but non-traditional students and those with the highest need.
“UAA gives people the tools through experiences and opportunities to be not only better employees in a given field, but more importantly to be better citizens. UAA has hugely expanded my horizons and I can say it was worth every penny, both from my own pocket and from the legislature, for me to come here,” said Peter.
Peter wants students to know that the classrooms at UAA are only a fraction of the experience of going to college. Other important aspects of UAA include clubs, governance groups, extra-curricular academic programs and volunteering. “Getting involved will ultimately lead you to future employers and provide you with a more well-rounded perspective in the areas you're studying. Get involved!”
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