“When academics and policymakers employ economic theory, they typically assume a two-parent household, which is not the case for millions of Americans, including me. I was raised by a single mother, and I think this slight difference from the prescribed ‘American norm’ compelled me to critically engage with power structures, and ultimately led me to be interested in public policy. My first job was as a cashier at a grocery store, and I was struck by the privilege I had as a 14-year-old with no doubt in my mind that I would go to college, working with many people who were there full-time and had never attended. Learning about the overlap and differences in structural and systemic barriers against my mother and coworkers influenced how I approached my #education and #career. I am motivated to use the education I have been lucky to receive to help level the playing field in the U.S. Before coming to @PrincetonSPIA, I worked at the Congressional Budget Office, analyzing the impact of #healthcare legislation that covered issues like large, unexpected patient bills and prescription drug prices. I learned about the ways in which health care being set up as a business contributes to economic inequality; I believe making health care accessible and affordable can help equalize opportunity. Also important to me is purposeful human connection, in everything from forming a community through Covid-safe activities like runs and hikes with classmates to learning from practitioners and local residents so that in the future I can create policies that really understand the people they will impact. The incredibly supportive and imaginative community at @Princeton reminds me of my undergrad community at @scrippscollege — and is largely why I knew SPIA was the graduate school for me.” — Philippa Haven MPA ’22.