“My most meaningful life experience is graduating college. I am a #firstgen college student. Growing up, my family struggled to make ends meet, so college never was a foregone conclusion due to high college tuition. However, from a young age, I learned education was the way forward to a stable life, so I did everything I could to excel in school. In high school, I sought out mentors who advised me on college, encouraged me to apply, and helped pave the way for me. My mentors taught me the value of having people on your team cheering you on and lifting you up. My #firstgen identity sticks with me now more than ever at SPIA as I now navigate life as a #firstgen graduate student. I was impressed with SPIA’s commitment to public service, and their generous fellowship showed me they were serious about cultivating future public servants without asking them to take on huge financial burdens. In undergrad, I was focused primarily on making sure I got through my program to become the first in my family to earn a degree. Now, I am at SPIA not just to help myself advance but also to help other people who need someone on their team to encourage them. I am most passionate about using education to break down barriers and help others lead the lives they want to lead. One of my most treasured experiences is my volunteer work with the @washington_english_center. I taught adult ESL speakers fundamental English skills so they could achieve their goals of better work and education opportunities in the U.S. I was inspired by my students, many of whom would work all day, and then attend class four nights a week. I am guided by the principle that we should strive to do as much good as we can for as long as we can, and I will bring this energy into any future career of mine with SPIA’s guidance and support.” – Timothy Sell MPA ’22 #PolicyProfile is an @Instagram series featuring our community. Want to be featured? Comment/DM us.