Sarah Marzouk

Hometown: Charleston, West Virginia

Alma mater: Emory University

Undergraduate Degree(s): Bachelor of Arts in English and Film & Media

Q: What are your areas of interest in the program or career goals?

I am a dual degree student, so I will be pursuing an MPA alongside a Master of Science in Library Science (MSLS) with the UNC School of Information and Library Science. My career goal is to be a leader in a public sector field that assists and works with public libraries, whether I end up working in local government, state government, or even in a public library. I am deeply passionate about literature and the arts, and I am even more passionate about serving the public. Having the opportunity to earn an MPA alongside an MSLS and to combine my interests is a dream come true!

Q: How did you discover the MPA degree?

After I graduated from Emory University, I moved back home to work for the State of West Virginia. I was a full-time Library Assistant for the West Virginia Library Commission, the state governmental agency that assists all West Virginia public libraries, helping in areas such as funding, electronic resources, and consulting services. Every day I was inspired by the enthusiasm and determination of all the librarians and library directors I interacted with. Whether I was answering phone calls, attending conferences, or visiting public libraries, I realized how important the work I was doing was to the local communities of my home state. My drive for a leadership position grew exponentially. So, I started looking for masters programs related to my career interests, and when I saw the UNC MPA degree had a dual option with a MSLS, I knew UNC would be perfect for me!

Q: Why did you decide to get your MPA at UNC?

Along with the dual degree, I really love the MPA Program’s strength in the field of local government. Ideally, I want to work for the public at the closest level possible–I believe the closer to your local community you are, the better you can serve it. The MPA Program also combines academic theory with real-world practice, which is a smart approach to public sector work. The MPA at UNC is a balanced program that includes different aspects of public administration without diminishing any of them. I am also very excited to be working as a Graduate Research Assistant for an MPA professor for the year and to get even more hands-on research experience!

Q: What are you reading/listening to this summer?
This summer I have been really diving into Claire Keegan’s work–I just finished Foster and I have started Small Things Like These. I love her succinct yet picturesque and intentional writing. I have also been reading Juneau Black’s Shady Hollow, a magical mystery with talking woodland creatures! For music, I have been listening to a lot of Lorde, The Marías, and Bon Iver.