In May 2019, Elana Q. was the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership’s first graduate. Since receiving bachelor degrees in civic and economic thought and leadership and philosophy from Arizona State University, Elana has moved to Washington, D.C. and works for Georgetown Law at the Georgetown Center for the Constitution. 

“Every day it feels like my life is in a movie,” said Elana. “The people that I meet, walking on the streets, the excitement of D.C. -- you’re right there on Capitol Hill, so you’re living in the news. It’s never boring, that’s for sure.” 

Her 9-5 job consists of planning and coordinating events and functions for the Center. In turn, Elana gets to attend those events where she listens to the speakers and interacts with D.C.’s most prominent and important academic scholars and politicians. 

When asked what has surprised her most since graduating college, Elana laughed, “Everything! Does that count?” With moving to a new city where she didn’t know anyone, Elana said, “The thing that surprised me the most is how capable I am.”  

“Getting that confidence in yourself means that when you face uncertainty, which is inevitable, you always face uncertainty... that you will be able to figure it out and you will be able to succeed.” 

She credits her preparedness to the courses she took and the mentors she had at ASU and the School of Civic and Economic Thought and Leadership.  

“Academically and personally, SCETL has helped grow in both of those ways... it’s the best thing that has happened to me.” 

She also credits her education as one of the guiding factors for her future career after she graduates from law school, whether she chooses to be a lawyer, professor or a judge in the court. Through SCETL’s curriculum, Elana studied the foundational ideas that have created the system that we all work in. 

“There is never just one perspective, if you go into the would thinking in one color with one lense, one perspective, you will not live a rich and meaningful life. But if you learn to see the world and situations, which necessarily leads to policymaking and law-making, from different perspectives, then the world becomes so much more meaningful, vibrant and bright.”

Reflecting on her college experience, the advice that she would give to someone still is school is to always keep your mind open, “Not just while you’re at ASU but for the rest of your life.”  

Whether it’s a new class, professor, friend or club, Elana believes that every new opportunity will help you learn about yourself and find a new or different path.  

“At this age, try as many things as possible because it’s as helpful, sometimes more helpful to know, what you don’t like as to know what you really do like. Be flexible and be open.”