The summer after I graduated, I applied for and was accepted as a staff intern for the Jacksonville Branch Office of Congressman John Rutherford. As a summer intern, I came in twice a week to perform administrative duties.

 

Through this experience, I gained general office work skills and a deeper understanding of the daily dealings of public policy and administration. Handling constituent commentary and requests for government assistance, I was allowed specific insight into veterans and immigration affairs, two of the biggest areas of public interest in Jacksonville. I was able to apply my academic knowledge first-hand when addressing citizen concerns and questions, and applying my understanding of the functionality of government was incredibly rewarding.

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Leaving this summer internship, my interest in public policy was further heightened. I developed a desire to help even more people, and realized just how ill-informed the average citizen was on environmental policy matters. Moving forward, I want to work to correct this, helping people help themselves and the communities in which they live.