Wilkes senior and Wilkes-Barre City Councilwoman Beth Gilbert, elected for District C seat in January, discusses future plans for after graduation.

Gilbert has been working in her new positon to improve the neighborhood she represents.

Recently, she welcomed Hertitage Point Apartments, a new apartment building on the corner of Grove and Dana Streets in Wilkes-Barre. Gilbert is also supporting a project to create an outdoor skate in Wilkes-Barre.

In late February, Gilbert traveled to Washington D.C to attend CUNA Governmental Affairs Conference to advocate for the credit union movement.

After graduation, Gilbert intends to continue with a career in public service, working behind the scenes to directly serve the public.

“I can’t see myself ever leaving this field,” stated Gilbert in an interview.

“Becoming elected has helped me to put everything I learned at Wilkes into real world context. I am a firm believer that all public officials should have at least some education in political science or policy studies.

“While it is essential to have real world experience, the education earned from a degree in this field is truly fundamental.”

Gilbert encourages students to become involved in the Wilkes-Barre community off campus. There is a plethora of community service programs available for the surrounding area. To become involved, Gilbert suggests reaching out to small businesses or charities in the community and asking how to become more involved.

“College students are an essential part of our community here in Wilkes-Barre, and I would love to see more of these students become more active in our city,” Gilbert said.

Gilbert will host a District C Town Hall Meeting on Wednesday, March 30 at 7 p.m. at Marymount Parish Center, 154 South Hancock Street. The meeting will be held to congregate the community and address any concerns and issues the community members may have.