"I learned a great deal about how the city runs. I learned an immense amount on New York City Government through both classes and my placement. I would like to continue in the Public Interest/Government field."

"The Program represents an integral period in my life and was important for my growth and development as a young woman. For the first time, I was able to assert myself in different ways—orally and in writing. The greatest gift the Program gave me was the exploration of a myriad of career possibilities. It is the spine to my professional development. I learned that service work requires diligence and a special kind of allegiance to humanity. My parents, in particular my father, always taught me about the historical injustices that many people faced in the world. The Program propelled me to think more about my parents’ teachings and the struggles of the rainbow of people who live in the five boroughs. I knew that my career path would involve serving those people without “voices.”

"No words could ever explain how much being in this program has meant to me this year. It has been one of the most successful and self-expansive years of my life. I have been able to learn so much about my own capabilities, overcome challenges and recognize my weaknesses and strengths in ways that have truly been life changing."

“This last year has been a great one in which I have learned so much! I also think the program is an excellent idea which should continue to exist. There is no way I would have ever learned about this organization or have gotten the opportunity to work in such an organization if it wouldn’t have been for this program. Being a Public Service Scholar is something that I am really proud of and has made my family really proud as well. The classes allowed me to see how my class mates were doing in their placements and also provided insight whenever I was uncertain about something. I am definitely a Public Service Scholar Program Advocate.”

"It was a chance for me to obtain experience within the social service field while getting to know a group of Hunter College students who were just as passionate as I about social services. The program provided me with the experience and exposure to a position, while still attending college. It was more than just a basic internship. I was allowed to use my mind and tried to assist my internship placement in ways that could affect them long after my absence."

"Everything offered by this program from orientation to the end of the Spring Semester has opened my eyes to all there is to do in the public service venue. It is a great program."

“When I applied to the Public Service Scholars Program, I could have never imagined that it would change not only my academic life but me as well. The invitation letter was possibly the best piece of mail I have received from Hunter College in the time that I have been here. Before this program I did not know nor was I aware of the issues and policy that affect the city that I live in. I can say now that this knowledge has been expanded significantly. The experience taught me that you have to speak up and develop your own opinions in addition to listening and learning. In a sense, the program acted like prism of knowledge where I can transform myself from a regular student to an extraordinary one. I have found personal and academic support in this group and shared a wonderful experience with great people. I feel very lucky to have been chosen to participate in this program and perhaps it has been the most important opportunity I had in my college life.”

"My perceptions of the Public Service Scholar Program have changed very little over time. it remains, for me, one of the turning points in my life. Without the program I would have never perceived the possibility of a career in arts administration."

"It’s important for me to give back, just as many did for me in the PSSP. I was fortunate to have participated in the PSSP and value that experience.”

"It certainly is a springboard for social services. It had a tremendous impact on my personal development."

"The PSSP helped me know I did not want to work for city government. But I learned a lot about politics and how government works, which helped me when I started a community organization in Harlem."