Tell us about yourself (name, year, major/minor, hometown, etc.)
My name is Garrett Simons. I am sophomore at Duke University from Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. I am majoring in political science with a concentration in international relations, as well as public policy.
What inspired you to pursue public policy and What policy issues or areas are you most passionate about?
I have been interested in politics and current events since the 2016 election, when some of the candidates campaigned in my hometown. I have followed the same candidates and races since 2016, and am a frequent user of X, and various news organizations like the New York Times and Wall Street Journal. I was inspired to study public policy because of my consistent interest in government and policymaking, and the opportunity to make a difference in the world. I am interested in both policymaking and U.S. foreign policy, and my interest in policymaking was fostered by current events. My interest in U.S. foreign policy was fostered by my history classes and involvement with the Duke Program in American Grand Strategy since coming to Duke.
What other activities are you involved in at Duke (internships, projects, sports, etc…)?
I am really involved with the Duke Program in American Grand Strategy (AGS). In fact, I am the AGS Social Media Intern for this academic year. I have really enjoyed listening to the events and going to the dinners. I am also involved with the Duke Alexander Hamilton Society and enjoy listening to the guest speakers that they bring in. This academic year I am participating in The Alexander Hamilton Society’s national book club titled The Evolution of the International Order. I enjoy attending the POLIS speaker events and this semester, I am starting to participate in the discussions through the Civil Discourse Project. A member of the club golf team at Duke, I enjoy practicing with the team. My other activities include serving on the Duke Dining Student Advisory Committee, Undergraduate Library Advisory Board, and Office of University Scholars and Fellows Student Advisory Committee.
Fun fact or hobby about yourself
I enjoy reading, and read 4-5 books every week. I read everything from mysteries and political thrillers to nonfiction books about U.S. foreign policy.
Anything else you would like to share?
Last summer, I interned with the South Carolina Access to Justice Commission, as part of my Carolina Summer of Service for the B.N. Duke Scholarship. This summer, I am interning with the Foreign Policy Advisor to the Commander at United States Indo-Pacific Command in Hawaii.