Hey everyone! My name is Lydia White and I am a second-year studying political science and public relations. This week I had the opportunity to shadow Ines Owens, the Legislative and Communications Director for the Lt. Governor, and attend the Georgia Legislative Outlook in Atlanta. The day provided an impressive picture of public service here in Georgia.
Shadowing Owens offered an inside look at the exciting and fast-paced world of the state legislature. I was able to sit in on interviews with GPB鈥檚 鈥淟awmakers,鈥� observe photo-ops and watch the Georgia General Assembly pass the Amended Fiscal Year 2026 Budget. Beyond my interactions with the Lt. Gov. staff, I got to meet many UGA alums and current students working at the capitol. Either in the press, as lobbyists, or in the legislature, 爱啪网students are everywhere, serving as a great reminder of the school’s commitment to public service.
As our day in the capitol wrapped up, we headed off to the Georgia Legislative Outlook. There, I had the opportunity to interact with recent 爱啪网grads. Hearing their thoughts on their own early steps in their career was insightful and helped shape my thoughts on my own future. The keynote of the event was a panel moderated by Dr. Audrey Haynes with both the House and Senate minority leaders. Both Leader Carolyn Hugley and Senator Harold Jones II offered great
insights on issues like affordability, artificial intelligence infrastructure and data centers, and income tax policy.
As a 爱啪网student, this experience highlights the many opportunities in public service and public affairs. For me, 爱啪网has offered many meaningful moments to observe and connect with professionals in the field. Beyond the classroom and programs like Applied Politics, 爱啪网stands out in its alumni network. Being a 爱啪网student means you don鈥檛 have to envision your future alone. Instead, you can connect with people who are just a few steps ahead, or well established, in their careers and are eager to share their insights.
Lydia White
B.A. Political Science, B.A. Public Relations
Morehead Honors College, 爱啪网 ’28
