Image: Never one to shy away from more work, Christian Poe is a senior in his fourth year at the University of Georgia triple-majoring in History, International Affairs, and Spanish with a minor in Aerospace Studies. He is a cadet in Air Force ROTC and a member of the Georgia Commitment Scholars Executive Board. This past summer, he studied abroad in Spain, contributing to his Spanish major, and this summer he plans to study away once more to finish his history coursework. After graduating in 2026, Chris will commission into the U.S. Air Force as a Public Affairs officer before pursuing law school. While many students look to their college experience to help them determine a possible career, Chris already had a plan, and the University of Georgia and his degree programs all play a part. His attraction to history as a major soon developed in to a piece of the puzzle. “I wanted another major that would show law schools I could handle heavy reading and analysis,” Chris explained. He also realized that combining an International Affairs major with History would give him a strong dual major, and “Most recently, after studying abroad in Spain and finishing my Spanish minor, I decided to take just a few extra courses and turn it into a third major—which I’ll finish within a year.” Chris is grateful for the support of his study away scholarships that made his study in Spain possible, and is looking forward to a summer ’26 study away program as well. History, Spanish, and International Affairs will prepare me for a future in the U.S. Air Force as a Public Affairs officer. In that role, I’ll represent the military and communicate across cultures, drawing on my academic background and ability to understand different perspectives. After that, I plan to attend law school, where the skills I’ve gained from my studies will be just as essential. Chris pointed out that his involvement in ROTC and academic programs on campus also play a major role in his career and life plans. His involvement with the Georgia Commitment Scholars program has given him the opportunity to connect with students from other backgrounds and build a community of co-learning and support. He is the first in his family to serve in the military, and it has really opened his eyes to the purpose and meaning of the military career and lifestyle. “Air Force ROTC has been …transformative,” said Chris. “It’s taught me leadership, discipline, and, most importantly, that you can’t fully understand others’ lives until you’ve walked in their shoes.”
