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While his interest in law had been a constant through his early years, Josh Jones �25 picked up a passion for political science while studying at Surry Early College High School in his hometown of Mt. Airy, North Carolina. When he arrived at Ģ����ý and discovered a major that combined politics and law, it felt like the perfect fit.

�My political science professors have related so much of the content to current events. They start classes saying, �I saw this on the news this morning. You saw this on the news this morning. Let have a conversation,�� Jones shared. �These are important conversations to have, not just as students but as citizens � and what makes the discussion work is the way the professors at this level treat everyone as equals in the classroom. It academically engaging, but these are also topics that affect our daily lives.�

Studying politics and law during a time of profound change and sharp division in the American political landscape has strengthened Jones� interest in his academics.

�We�re living in a time when people have lost � and are continuing to lose � a lot of faith in our institutions. It both challenging and exciting because I feel like the knowledge I have gained from my studies can open doors and allow me to be part of solving some of the challenges we face, from the local to the national level.�

Whether it classroom debate or on-the-ground experience, Jones is already getting involved in the work he hopes to pursue full time.

�I interned with a defense attorney in Mt. Airy � we worked on a second-degree murder case. It was intense, but it showed me I really want to do this kind of work,� Jones said. �People deserve strong representation, especially the innocent ones who might not otherwise have a voice.�

He also followed his commitment to public service into the community here in Hickory. At Centro Latino, he has tutored children who needed extra help in school for the past year, which he found deeply rewarding.

�One student I worked with went from getting into trouble to showing me a report card full of A,� he said. �Moments like that reinforce why I want to serve people.�

On campus, Jones has been an active member of the Fritz Honors College, which integrated three previous honors programs into a single entity.

�Over the last two years, those of us who were members of the existing honors programs were encouraged to take an active role in shaping the honors college,� Jones explained. �Having my input valued in that process gave me confidence and showed me that my perspective matters.�

That sense of being valued has defined his whole experience at Ģ����ý.

�In classes, my professors give real, thoughtful feedback. The work I do matters to them, and that makes me feel like I matter, too.�

As he looks to the future, Jones is planning to take a gap year or two to work on a congressional campaign � ideally the 2026 race in his home district, North Carolina District 5. After that, he plans to apply to law school.

�My core values are equity, equality and service,� he said. �Whether it in law or politics, I want to be part of the solution.�