Savannah joined the Batten School in 2020 after completing her undergraduate degrees in Strategic Communications and Political Science from Washington State University and serving as a Constituent Services Representative for Rep. Chris Pappas (D-NH-01) in the U.S. House of Representatives. Following her time at Batten, she continued her work with Rep. Pappas in his Washington, D.C. office, serving as a Legislative Correspondent, Legislative Aide, and now Legislative Assistant. Today, her portfolio includes a variety of legislative issues, including the Congressman’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee work, energy, judiciary, law enforcement, voting rights, and more. Get to know more about Savannah below!
Why did you choose UVA Batten?
- There were a variety of factors that led me to Batten, including generous scholarship funding, the fact that the program was a daytime, full-time program, and all the personal touches I felt during the application process, including Jeff Chidester from Admissions calling me to say I was accepted!
How would you describe the Batten community in less than 10 words?
- Batten is supportive and tight-knit.
How were you able to explore your policy interests while at Batten?
- The elective classes during the second year were the most helpful for exploring and helping confirm what I wanted to do after graduation! You have 15 elective hours to allow you to build professional skills and deepen your knowledge in particular policy areas. I took Congress 101 with Professor Gerald Warburg during the fall of my second year, which confirmed my desire to return to the Hill.
What’s one way the MPP helped you grow personally or professionally?
- During the second year of the program, I served as a Graduate Teaching Assistant (GTA) for two different undergraduate courses, teaching two sections each of Introduction to Public Policy and 21st Century Challenges in Public Policy. In the role, I provided constructive feedback on five memos, one 10+ page term paper, two presentations, two midterms, and two finals for each student in my course (more than 60 students each semester!). Additionally, I met regularly with students both during and outside of my office hours to share knowledge and advice surrounding the course and public policy. Serving as a GTA helped me grow immensely in both aspects by allowing me to take on a level of responsibility and management, forcing me to have stronger time management skills, and it trained me (without me realizing it) on how to be a strong intern program coordinator for when I first returned to the Hill.
Similarly, how did Batten prepare you for your first role after graduating or your current role? What skills and experiences at Batten set you up for success?
- The elective course “Congress 101” was SO helpful! Throughout the semester, we discussed legislation currently considered in both chambers, the reconciliation process (Inflation Reduction Act), and the surface transportation reauthorization process (Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act). Little did I know that four years later, I’d be handling my boss’ surface transportation priorities and working with the T&I Committee to craft the bill. I also learned how to advocate for myself and my boss just through having better communication skills and maturity. Batten teaches students how to handle conflict resolution, communicate clearly, and be a leader in their workplace, regardless of their job. I wouldn’t be as successful at my job if not for these soft skills!
What experience was a highlight of your time at Batten?
- There are a few standout academic experiences for me during my time at Batten, including the elective course “Congress 101” and serving as a GTA. Additionally, my summer internship with the U.S. Department of State allowed me to see what I did NOT want to do – foreign affairs.
Beyond academics, what are some other memories that stand out from your time at Batten?
- Meeting my partner! Alex Turney (MPP ’22, BA ‘21) and I met at the end of our first year at a live music gig that a Batten student and band member invited us both to! The lead singer was out of town, so they turned it into a live band karaoke, and Alex and I agreed to sing together as we didn’t want to do it alone. We’ve been together for five years and live together in DC. I also loved Batten Ball both years, which included planning it my second year and having a band with Batten students play live music for the event! This is a fun social event hosted by the Batten Graduate Council at the end of each year for members of both MPP cohorts to come together for a night away from our studies.
What piece of advice would you give to a student considering Batten?
- The MPP can certainly be a tool to help you achieve your next professional milestone in DC. For students who want to work in the executive branch, earning a master’s degree levels you up salary-wise; it will elevate your GS pay scale faster than the equivalent years of experience on the job can. On the Hill, it looks a little different as many staffers do have an MPP or MPA. However, Batten provides the skills, leadership, and community to make you better at your job from day one, and a network that is ready and willing to support you as you career search and look to advance. Even after you graduate, Batten is there for you, and it’s given me my very best friends.
