Michael Pagan, SCT '98

Michael Pagan, SCT `98
Press Secretary, U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg

Who I Work For and What I Do:
As Press Secretary for U.S. Sen. Frank R. Lautenberg (D-NJ) in Washington D.C., I am his spokesman. I carry the Senator's message to the media and act as intermediary on his behalf.

How I Came to Have This Role:
I previously served as Press Secretary for New Jersey General Assembly Speakers Albio Sires (now a Congressman) and Joe Roberts in the State House in Trenton N.J. I also worked for then-U.S. Sen. Jon S. Corzine. Before that, I was a reporter for a daily newspaper in Northern New Jersey at the North Jersey Herald News.

Why I Chose Politics/How I Became Involved:
I've always been fascinated with government and politics. I can't explain it, but I knew at an early age that I wanted to become involved in government and politics. There is a soft spot in my heart for doing whatever I can for the community's best interest, whether it be local, statewide or national. I studied journalism at Temple University to become a reporter, knowing that I would use my experience to make my way into government and politics.

What's fun:
Everything about politics is fun, especially campaigns. Granted, sometimes there are difficult and trying moments. Working for the community's best interest, discussing policy and strategy with elected and appointed officials and helping them make decisions, helping them communicate with the public, helping constituents with problems – working for a U.S. Senator is a tremendous pleasure and honor. I see myself doing this for a very, very long time.

What impact my political involvement has had on me as a citizen and voter:
I often am the most vocal person in my family and circle of friends, encouraging them to vote and participate in the electoral process. I've also become a bit of a policy wonk, reading everything I can on a wide variety of subjects affecting New Jersey, our country and the world. I always want to be informed and involved, thanks to my work so far in government and politics.

What Else I've Been Doing In-Between Graduating From Temple and Now:
I have written three books of poetry and visited more than 25 countries in Latin America, Western Europe and Eastern Europe. I love to travel and write. I plan on visiting many more countries and writing a lot more over the years.

Temple Memories and How Temple Helped Prepare Me For This Role:
Temple University was one of the most valuable learning experiences of my life. Being a journalism major, the professors were tough on me – but in a good way. Many journalism professors at Temple are reporters and editors with either the Philadelphia Inquirer or the Philadelphia Daily News, both big league publications in the world of news media. The journalism professors at Temple taught me how to write, communicate verbally, work sources, organize my thoughts and meet rapidly approaching deadlines. All are necessary attributes if one wants to succeed in my line of work.