From Jackson College to Capitol Hill: Julian Sanders’ Inspiring Journey in Public Service

Julian Sanders is a law clerk for the U.S. Senate Committee on Homeland Security and Governmental Affairs in Washington D.C. His journey started at Jackson College. 

“I wouldn’t be the person I am today if I was not able to have the opportunity to go to Jackson College,” he said. “Jackson College really just afforded me a great opportunity to build a network, to learn about myself and to get myself rooted and grounded in higher education.” 

The Flint native wasn’t planning on going to college immediately but was convinced by his mom to consider Jackson College.  

“Once I learned about it and recognized all that Jackson College had to offer, especially the on-campus housing, and to really have that experience to get away from your hometown for a period of time that was what really attracted me to Jackson College,” he said.   

After a break due to his grandmother’s death, he returned to Jackson College, where he fondly remembers his time with Men of Merit.  

“I met a lot of good people. I had a lot of support from my family and even from individuals at Jackson College including President Phelan, along with Antoine Breedlove with the Men of Merit, which was a very good organization bringing together young men to have a safe space, particularly young men of color, to be able to interact with one another on campus and to just be able to be in the community,” Julian said.   

Julian’s public speaking journey began in the fifth grade when his principal put him on stage to recite Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech. Something that has turned into a passion for him.  

“I really didn’t understand the impact of that speech at the time and the impact of public speaking general,” Sanders said. “I really enjoy being able to convey the message to people of hope and a sense of purpose. It has really allowed me to not only express my thoughts about what is happening in our country be to be able to resonate and to correlate and to relate to people it just gives me the opportunity to relate to people and let them know they are not alone.”  

After transferring to Grand Valley State University, Julian earned a bachelor’s degree in political science with a minor in criminal justice. Inspired by figures like Dr. King and former President Barack Obama, he wanted to contribute to the community. 

“Other individuals who look like me that were in the political arena, that were community activists, lawyers and really hands on in the community I wanted to understand what that’s like,” he said. “I wanted to be able to contribute to my community in that arena because now more than ever government has a really large hand to play when it comes to the way in which we live today.” 

He got his foot in the door after becoming a government relations intern in Washington, D.C. where he had the opportunity to analyze President Biden’s fiscal year budget, lead efforts among interns in creating memos and developing policy recommendations.  

“It was a really fulfilling experience to at a decent age, come to our nation’s capital and just learn the way government works and learn the way in which I want to be able to contribute to our government,” he said.  

After graduating, he has worked under U.S. Senator Gary Peters while attending law school.  

“I’m humbled at the opportunity to have been able to work for him and to work through law school. It was a real sacrifice between my studies and work, friendships and even time with family,” he said.  

He aspires to a long-term career in public service. 

“What that looks like, I’m not sure yet,” Sanders said. “I really am passionate about problem solving and being able to identify solutions for people, businesses, individual and cities you name it. Just so I can help contribute in any way possible.” 

Julian is currently attending Michigan State University’s College of Law & Broad College of Business. He is on track to graduate with a JD/MBA in 2027.