Linfield College senior Sara Gómez Horta of Ketchikan, Alaska, will undertake a public policy master’s program in Beijing, China, next year after being named a Schwarzman Scholar.
Gómez Horta was one of 129 scholars selected from some 3,000 applicants for the program, meant to educate and prepare students to confront challenges of the coming century and develop an understanding of China necessary to lead in the future. Scholars will live and study together at Schwarzman College, the dedicated state-of-the-art academic and residential building built exclusively for the program at Tsinghua University. Expenses for each scholar are fully funded by the program.
Gómez Horta, an English literature and political science double major, with a law, rights and justice minor, is looking forward to learning about the Chinese culture and getting to know her peer scholars.
“I can’t wait to start having conversations with the other scholars,” she said. “The program is designed to create the next generation of political leaders. I’m excited to meet others who are passionate about politics, who come from different backgrounds but share the common goal of improving our world.”
Scholars will study public policy, economics and business, and international studies, and spend a year immersed in an international community of thinkers, innovators and senior leaders in business, politics and society. In an environment of intellectual engagement, professional development and cultural exchange, they will learn from one another and pursue their academic disciplines while building leadership capacities.
“I want to have a better understanding of China’s perspective on immigration,” added Gómez Horta, who plans to attend law school after completing the master’s program. “Ultimately, I’d like to work with policy or lobby on behalf of immigration reform.”
Gómez Horta is also the recipient of this year’s Deborah M. Olsen Public Service Internship. The program expands the learning experience outside the classroom, preparing students for advanced professional or graduate work, and for nationally competitive scholarships and fellowships.
Last summer, Gómez Horta participated in the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute’s (CHCI) 2016 Congressional Summer Internship in Washington, D.C. She was one of 34 finalists throughout the country to receive the internship. She worked in a congressional office, interning with Representative DelBene from Washington’s 1st District.
Schwarzman Scholars was inspired by the Rhodes Scholarship, which was founded in 1902 to promote international understanding and peace, and is designed to meet the challenges of the 21st century and beyond. Scholars chosen for this highly selective program will live in Beijing for a year of study and cultural immersion, attending lectures, traveling, and developing a better understanding of China.