STUDENT SPOTLIGHT

At Youngstown State University, students are encouraged to take what they learn in the classroom and apply it in meaningful, real-world environments. Through leadership opportunities, faculty mentorship and hands-on experiences, Penguins are preparing to make an impact in their fields and communities.

For Sofia Myers, a political science, communication studies and philosophy major graduating in spring 2026, that support led her to Washington, D.C., where she gained firsthand experience in federal policy and public service.

This summer, Myers completed an internship with the U.S. House Appropriations Committee, serving with the Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development and Related Agencies. There, she supported legislative research, observed committee markups and gained insight into how federal funding decisions are made.

“It gave me a lot of insight into what actually happens behind the scenes,” Myers said. “Understanding how the appropriations process works is really important to me as I think about my future career.”

Myers’ preparation for this role began at YSU. She has been deeply involved on campus — serving as president of the Student Government Association after previously serving as vice president, and competing on YSU’s Ethics Bowl team. Both experiences strengthened her leadership, communication and critical-thinking skills.

“Ethics Bowl has helped me learn to communicate clearly and speak passionately about meaningful issues,” she said. “And Student Government has given me experience managing people, building relationships and leading in a way that benefits our campus community.”

She also credits YSU faculty and support services for helping her navigate the internship process with confidence.

“Career Services and my professors have helped me refine my resume, improve my interviewing and feel confident presenting myself,” Myers said. “Having mentors who believe in you makes such a difference.”

During her internship, Myers focused on being professional, curious and personable — an approach she believes helped her build strong relationships.

“It can be hard being an intern because of the dynamic in the office,” she said. “But being respectful, kind and open to learning helped me build real connections.”

Looking ahead, Myers hopes to return to Washington to continue serving in government and public policy. She said her time at YSU has shaped both her confidence and her sense of purpose.

“YSU has so much to offer,” Myers said. “If you put yourself out there, get involved and use the resources on campus, you open doors you didn’t even know existed.”

Her story reflects YSU’s ongoing commitment to educational access, mentorship and experiential learning — preparing students not just for careers, but for lives of informed leadership and community engagement.