I, Siye Semere, am a rising senior at Boston Latin School with a strong passion for public service and civic engagement. I believe that everyone has a responsibility to serve their community, and so, I have committed myself to giving as much as I can, whether in school or out. Within school, I am a part of the student council body, hold student leadership positions, tutor my younger peers, and much more. Even out of school, I participate in community service events, have held multiple internship roles, notably one within Boston City Hall, and am an avid member of my Eritrean Community Center in which I spend my time translating at large events and teaching English to newly arrived immigrants. Growing up as an Eritrean immigrant in lower income areas of Boston, I have developed a deep passion for economics and public policy, two forces I believe are critical to addressing the income and educational inequality that divide not only Boston, but America as a whole. Participating in such activities allows me to grow my community while simultaneously being able to learn more about myself. My goal is not to check boxes or fill a certain number of community service hours, but rather to be an engaged and proactive member of my community, as I find it my civic duty. Through the Ward Fellowship I hope to deepen my commitment to public service and gain firsthand experience of government to help me better serve underrepresented and underfunded communities.