The $30,000 Truman Scholarship is granted to approximately 60 college juniors around the United States who have shown excellence in academics, service and leadership, and have plans for careers in public service.

Nick has embodied that spirit of excellence both on and off campus. An Honors College member and McKissick Scholar, he is a first generation college student and the son of an immigrant. He won the 2016 Student Body President’s Leadership Award, and his leadership extends throughout campus. He serves as the captain of the University of South Carolina’s Mock Trial Team and director of the Congressional Advisory Board.

Nick’s experience has been further developed through internships and research. He interned with the South Carolina Commission on Indigent Defense working on death penalty cases. The past two summers, Nick served as a special assistant to New York State Senator Terrance Murphy. In this role, he worked to combat the heroin epidemic in the northeast. On campus, Nick has worked with Dr. Brad Epperly to research judicial independence.

Although becoming a Truman Scholar is his most imminent goal, Nick has big plans after graduation. He would like to attend law school for a joint law and masters  degree in Law and International Policy Studies with a concentration in Democracy, Development, and Rule of Law. Following law school, he plans to pursue a career in public service at the State Department, working on Rule of Law initiatives and projects abroad.

Best wishes to Nick in this next step along the Truman Scholarship journey.