Hobbies and interests
Cooking
Volleyball
Biking And Cycling
Reading
Academic
I read books multiple times per month
Bryan Pagan
1,225
Bold Points1x
FinalistBryan Pagan
1,225
Bold Points1x
FinalistBio
I am an undergraduate student starting my third year of college and I am interested in politics and law. I am gritty and hard working, and my efforts show in the quality of my work. After I finish higher education and obtain a degree in law, I wish to work within my community and bring forth changes that we have been waiting decades for.
Education
University of Michigan-Ann Arbor
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Economics
- Law
- Political Science and Government
CUNY Lehman College
Bachelor's degree programMajors:
- Economics
- Law
- Political Science and Government
Miscellaneous
Desired degree level:
Doctoral degree program (PhD, MD, JD, etc.)
Graduate schools of interest:
Transfer schools of interest:
Majors of interest:
- Political Science and Government
- Law
- Economics
Career
Dream career field:
Law Practice
Dream career goals:
Civil Rights Lawyer, Politician
Intern
The Rockefeller University2018 – 2018Teacher's Assistant
New Visions Charter High School for Advanced Math and Science2019 – 20201 yearCustomer Service Cashier
Stop and Shop Supermarket Company2020 – 20211 year
Sports
Volleyball
Varsity2017 – 20192 years
Future Interests
Advocacy
Politics
Go Blue America Thought Leadership Scholarship
In 1812, Governor of Massachusetts Elbridge Gerry introduced gerrymandering to the U.S. political system when he redrew a district in Essex County. Since then, gerrymandering has been utilized by political parties across the U.S. to gain advantage in elections. Despite being a problem for over two centuries, little to nothing has been done to rectify gerrymandering, although there may potentially be multiple solutions that could suffice.
A potential solution to gerrymandering would be allowing third-party, non-partisan organizations to draw the district lines. These agencies would adhere to rules required for districts, like the need for a district to be contiguous and equally populated. One potential problem with this solution would be that although the agencies are less partisan, they are not entirely unbiased and can be susceptible to outside influence. Thus, another solution would be to use a computer algorithm to generate districts. The programmer of the algorithm would give the districts parameters like the aforementioned need to be contiguous and have equal populations. Then the program would create districts fitting these criteria. A benefit of this solution is that the computer will draw the most efficient solutions and this leaves politicians to focus on other tasks. The possibility of glitches or computational errors combined with its unprecedented nature may hold this solution from being seriously considered by state governments.
For almost as long as the country has existed, gerrymandering has been a serious issue threatening our democracy. In a democracy, voters choose their politicians, but through gerrymandering, politicians can choose their voters. The ideals we hold as a country and as a democracy are threatened by the continued existence of gerrymandering, thus states should consider potential solutions with the utmost importance.