One assignment I had to take part in for Policy Ambassadors was recruitment event; this event would be centered around spreading the word about the public policy undergraduate major. Our program director told us we could hold the event anywhere, and they would even help us gather materials like brochures, flyers, and pens. At first, I was going to work alone, because I feel uncomfortable asking someone else due to the chance it could annoy them. Furthermore, I was planning to do an event somewhere on campus, because it would have been easiest for me. However, another ambassador - Melvin Davis - asked if I wanted to work with him. I was grateful for him reaching put and eliminating my worries. He also came with an idea for an event: we should go to Montgomery College, where he had transferred to UMD from. I was not immediately sure about the idea in my mind because I do not go too far off campus due to not having a vehicle. I did not know much about Montgomery College either. However, Melvin was willing to work with me and we outlined our plan for running our event over a few days. We decided that we would go to the college and do a tabling event. There we would pass out flyers, talk to students about our experiences, and answer questions. We were both excited about our plan. Over the next few weeks, I contacted our director, Beatrice Debelen, so I could gather up all the materials Melvin and I had decided on. This led to me having to lug a table across campus alone in the rain. Melvin had to rely on me to get everything because he worked a job, an internship, and full-time school. You know, he was kind of busy. When the day came to go to the college, I gathered all of my supplies to take to Melvin's car. We quickly realized that the table was too big, so we left it - and my struggle - behind. We arrived at the Montgomery campus and spent an hour searching for a new table. Melvin knew his way around, so he took us to the cafeteria and found us two tables to use. He took the lead, which I appreciated greatly. The photo preceding all of this text was taken after setting up our table. Why did I choose this photo? I chose it because it is a sign that we succeed with our event after almost two months of planning. This did not happen overnight, it is quite the opposite. It may have been a quiet day at Montgomery college, but we talked to over 20 students. These students varied in issues they cared about, but we both talked to them to best address their questions. Overall, we spent around 2 hours tabling and talking. It was great.

​

You may be wondering what the point of this story is. Well, it is a story about my growth. Throughout the last paragraph, I have constantly been saying the word "we". It is important because I grew to understand why cooperation is important. I could not have done the recruitment event without Melvin, and he could not have done it without me. This was a symbiotic relationship that let us do things greater than I could not have imagined doing individually. I understand now the importance of cooperating with others, even if that opportunity does not immediately present itself. I can rely on other people's help; it is healthy to do so. Being part of a group is important because it lets multiple people carry the burden that does not to be one solely upon an individual's shoulders. I've grown to understand that a person keen on cooperation will become the most successful person, because they know avoiding help will come back to bite them in the end. That is the difference between me before Public Policy Ambassadors and after.