Lacey Rose ’10 Speaks about Her Career on Campus

Jay Park ’22
Staff Writer

On Feb. 5, Trinity College students had the opportunity to meet alumni Lacey Rose ’10, who graduated as a Political Science major. From working at the 2008 Democratic National Convention – where Barack Obama was nominated to be the Democratic candidate for the presidency – to serving as Senator Elizabeth Warren’s (D-MA) Press Secretary, Rose has already put together an impressive list of accomplishments.

During her time here at Trinity College, Rose was a two-sport varsity athlete, competing for both the Women’s Tennis and Ice Hockey teams. Furthermore, she was very involved with the Political Science program, headed by Professor Stefanie Chambers, with whom she still maintains friendly relations. From an early age, Rose knew where her interests lay: in the polarizing – yet exciting – world of American politics. But this did not mean she exclusively took classes pertaining to her desired degree. From classes on Psychology to Sociology, Rose invested plenty of time into courses that would diversify her understanding of the world; she understood that such classes could only serve to aid her in the future.

Rose posits that not all students will know what they want to do after graduation; but students must always strive to do what they feel is in their best interests; students must pursue their dreams and plan their lives accordingly. Because, according to Rose, things will not always go as planned.

She states that there are seven key things to remember in order to attain one’s desired goals. First, one must make plans, both short and long term. Even if one’s circumstances might change, it is essential that individuals have a course of action to follow so as to keep him/her on the right track. Second, one must remember to move on in order to move up. Staying in a stagnant job for years on end will serve no purpose. If there is nothing more to be learned from the current position, or if there is no hope for advancement, there is no shame in moving on to attain other jobs that provide bigger and better opportunities. Third, not getting a job does not equate to failure; it could be a blessing in disguise. It could mean the job isn’t the right fit for the individual, or vice versa. In any case, it’s important to always look forward. Fourth is that students don’t necessarily need to know what they want to do, as long as they know where their passions lie. Fifth, Rose stresses the importance of not making decisions – be they big or small – when overcome with emotions such as anger. Sixth, she states that every day is a job interview and that no job is beneath one’s position. There is no such thing as being overly qualified. There is something to be learned from all jobs. Finally, Rose states that in life, reputation is everything. From one’s appearance to one’s qualities, every aspect will be scrutinized at some point. She warns students to not make mistakes even if they may seem mundane at the time, for they may have devastating repercussions for the future.

While the vast majority of students in attendance were Political Science majors, there was something to be learned for all students of all studies. She highlighted the importance of clear and effective communication, be it for a job interview or with a professor. Furthermore, she underscores the notion that as graduates of Trinity College, individuals don’t just represent themselves; they represent the values and ideals of this academic institution as a whole