Drafting Freedom: How This Political-Science Major Works to Advance Social Justice
Student Snapshot: Amos Cedric Benning III ’28
Amos Cedric Benning '28 is a student leader and political-science major who plans to become a lawyer. Through an internship in Washington, D.C., he recently helped draft legislation supporting the release of dozens of incarcerated women. Cedric's time at Dickinson has offered him many opportunities to develop his leadership skills, give back to his community, and form strong bonds with people from different parts of the world and with different views and life experiences. "Getting to know them has shown me how much we all have to offer one another," he says, adding: "College has taught me that growth comes from embracing who you are while also embracing the people around you,"
Hometown:
Baltimore, Md.
High school:
Episcopal High School.
Major:
Best thing about my Dickinson experience:
I love the campus environment. One of my best experiences was my probate for Kappa Alpha Psi. My entire family was there, cheering me on, along with many of my teachers and friends. Being brought into the brotherhood of the fraternity, surrounded by the support of my Dickinson community, made the moment even more special.
Best thing about my major:
Political science teaches you to understand the world—its systems, its conflicts and the people who shape them. Studying political science challenges you to think critically, analyze issues from multiple perspectives and engage with real-world problems that directly impact society.
Being a political-science major at Dickinson makes this experience even richer. The small, discussion-driven classes, supportive professors and strong emphasis on global awareness create an environment where you’re encouraged to speak up, think deeply and apply what you learn beyond the classroom.
Dickinson’s commitment to civic engagement and leadership gives political science majors valuable opportunities to connect theory with practice, preparing us to make meaningful contributions on whatever path we choose.
On choosing Dickinson:
I chose Dickinson because Head Football Coach Brad Fordyce and Assistant Football Coach Kyle Schuck believed in me and gave me the opportunity to play football at the next level. I’ll always be grateful for that. Beyond athletics, Dickinson offers top-tier academics. I also wanted to attend a school grounded in strong values.
Favorite class:
Political Philosophy. It was eye-opening to explore so many different ideas across various time periods. The class pushed me to think deeply about fundamental questions, challenge my assumptions and understand life from viewpoints I had never considered before. I learned so much about how different philosophies influence the world we live in and how people make sense of their own lives.
Favorite professor:
Associate Professor of Political Science Toby Reiner. He genuinely cares about his classes and his students, and he’s always there to offer support, guidance and thoughtful feedback.
About my internship:
I interned with an NGO, Helping Ourselves to Transform, in Washington, D.C. I had the opportunity to supervise and coordinate a team of 15 interns, ensuring that all project goals were met. I also contributed to drafting legislation aimed at supporting the release of 25–50 incarcerated women, which gave me firsthand knowledge of how policy is shaped. In addition, I attended virtual meetings with Maryland state senators, delegates and community partners, and I conducted research to support the organization’s legislative and advocacy efforts. I gained valuable leadership experience, a deeper understanding of the legislative process and a strong commitment to justice-focused policy work.
About my research:
I researched issues related to criminal-justice reform, specifically focusing on policies that impact incarcerated women. My work involved collecting data, analyzing existing legislation and helping develop proposals that could support the release and reentry of 25–50 women. Through this research, I learned how complex the legislative process is and how important evidence-based advocacy is in creating meaningful change. I also gained a deeper understanding of the systemic challenges incarcerated women face and the importance of crafting policy that centers their needs and experiences.
Post-Dickinson plans:
I plan to go to law school and become a lawyer, working at the intersection of business, law and problem-solving. I want to help organizations navigate complex legal issues, negotiate agreements and make decisions that are both strategic and ethical.
Proudest accomplishment so far:
Becoming the polemarch (president) of my fraternity, Kappa Alpha Psi, at Dickinson. I worked hard to earn that position and to show others that my dedication and effort are real. It's an honor to support my brothers and guide our chapter forward in ways that reflect our values and goals. It's helping me grow as a leader, and it's one of the most meaningful experiences of my college journey.
Most important thing I’ve learned so far:
Dickinson brings together people from so many different places, backgrounds and life experiences, and getting to know them has shown me how much we all have to offer one another. When you stay open, genuine and willing to step outside your comfort zone, you realize how many unexpected connections you can make. You never know who you might relate to, what stories you’ll hear, or how much you may have in common with someone you just met. College has taught me that growth comes from embracing who you are while also embracing the people around you.
Clubs and organizations:
Kappa Alpha Psi (president), Political Science Committee and A.C.E. Peer Mentors.
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Published January 30, 2026