Meet new UNC MPA student Christopher Chabrier

This Fall we are excited to get back at it! We have students returning and new students joining us. It’s been a quiet few months at the School of Government as summer rolled by, but classes will be back in full swing starting next week. We are excited to welcome 64 new students to the program – 29 on-campus students and 35 online students. Today, we had a chance to talk to one of our new online students, Christopher Chabrier. Christopher graduated Summa Cum Laude with a major in Political Science and a minor in History from Fayetteville State University. It is also worth mentioning that Christopher is originally from Levittown, Puerto Rico and is currently serving as a Targeting Officer, XVIII Airborne Corps for the U.S. Army. With his dedication to public service leadership background, his well-rounded educational pursuits, and his educational interests focused in Public Leadership, Public Administration, Public Policy, Government, Politics, and Social Progress, we were so happy he chose to attend our program. We asked him a few questions about his decision to return to school.

1. Why the MPA? How did you decide it was the right degree for you and your career goals?

As a service member, I have enjoyed life in public service, and want to continue serving as a civilian. As I look to serve in local government after I retire from the military, I want to ensure I obtain the right education to serve in leadership roles, and use my experience to make public organizations better. An MPA will provide the tools to think critically, make informed decisions, and provide innovative solutions.

2. There are lots of places out there to get your MPA. How did you end up at Carolina?

I wanted to be part of a program that values ethics, critical thinking, and has a comprehensive curriculum that prepares young leaders for life in public service. As I searched for schools, Carolina ranked among the best for government studies, and its reputation and prestige made it my top choice!

3. Is there a class or professor or experience you are looking forward to int he program?

I look forward to professional writing and communications. English is my second language, therefore I value any opportunity to enhance my communication skills. I also look forward to the Immersion Course. I have worked with Artificial Intelligence for the past three years, so it will be interesting to learn a new perspective on it.

4. What are you currently reading?

I just finished Cien Años de Soledad (One Hundred Years of Solitude) by Gabriel Garcia Marquez. I will now begin reading Three Days in January by Bret Baier.

Classes begin next week, and we are excited to welcome Christopher as well as the other new students to the MPA program at UNC. Stay tuned later this week for a chance to meet some more of our new students!