Growing up, organizational communications and public relations major Emily Poe always wanted to make a difference in the world. To some kids, that leads them on to be teachers, nurses or doctors. For Emily it meant a career in politics.
Poe spent time growing up searching the history of different political parties and watching presidential debates to get a better grasp on the world of politics. It became clear pretty quickly that the Republican side is where she fit best.
“It aligns with my faith which then defines every aspect of my life, and that includes politics,” Poe said. “I know a lot of times people say they don’t want faith and politics to mix, but to me, they’re the perfect combination.”
She started out as a political science major, but transferred to organizational communications and public relations to better fit her career path. During her sophomore year, Poe got involved with the Lipscomb College Republicans and became president of the club during her junior year. Soon after joining, Poe joined the Tennessee College Republicans, where she is now the Middle Tennessee Vice Chair.
“The old administration really had left us disorganized, but under new leadership, we were able to turn that around,” Poe said. “We have fund raised, we have campaigned and we’ve done a lot more under the new administration.”
Through the Tennessee College Republicans, she’s been able to attend a fundraiser for Paul Ryan while he campaigned under Mitt Romney during the most recent election. She has also interned under Governor John Kasich of Ohio and attended the GOP National Convention in Tampa, Fl.
“Part of the Tennessee College Republicans is we get to go and do things,” Poe said. “And none of that would have been possible had I not gotten involved and said yes to that initial email.”
This past week, she had the opportunity to go to Washington D.C. to attend the 40th annual March For Life. They attended the march on the mall and heard speakers talk about the national right to life and the anniversary of the Roe V. Wade case.
Like opportunities and events before, this march is Poe’s way of getting involved in today’s world.
“As citizens of this great nation, as citizens of this nation that allows us to go to school or gives us the opportunity to be outspoken, we have the obligation to be involved,” Poe said. “We can’t sit idly by.”
Note: The author is Emily Poe’s cousin. In the photo, Poe is standing with three others on her right.