Political science students often have unique and rewarding college experiences that lead them to pursue careers in exciting fields. Emma Roshioru is one of those students.

Roshioru is a graduating senior who has dedicated her time to exploring new subjects in the classroom, serving her community, building lasting connections around campus, and excelling in both her political science and public relations majors. Roshioru has established herself as both a tremendous scholar and an outstanding member of the Virginia Tech community.

Recently, Roshioru’s achievements in and out of the classroom were recognized by the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences, winning this year’s Outstanding Senior Award. Roshioru plans to remain at Virginia Tech to pursue a master’s in communication and will soon begin the process of applying to law schools. Afterward, she hopes to pursue a legal career specializing in disability and health law.

Read the full interview below to learn more about Roshioru’s incredible journey.

What does winning the college’s Outstanding Senior Award mean to you?

Winning the College of Liberal Arts and Human Sciences Outstanding Senior Award has truly been the pinnacle of my experiences at Virginia Tech, and I am extraordinarily honored to represent the college in this capacity. As someone who applied only to Virginia Tech, I have always known that being a Hokie was the path for me, so to get to this point in my academic career and receive this honor is something my younger self could never have imagined when I applied back in high school. Given that I would not have even been a contender if it were not for the opportunities Virginia Tech afforded me, I encourage anyone entering Tech or currently in undergrad to find their place in the VT community and contribute all that they can while they are here.

How will you use your degree after graduation?

After graduation, I will be continuing my education at Virginia Tech by pursuing a master’s in communication. During this time, I will be using my degrees in political science and public relations together to develop my thesis on the political implications of disability advocacy organizations’ policy communications. While I am completing this degree, I will be applying to law schools, as I hope to practice law with a focus on disability and health law. My degree in political science will be especially beneficial as I navigate the disability policy landscape and U.S. political institutions in my career long term.

What advice do you have for current or prospective students with a major in the Department of Political Science?

Engage! Whether you are engaging with your assigned readings, with your professors, or peers, engaging with the experiences you obtain during your time as a student in the Department of Political Science will be the most beneficial to underpin your experiences outside of the department, whether that be through internships, research, or your professional career.

How has our program helped prepare you for your future goals?

I attribute most of my fundamental research skills to coursework during my time as a student in the Department of Political Science. Not only has this elevated my ability to conduct my own research through several independent study experiences and my master’s thesis, but these skills are transferable to work outside of academia. From Capitol Hill to informing my personal political judgments, this program has developed my ability to think critically and apply said thinking to my day-to-day life. 

What is the most memorable experience from your major?

Entering a class and feeling challenged in my beliefs. During my time in the major, I chose to take courses that were in subjects I had very little knowledge or experience in; for example, I chose to take classes in global war and conflict, environmental policy, and indigenous peoples and culture, but it was by venturing outside of my realm of knowledge that I could expand my understanding of the world and the problems facing people outside of my own experiences. Each time I walked into a class and learned something that challenged my existing worldview, I felt most excited to learn and eager to expand my knowledge. 

What is an accomplishment you are most proud of?

While this is not directly related to Virginia Tech, anyone who knows me here knows that while I spend my weeks in Blacksburg, my Sundays are spent in Roanoke. I am most proud to serve as coach of the Area 8 All Stars, Roanoke's Special Olympics cheer team. I truly consider establishing the team my proudest accomplishment, because I know that, while I may have the privilege of attending Virginia Tech and the many experiences that come with that, for most of my cheerleaders, cheer practice is their only time for pure friendship and fun. No matter the state of the world or what is going on during the school week, I know that my Sundays are reserved for my all-stars. 

Learn more about Emma and the Truman scholar award!

Written by Patrick Salmons