We interviewed current GHD Student Emma Manzi about her experience in the GHD program and career goals.
What makes the GHD program stand out: The breadth and depth of work experience and knowledge of both professors and students make the GHD program an invaluable learning experience and opportunity of a lifetime. The small, intimate cohort fosters intense collaborative efforts that result in shared learning and innovative solutions that can and will be applied to real world challenges to development.
What is something you enjoy in Georgetown when you are not in class: The educational opportunities outside of the classroom are endless to include language learning, speaker series with leading field experts and opportunities to interface with policy shapers in the great Washington, D.C. area. The Jesuit influence at Georgetown and the cura personalis (care for the whole person) that is exemplified through the tremendous community service and outreach programs reinforce why many choose to attend. At a more material level, historic Georgetown is a beautiful setting to reflect on making the world a better place and the soaring architecture and libraries invite heavy contemplation.
Where do you see yourself in five or ten years: I am currently a U.S. Navy Lieutenant and a recipient of the Fleet Scholar program through the U.S. Navy. In exchange for this extraordinary opportunity, I will return to finish my naval career. I intend to serve my two subsequent department head tours as a chief engineer onboard a cruiser or a destroyer.
In ten years, my goal is to be in a position where I am able to influence the naval strategy to better help development and aid strategies in the communities where we are present and bridging or working alongside our development agencies at an operational level.
What is an interesting thing that few people know about you?: I an incredibly active imagination that has culminated in a multitude of artistic endeavors. With a commitment to a healthier planet, I up-cycle old nautical charts that would otherwise be discarded into stationary. I am also a printmaker and carve and print linocuts that are usually nautical in theme. A lesser known fact, I am an open champion Irish dancer. I am very proud of my Naval service as well as the service of my younger brother, who is a Lieutenant in the Coast Guard and my younger sister who has just begun her journey as an Ensign in the Navy.
