Jonas Munson is a senior political science major and a UCA basketball player who is excited to pursue a career in politics after he graduates. 

Munson grew up in Alexandria, Virginia, and had a goal from childhood to make a difference on and off the court. 

Munson played basketball in high school and knew he wanted to continue his skills in college. 

“It was amazing. Since I was a kid, my dream was always to play college basketball. Being able to not only realize that initially but see it through, was very rewarding. The things I learned here at UCA, the people I met, it’s very valuable,” Munson said.

Although Munson loved his sport, he had another passion he felt drawn to since high school — politics.

“It was later in high school that I became more politically active, which is what I think happens for most people. It was something that I felt I could be successful in.”

With both parents working in government, he knew from the start that he was going to follow in their steps. After switching from journalism to political science in his freshman year, he instantly had a love for the degree. 

“I switched after a semester to political science, and basically all the stuff that I do doesn’t even feel like work. I enjoy it and it makes sense to me,” he said.

His hard work these last four years has certainly paid off, and he was able to take part in an internship over the summer, working for the Democratic Party of Arkansas. 

With a position like this, Munson explained this experience was amazing for him and said he is ready to make a change in the world.

“It showed me I was ready to work,” Munson said. “I was always the first intern in the office every day, because there are consequences for that, just like on the basketball court.”

“The way you speak to superiors, and the way that you present yourself, are ways you’re representing more than just yourself.”

Munson’s career goal is to be a campaign manager.

He has taken many of the life lessons learned from his years at UCA, explaining that his coaches and his sport pushed him to be the man he is in all aspects of life. 

Looking back, Munson said that he would not change a thing and that he had a blast in his last season at UCA. He’s also excited for what comes after college. 

Munson is thankful for his time at UCA, especially his study of political science.

“I think education is the most important thing. I think that is one of the things that has set me on this path that feels correct in life. I got a really good public education, and there, I was around people who were invested in it. I think that if people aren’t given the opportunity, it’s gonna be hard for them to succeed,” said Munson. 

His final statement was an encouragement for students to get out and be active in their political communities. 

“Don’t be afraid to reach out to people who you’d like to get involved with. They can be like-minded, or they can be not like-minded.”