Class of 2021: Philip Brooks

Philip Brooks

Major: Global Studies

Certificate: Honors College

Minor: Political Science

Home town: Annapolis, Maryland

Philip deepened his interest in and knowledge of political science and global affairs as a UMBC student, Sondheim Scholar, and member of the Honors College. He excelled on research and writing projects in international relations courses and took the initiative to be involved in many different activities and internships on and beyond campus. During Philip’s time at UMBC, he served as a legislative assistant with the Maryland General Assembly, and interned with the Africa Faith and Justice Network, the League of Women Voters, and the Maryland Democratic Party. On campus, Philip was an active member of the UMBC Progressives, the concert band, and gamelan.

Philip is pursuing security-related work with the federal government, and he plans to pursue graduate study in the greater Washington, D.C. area in the future.

A couple thoughts from Philip on his time as a Sondheim Scholar:

What is your most memorable service experience as a Sondheim Scholar? 

The time that I spent volunteering with the Esperanza Center through the Sondheim program was extremely impactful for me. I built close relationships with the immigrants that I worked with. I learned about their lives and families, and I hoped that I made them feel community in Baltimore.

What was your favorite Sondheim event? 

I enjoyed our trips to the theatre, especiallyA Thousand Splendid Suns, which is about Afghanistan after the Soviet Afghan war.