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In April 2021, when Keyana Adarkwah began working in the Boston office of U.S. Representative Stephen F. Lynch as his district staff assistant, it was the height of the unemployment crisis caused by the COVID-19 pandemic. Then in late February of this year, Russia invaded Ukraine, and Ms. Adarkwah watched as that conflict became a central focus of the representative and his staff.

Needless to say, it’s been quite a learning experience for Ms. Adarkwah. “This has been an awesome job, just seeing what the congressman does,” the Randolph native said. “You don’t realize how much work goes into being a lawmaker.”

Ms. Adarkwah, who now lives in Brockton, graduated with a major in psychology and minors in political science and civic education. During her undergraduate years she earned several leadership awards, including ������ý’s Best in 2020.

The desire to lead and serve was ingrained early in Ms. Adarkwah’s life. Growing up in Randolph, she was surrounded by a caring community where public services were offered for those in need.

When she came to ������ý, she initially thought about a career as a psychologist, however, after undertaking her minors, she heard the call of public service.

Now she’s planning to attend law school with an eye toward a career in human rights and international law. “I’ve always been interested in the legal field,” Ms. Adarkwah said. “At ������ý, I heard stories from my fellow students about how they were doing internships with a wide variety of organizations, and I knew ������ý would be a great steppingstone.”

While at ������ý, Ms. Adarkwah interned for a state senator, getting her first taste of politics and solidifying her interest in public service. Also, during her final semester, which was contemporaneous with the 2020 presidential election, students were hotly debating the issues of the day.

Now Ms. Adarkwah has a front row seat of sorts to national and world events. “It’s nice to have a better understanding of how things unfold,” she said.

But it is her work helping the district’s residents with various issues that truly taps Ms. Adarkwah’s strengths. “I think doing what I do and seeing my colleagues and the congressman assist constituents has given me a new passion to help others however possible.”