Paige Dalto, staff writer ’24

Ariana Genna, a double major in political science and social justice and civic engagement, is in the final week of her senior year.

Genna entered LVC as a political science major and decided to add social justice to her studies in the spring of her freshman year. She will additionally graduate with two minors: UK common law and law and society.

Genna currently works as an intern for the Harrisburg Capitol as part of the House Legislative Fellows Program. There, she works for a state representative and is presently working on creating more affordable housing options. Working with this program additionally allows her to draft her own piece of legislation on a topic of her choice.

Although Genna’s current internship deals with local government, her passion and interests lie with climate migration, the displacement of people from their homes due to climate-induced events.

“What has contributed the most to my professional interests thus far is the internship experience I have had,” Genna stated. “I have worked a lot of interesting internships that have allowed me to meet a lot of great people in my field.”

As for life after graduation, Genna plans to take a gap year to study for law school admission testing. If accepted, she plans to serve as a community development volunteer with the Peace Corps in Kosovo during this time. 

If unable to serve in the Peace Corps, she intends to continue working at the Harrisburg Capitol to develop her experience.

“I was initially worried because local government is not my field of study or interest, but I have grown to love the work that I am doing because I know it is helping people,” Genna stated.

Genna had also applied to be an English teaching assistant in Bulgaria through the Fulbright Program. After a lengthy process of essay writing and waiting, she was chosen as an alternate for the opportunity. This means that if someone drops out of the program or the commission receives additional funding, she may be called to serve in Bulgaria.

Additionally, Genna plans to attend graduate school after her gap year. 

Genna looks forward to pursuing her passions in climate migration and providing resources to refugees. No matter where her future takes her, she is sure to enact positive change with her dedication to others.