Julie my chief of staff and university medalist

I discovered Julie through an essay she had published in a literary journal and was impressed enough to recruit her into a paid internship helping me with writing projects. That instinct proved to be one of the best recruiting decisions I ever made. Julie combined intellectual rigor, political judgment, organizational skill, and extraordinary work ethic. While still at UC Davis, she became my most trusted student assistant, eventually serving as what I came to think of as my chief of staff. She helped organize projects, supported my writing, and brought order and insight to work that would have been far more difficult without her. Her accomplishments extended well beyond our collaboration. Julie graduated as UC Davis’s top undergraduate, earning the University Medal. She later entered public service, worked for a California legislator, and ultimately became chief of staff to a member of the California State Assembly. Watching her career unfold has been deeply satisfying because the qualities that made her exceptional as a student became the foundation of an equally distinguished professional life. Every teacher hopes to encounter students whose abilities enlarge one’s own ambitions. Julie was one of those people for me. As I prepare to retire after 37 years at UC Davis, I am sharing 365 stories about former students who shaped my life as much as I hope I shaped theirs. Julie’s story reminds me that recognizing talent early and trusting people with meaningful responsibility can change both of your lives. #DiaryOfAQuizMaster #365Stories #FormerStudents #Teaching #Mentorship #Gratitude #Leadership #Writing #StudentSuccess #UCDavis #UniversityMedal #PublicService #LifelongLearning #Curiosity #Legacy