Strong summer interns share experiences working on Capitol Hill
WASHINGTON— Over the summer, Representative Dale W. Strong welcomed 16 interns from schools across the Southeast to intern in his Huntsville, Decatur, and Washington D.C. offices. All congressional internships are paid, but more importantly students gain invaluable work experience to benefit them in their future endeavors.
In Washington, congressional interns’ tasks vary. Interns learn about the legislative process and the many other functions of a congressional office through answering phones, giving Capitol tours, researching legislation, attending hearings and briefings, answering constituent letters and more.
In the district, interns assist with daily tasks including answering phones, writing letters, assisting with media clips, shadowing case workers, learning the federal grant process, and tracking district visits. In addition, district interns interested in media relations learned how to write press releases and manage social media accounts.
Below are quotes from the interns regarding their experience:
"Interning for Congressman Strong has been a great experience. It's been phenomenal to get such an understanding of how a congressional office functions and work closely with the Congressman's amazing staff. I've had the opportunity to contribute to the office in ways that both complement my skills and grow me as a professional. This is truly not an experience I could have gotten anywhere else," said Erin Martin, Senior at the University of North Alabama
“This internship taught me the meaning of civil service and the amount of work that goes in to helping constituents throughout the district. One of my major takeaways from this internship was the level of commitment it takes from staff members for a congressional office to thrive. My favorite parts were the field visits to various locations in the district as well as the people I had the great pleasure of working with. An impact on me was the impact Congressman Strong had on his constituents, as there was never a person I met or spoke to who did not have high praise for his commitment to his district and upholding its beliefs and rights,” said Griffin Kennamer, Sophomore at Rhodes College.
“It was an amazing opportunity to be a part of team Strong for over a month. I have learned so much and I am very grateful to have worked under such intelligent, hardworking, and inclusive staff. This internship has taught me so much about how much hard work goes into a congressional office, and I am grateful to have been a part of that experience. I am sad to leave team Strong and the incredible staff, but I am thankful for the great times had as a congressional intern,” said Caroline Cole, Junior at Auburn University.
“Interning on the Hill under Congressman Strong has undeniably proven to be the most enlightening, immersive, and impactful season of my life thus far. As a constituent of Alabama’s fifth district, rising senior at LSU, and individual with sights set on making connections near and far, D.C. has been a magical place to call home, and the people within it have shown me just how abundant opportunities can be. I am endlessly grateful for the staff I now consider mentors, fellow interns turned best friends, and a workplace environment that quickly became a support system and catalyst for growth. I am proud to depart from this place and experience with both a renewed outlook and expanded skillset, as well as an eagerness to continue pursuing a career path of utmost fulfillment,” said Sarah Bryan, Senior at Louisianna State University.
“Interning in Representative Strong’s office has genuinely been one of the best experiences of my life. Before arriving in D.C. I had very little understanding of what a career here would entail, but throughout the past few weeks I have learned about countless opportunities and grown as both a student and professional. My time in D.C. has been incredible thanks to the staff who have been so intentional about helping us learn, the interns who have quickly become some of my greatest friends, and Representative Strong. I could not be more proud to call Alabama’s 5th District my home and truly believe there is no better person or team to be representing it. While sad to leave such a wonderful experience, I am excited to see the ways my new knowledge, interests, and skillsets will equip me as I conclude my time in undergrad and prepare for graduation!” said Abby Long, Senior at Harding University.
“As someone from a small town, it is incredibly inspiring to see how our congressmen and women work to represent their states and constituents. I was able to learn so much from everyone in the office, and our intern team also learned so much from each other. From touring the Supreme Court to giving tours of the Capitol building, I was able to improve my leadership and public speaking skills. As a current marketing student at Auburn University, I am eager to go back to school and use what I have learned here on the Hill. I cannot thank Representative Strong and his team enough for their guidance over the last 7 weeks!” said Abbie Hathcock, Junior at Auburn University.
“Being able to work with Congressman Strong and his staff this summer has been one of the most rewarding opportunities that I have ever experienced. Everyone in the AL-05 office is truly so passionate about what they do and creating positive changes for the state of Alabama. I have learned so much throughout my time on Capitol Hill this summer and cannot wait to see what other positive impacts that Congressman Strong will make on my home state of Alabama,” said Carsyn Waldrop, Senior at the University of Alabama
“As a sixth-generation resident of North Alabama, it is a distinct honor to help represent our region in the most important government body in the country. This internship has been everything I hoped for and more. I’ve learned so much about the inner workings of Congress and the legislative process in ways that I know I could never have learned anywhere else. I am grateful to the Congressman and the incredible office staff for their grace and support in this internship and hope to see them back on the Hill next year!” said Zachary Johnson, Senior at University of Alabama.
“I am glad to have spent my summer with Congressman Strong’s office. I have really enjoyed being able to dive into the legislative process and how select issues are developed and discussed in hearings. I am so happy to have spent this summer in the halls of Congress,” said Nolan Stuessy, Junior University of Alabama in Huntsville.
“I am thankful for the time I’ve had in Congressman Strong’s office. I’ve been able to have a deeper understanding of how the legislative process works, along with seeing how busy life on the hill is. Learning how things work on the hill while being in a freshman office is a unique experience, that I’m glad to have and I look forward to what comes next in my internship,” said Patrick Ahearn, Senior at TCU.
“During my time Interning for Rep. Dale Strong I have learned invaluable skills. Skills pertaining to the United States Government and the House of Representatives. Skills I could not have learned anywhere else except Congressman’s Strong’s Office. I have been treated with overwhelming hospitality and it has been an honor to assist Congressman Strong,” said Mason Stogner, Senior Auburn University.
“I am so grateful to have had the opportunity to intern in Congressman Dale W. Strong’s office these past few weeks. After spending four years reading and writing on politics, history, government, and law. It is surreal seeing it in motion before my eyes. Another added bonus is getting to work with the kindest and sweetest staff, who genuinely do whatever they can to help us interns succeed in our respective areas,” said Savannah Berryman, a graduate of the University of Alabama.
“I am incredibly grateful for Rep. Dale Strong for providing me with the opportunity to serve in his inaugural internship at his DC office. The experience has been truly enriching, and I’ve been able to develop essential professional skills that will undoubtedly shape my future. Chandler, our intern coordinator, has been an invaluable help in providing me with opportunities to experience DC fully and connect with other people who share my interests. Additionally, attending committee hearings has been a definite highlight, allow me to witness firsthand the inner workings of our government and further deepening my passion for public service,” said Caleb Anderson, Sophomore at The Masters University.
"I feel incredibly fortunate to be able to intern for Congressman Strong's office. Entering my final year of graduate school, I knew I wanted to pursue a career on Capitol Hill. This internship has provided for me in so many ways! The district office if filled with hardworking individuals who have been an inspiration throughout. This has been an amazing summer with wonderful opportunities," said Hunter Gates, Graduate Student at the University of Alabama.
“I am honored to have been selected to be an intern with Congressman Strong. Before my internship, I had no idea all of the work that the district offices do and all that is done in the background. I have partaken in numerous experiences throughout this month that have helped me to grow as an individual and have grown my skills as well. I am proud to have worked for Congressman Strong, and I am proud to call him my representative,” said Madison Allen, Sophomore at the University of Alabama.
"Throughout my internship in Congressman Strong's office, I have received a new insight, understanding, and appreciation of the inner workings of a Congressional district office. The work done by the staff directly benefits thousands of constituents and it has been an honor to work alongside them this summer to serve Alabama's Fifth District and Congressman Strong," Eshan Pokrel, Sophomore at the University of Alabama at Birmingham.
