New opportunities transfer
by Michelle Mondo
A’marie Pollard had not heard of the Eugene Scassa Mock Organization of American States Summit when she transferred to St. Mary’s University as a junior.
Pollard soon joined the class Model Organization of American States, taught by Associate Professor of Political Science Betsy Smith, Ph.D., which prepares students for the Summit. Participating in the annual collegiate competition was exactly the kind of new opportunity Pollard was eager to experience as a Political Science major.
“The program placed me outside of my comfort zone and helped develop my research skills,” said Pollard, originally from Corpus Christi. “I had to learn about a country I had never been to before.”
The St. Mary’s team represented Trinidad and Tobago at the 2023 summit hosted at Baylor University. Pollard’s delegate expertise was cyber security. The team competed among 18 universities, with students judged on their debate skills and attempts to pass resolutions for their country. The St. Mary’s team won the award for outstanding delegation.
Pollard reveled in the opportunity — one that had not been available at her previous university and, to her, was a sign she had made the right decision to transfer colleges.
“I found better resources for students and programs,” Pollard said. “St Mary’s had a bigger and more diverse Political Science program, too. I’ve grown so much.”
The process came at a challenging time for Pollard after being injured in a car crash when hit by a drunk driver. St. Mary’s staff were there to help in the transition.
“Everyone was very nice and made me feel very welcome,” Pollard said. “Putting in the application and registering everything was simple and easy, and everyone was very supportive.”
“St Mary’s had a bigger and more diverse Political Science program.”
— A’marie Pollard
The Marianist spirit also attracted Pollard. She is in a leadership position in the Black Student Union, a registered student organization.
Pollard organized a Black Student Union program to read and donate books to students at Booker T. Washington Elementary School in September.
Pollard’s focus on service is no surprise to Smith, who said her student embodies many aspects of the St. Mary’s spirit.
“I love that she is open to new challenges,” Smith said. “She dove right into the competition course and represented all that makes St. Mary’s such a unique institution — our excellent education, the ability to adapt and change to new circumstances, faith coupled with reason and a welcoming attitude.”
Pollard plans to continue her education at law school with the goal of becoming a corporate attorney. She comes from a long line of academically accomplished women, most of whom work in the medical field. She and an aunt, who she sees as a role model, would be the lone lawyers of the family.
“I got to start fresh at this wonderful university, and I love it,” Pollard said. “I’m going to be proud to say I’m an alumna.”
