JerMarkus Jacobs
For political science major JerMarkus Jacobs, public service has always been a calling. From seeing his parents give back to the community to interning in the nation's capital, the junior shares his experience and his plans for the future.
Interview by Jordan Ferguson
How did you get into social action and the political realm?
I love helping people and I love politics. Politics has been a calling for me since I was 7. I watched my parents give back to the community, and it always inspired me to look into something that can make a bigger impact on people's lives, for the better. I’ve always looked at politics as a way to make that effective change and be the change I wish to see in my community.
It started by just volunteering at my local school and helping the community. I carried that love and fire to Georgia State, and I am majoring in political science. All of these experiences under my belt and my personality and character propelled me to another level. I interned at the White House in the Office of Presidential Correspondence, where I met many different people from all walks of life.
How did you land such an incredible opportunity at the White House?
The White House Internship Program (WHIP) itself is very competitive. You have people all across the country applying for an opportunity of a lifetime. I've always been a high achiever and wanted to make a bigger impact on people. Funny story: I was actually looking into an internship in Mayor Andre Dickens’ office and was in the middle of filling out that application when I paused and thought to myself, "I'm always eager to go high and want to make this big impact on my community and the people around me." That’s when I looked into the White House to see what they were offering. I only had a couple of days until the portal closed, so I jumped right on it. They [the White House] were supposed to get back to me a few weeks later, but I didn't hear back for a long time. I assumed they had picked another candidate until they sent me an email saying, "Congratulations! You have advanced in the application process!" I was very excited to see that, but it was a very long process. I went through a lot of different screenings, but I stuck to it, and I’m very grateful for the opportunity.
What were some of your duties in that post?
I was a greetings intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence and that is someone who is over the president's ingoing and outgoing mail and the White House comment line [a place where people will call in to voice their opinion on the president and his administration]. In this role, I received all types of phone calls, and I took down every comment. I also helped with sorting pieces of mail and making sure they got to the right departments. I was very fortunate to hear what people were calling about and read what people wrote in.
What is your ultimate goal?
I want to be a public servant and serve the people by holding public office. I look forward to doing that locally, helping people in my hometown of Atlanta. For a long time, I've watched the city grow into what it is today. And I'll be very humbled to represent the city that I love.
How is Georgia State setting you up for success?
It's setting me up in a way where I can interact with people. You know, we're all different. We all come from different walks of life, and being around people and understanding their culture — where they're from and how they do things — gives me a different mindset. Being on campus every day, interacting with people I don't know, it's just phenomenal. Georgia State is just one of those schools that will put you on the right path to success.
In one word, how would you describe your time at Georgia State?
I would use the word “blessed.” I'm always blessed. I carry God in every aspect or situation that I encounter. You know, I prayed before I went to the White House. I prayed during the application process and when I sent it off. Life is not always fair. Everybody has ups and downs and different obstacles, but for me, I think walking with God will keep you on the right track, and he will remind you that everything is OK and that everything happens for a reason in a season. I always carry that with me everywhere I go.
