For sophomore Arnav Koppala, the SNF Agora Institute at Johns Hopkins University has been transformative. From inspiring coursework to meaningful real-world applications, SNF Agora’s mission of fostering dialogue, civic engagement, and leadership has deeply influenced his academic journey. What began in the classroom quickly evolved into real-world experiences that challenged him to apply his skills and make a difference.
One of the most impactful experiences for Arnav was the Hopkins Semester in D.C. program, where he participated in the Applied Practitioner course taught by Leah Wright Rigueur, SNF Agora Institute Associate Professor of History. The course required students to engage with local D.C. communities, culminating in a final project that connected their civic engagement efforts to the 2024 presidential election.
“I realized that each of us found unique ways to civically engage, using our individual skills—whether it was public speaking, writing, or campaigning,” he said.
For Arnav, this meant leveraging his analytical mindset to design an AI-driven model that could improve phone banking for voter outreach. The project showed him how his unique skills could be applied to meaningful civic action. “That moment stood out to me because I saw how I could apply my own skills in a way no one else in the cohort could,” he explained.
This experience wasn’t limited to just classroom assignments. Through the program, Arnav had opportunities to learn from civic leaders like Andrea Hailey of Vote.org, who inspired him to think critically about voter engagement and suppression. These conversations broadened his understanding of democracy’s challenges and showed him the importance of innovative thinking in addressing these issues.
Reflecting on the broader lessons he has learned from his engagement with SNF Agora faculty and coursework, Arnav emphasized the importance of nuance in political and civic discourse.
“Agora has taught me that politics isn’t black and white—it’s all shades of gray. And it’s through exploring those nuances that we truly make progress,” he said.
This perspective has influenced how he approaches discussions, fostering a deeper appreciation for complexity and diverse viewpoints.
Back on the Homewood campus, Arnav found that SNF Agora’s courses were equally instrumental in shaping his approach to leadership and public discourse. He highlighted Introduction to Civic Life, co-taught by Lilliana Mason, SNF Agora Institute Associate Professor of Political Science, and Consuelo Amat, SNF Agora Institute Assistant Professor of Political Science, as particularly transformative.
“Civic Life taught me how to facilitate open, constructive dialogue—what some might call an ‘Agora.’ It changed how I engage with the world,” he said.
This course emphasized not just understanding the mechanics of civic engagement but also mastering the art of meaningful communication. One exercise involved refining questions for guest speakers to elicit thoughtful responses, a skill Arnav now applies in all areas of his life. “I learned to listen not just to respond, but to truly understand. That’s a skill I carry into all my interactions now,” he noted.
This ability to engage in deeper conversations didn’t stay confined to the classroom. Arnav explained how he now brings this mindset into personal interactions with family and friends, focusing on understanding others’ perspectives before offering his own.
One pivotal moment in his journey came when Professors Leah Wright Rigueur and Lauren Reynolds encouraged him to consider running for office. Though the idea initially felt abstract, it sparked a vision for how his experiences could prepare him for future leadership roles. “Every class I’ve taken through SNF Agora feels like it’s preparing me to connect with my community, understand their needs, and translate those into actionable policy,” he said.
This suggestion motivated Arnav to think about the steps he could take to lay the foundation for a career in public service and transformative leadership. He credits SNF Agora with helping him see how leadership begins with understanding the needs of others and using that knowledge to effect change.
Reflecting on his broader experiences, Arnav praised the institute’s unique academic environment, describing its faculty and programming as unparalleled at Hopkins. “I’ve never seen a department so interconnected. Every class, every speaker, every assignment feels purposefully tied to broader themes that apply across disciplines,” he observed.
Arnav’s journey with SNF Agora exemplifies how the institute empowers students to think critically, engage constructively, and lead purposefully from the classroom to the community.