By Cole Summey, Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy Student<\/p>\n
Why I Chose Furman<\/strong><\/p>\n Furman was one of my top choices for undergrad years ago. Growing up in Greenville, I came to campus for band and orchestra clinics, sports camps and to watch games\u2014especially when Furman and Appalachian State University competed in the same conference. Furman has always been a big part of the Greenville community, and I admired that.<\/p>\n After earning an undergraduate degree in music education from Appalachian State University, I began exploring graduate school. Furman immediately came to mind since I wanted a program that would let me stay local, connect with my community and prepare me for a career where I could make a broader impact. That\u2019s when I discovered the Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy (MAP) program.<\/p>\n Why the MAP Program Was the Right Fit<\/strong><\/p>\n I had a career as a woodwind instructor in North Carolina and band and choir director in South Carolina public schools. After stepping away from teaching full-time, I knew I wanted to go to graduate school, but I wasn\u2019t sure which direction to take. Neither a master\u2019s in education nor a master\u2019s in music offered the right fit. I was looking for something that would help me address the systemic issues I had seen as a teacher.<\/p>\n I started researching programs in public administration and policy, and Furman\u2019s MAP program stood out. It offered exactly what I was looking for: the ability to connect my background in education to a broader understanding of advocacy, systems change and policy analysis.<\/p>\n I also really valued that Furman\u2019s program was in-person. Advocacy is all about relationships, and I wanted the opportunity to build genuine connections with faculty, classmates and community partners face-to-face.<\/p>\n What I Enjoy Most About the MAP Program<\/strong><\/p>\n One of the best parts of the MAP program is how flexible it is. I\u2019ve been able to tailor my coursework to my specific interests and goals. As someone coming from the fine arts field, I\u2019ve enjoyed exploring how advocacy and policy intersect with arts and education.<\/p>\n The program has challenged me to think critically about equity, systems and leadership\u2014and it\u2019s given me the tools to turn frustration into action.<\/p>\n My Field Work Experience<\/strong><\/p>\n In Spring 2025, I completed my field work as an advocacy and policy intern with Public Education Partners (PEP) in Greenville. I supported two major projects: the Teacher Fellows program<\/a> and the Parent Leadership Project<\/a>. That experience was truly transformative. I gained hands-on experience in the nonprofit sector, learning how organizations partner strategically with school systems to advocate for students and educators.<\/p>\n Interestingly, I applied twice to be a Teacher Fellow when I was still in the classroom but wasn\u2019t selected. Later, as a MAP student, I helped lead and support the program. Talk about full circle! I also contributed to discussions about how PEP could better support arts educators through targeted grants and programming. It was rewarding to bring that fine arts lens into broader education policy conversations.<\/p>\n Even though I was \u201cjust an intern,\u201d I was treated as a valued member of the team, and I had a voice in important conversations, especially as PEP rolled out its new strategic plan.<\/p>\n My internship helped me see education from a systems-level perspective. I learned how state and local policies directly affect classrooms and how nonprofit organizations can play a key role in bridging gaps between communities and schools. It also helped me take off my \u201cteacher hat\u201d and put on a \u201cpolicy analyst hat.\u201d Being able to switch between those perspectives of educator and advocate has been one of the most valuable lessons from this experience.<\/p>\n Looking Ahead<\/strong><\/p>\n After finishing the MAP program, I plan to work in education policy research or with a nonprofit focused on education or fine arts advocacy. I love exploring how creative expression and policy can intersect to promote equity and opportunity for all students.<\/p>\n Eventually, I would like to earn a PhD, but for now, I\u2019m excited to apply what I\u2019ve learned and continue making an impact locally.<\/p>\n I\u2019m incredibly grateful for the MAP program and Furman. I came in wanting to understand how to make systems fairer, and I\u2019m leaving with the knowledge, tools and confidence to act on it. Being part of a young, growing program has also been special since I\u2019ve had the chance to share feedback, help shape the program\u2019s future and watch it evolve. This experience has given me the clarity and courage to make a career pivot that feels both meaningful and true to who I am.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" By Cole Summey, Master of Arts in Advocacy and Social Policy Student Why I Chose Furman Furman was one of my top choices for undergrad years ago. 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