Veteran Scholar Bridges Gap Between Technology, Political Science

Brandon Spears, a Texas native and Posse Veteran Scholar at Vassar College, is a summer intern with both Toastmasters International and Crown Castle, the largest operator of wireless infrastructure in the United States. A political science major and former Marine Corps Aviation Electronics Technician, Brandon is passionate about exploring and closing the gaps between communication and politics.

He says he was drawn to Crown Castle for the chance to learn more about urban planning and development.

“I believe learning and understanding technological and infrastructural processes will make me a better legislator, considering I am an aspiring senator,” Brandon says. “Many politicians today don’t understand how technology is changing. This internship will give me firsthand knowledge of the ways communities interact through wireless devices and social media.”

“It was my mentor showing me that I could do more, if I was willing to work for it.”

Brandon sees Toastmasters as an ideal environment to craft his public speaking skills while also building meaningful relationships. As the newly-elected Vassar Toastmasters club president, he has vivid memories of his first meeting three years ago in Dallas, which he attended with his mentor.

“I never felt as important as I did that day,” Brandon says. “I think it was my mentor’s subtle way of showing me that I could do more, if I was willing to work for it.”

Brandon begins his junior year at Vassar this fall and looks forward to returning to an active campus life. A member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society and the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, Brandon also enjoys volunteering with Junior Achievement as a financial literacy mentor and with the Sierra Club.