Semester in D.C. gives students a capital time

By: BEN KATZ

Posted: 6/12/08

Each fall and spring semester, up to 20 students have the opportunity to work and earn credit in Washington, D.C. through the Washington Semester Program.

Arthur Tripp, a senior political science and international affairs major from Duluth, worked with Congressman David Scott (D) of District 13 for the Spring 2008 semester through the program. He said he believes that being in D.C. for the entire semester was more beneficial than a summer internship.

"You get the ability to actually become an integral part of the office," he said. "When you go for the full semester, you get to brief the congressman and take on more important roles. You also get your own desk, which makes you feel special."

Tripp said one of the highlights of his time at the Capital was going to hearings and briefings with senior officials who report to President George Bush on problems in Iraq, but his typical day consisted of reading about what is going on in the world, going to hearings and briefing Scott.

Mason McFalls, a junior from Swainsboro, is interning for Congressman Hank Johnson (D) from District 4. McFalls said "UGA dominates D.C. in the summer."

"Regardless of which program you use, do your best to get to D.C. because there are not many better places you can be," McFalls said. "D.C. in the summer is where everyone is, and the District is the best place to learn about real world problems and issues. There is something for everybody on the Hill."

Students from any department are eligible to participate in the semester-long program.

The priority deadline for Fall 2008 participation has already passed, but room is still available and the program will be accepting applications until June 30.

Applicants must have a minimum 3.0 cumulative grade point average, be at least a junior by the term of participation, be in good disciplinary standing, and have completed the Federal and Georgia Constitution requirement.

The Washington Semester Program is not the only way to get an internship working in the Capital. Taylor Rhodes, a senior history major from Snellville, is an intern with Congressman John Linder (R) from District 7 this summer. She found an application for the internship on his Web site.

Rhodes said she chose Linder because she lives in his district and has kept up with his career. Linder has also supported two bills that she specifically supports.He is the main sponsor behind the Fair Tax legislation as well as HR 135, which restructures how we gather and use water to become more efficient.

"It's so wonderful doing this internship because I've come to a whole new place and am experiencing a whole new city, but at the same time, I'm working for the areas where I have lived my whole life," she said. "Linder's staff gives me things to do that will help the office and help Congressman Linder, but also I can learn a lot from them."

Lawton Jordan, a senior political science and international affairs major from Marietta, is interning with Senator Johnny Isakson (R) in Washington D.C. this summer.

"The most valuable experience is how you get to see the inner workings of Congress from a first person point of view, the daily business of a Senator, and how this country really operates," he said. "I've met some of the most powerful people in America who can really help you get to the next level."