By TYLER ELLYSON
UNK Communications
University of Nebraska at Kearney political science students turned their summer break into a crash course in government, trading the classroom for internships at state offices and Capitol Hill.
From Grand Island to Lincoln to Washington, D.C., they gained firsthand experience with policymaking and public service while preparing for their future careers and creating connections that will last well beyond graduation.
Sam Schroeder spent his summer at the State Capitol interning with Gov. Jim Pillen’s Office and the Governor’s Policy Research Office. The senior from Seward is already a familiar face in UNK Student Government – he’s in his second year as student body president and student regent – but this role allowed him to see the inner workings at the state level.
“Working in the Governor’s Office comes with learning more about how government works – what it can and cannot do to help someone; when it can offer help, or when hiring an attorney is necessary,” he said. “I’ve also learned more about the best methods to connect with your public officials, which may help me if I one day decide to lobby for a certain cause.”
Among his tasks, Schroeder answered calls from constituents and prepared certificates for distinguished Nebraskans selected for admiralships in the Great Navy of the State of Nebraska – one of the state’s highest civic honors.
“I was particularly proud to prepare the admiralships presented to our national championship wrestling team,” he noted.
Schroeder also welcomed and escorted foreign ambassadors and consul generals who were meeting with the governor and he sat in front of the full Legislature during the sine die ceremony that closes the session.
A member of the Kearney Law Opportunities Program, UNK Honors Program and Pre-Law Society, Schroeder plans to attend the Nebraska College of Law and become a rural attorney. He previously completed an internship with the Klein, Brewster, Brandt & Messersmith law firm in Kearney.
“That internship greatly prepared me for the policy research and correspondence components of the internship at Gov. Pillen’s Office,” Schroeder said. “The attorneys who work there, some of whom are UNK alumni, have been great mentors.”
While Schroeder was in Lincoln, Connie Gassaway split her time between Nebraska and the nation’s capital. The sophomore from Sterling, Colorado, started her internship in the Grand Island office of U.S. Rep. Adrian Smith before joining his Washington, D.C., staff in July.
There, she handled constituent calls, assisted legislative aides, attended hearings and briefings and led tours of the U.S. Capitol – a highlight of her summer.
“Meeting Nebraskans and being able to give such an in-depth experience was very rewarding,” she said. “The personal aspect of it was very heartwarming. Seeing people’s curiosity and excitement was always something I loved about tours.”
Gassaway is a member of the Nebraska Good Life Opportunities Program, Model United Nations, Agribusiness Club and Pre-Law Society. She plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration at the University of Nebraska at Omaha before working in environmental and water rights advocacy and eventually becoming a city manager.
The summer internship was an important step toward reaching her goals.
“I wanted an experience that gave me a peek into all aspects of the legislative issues that Nebraskans are facing,” she said. “I also chose this internship because of the connections I would make. The staff in Rep. Smith’s Office all have similar interests and reasons for being there. Having access to these connections this early will open the door to even more opportunities and help me secure employment after graduation.”
In another office on Capitol Hill, Alex Abels had his own inside look at the federal government and legislative process as an intern for U.S. Sen. Deb Fischer. The junior from Kearney took calls from constituents, assisted the press team with social media, attended committee hearings and led tours of the Capitol.
The most memorable moment came when Fischer gave him a personal tour of the Senate Chamber floor.
“She was very knowledgeable about the history of the room and taught me a lot about the Senate and its processes. It was an experience I’ll never forget,” said Abels, who serves as president of the UNK College Republicans.
Double majoring in political science and health sciences, he plans to attend the Nebraska College of Law and work as an attorney in the health care field.
“I want to help ensure that we have a healthy and thriving community, and I believe I can do that on the legal side,” he said. “There are lots of opportunities to help in this field.”
His summer in D.C. also included Fourth of July celebrations, baseball games, visits to monuments and museums and trips to other East Coast cities. It was an “amazing time.”
“There is a ton of value in an internship like this,” Abels said. “Not only did I learn about the federal government, but I also learned about working in a professional office setting and met many different people. Moving to D.C. and starting an internship forced me out of my shell a bit, and I am very grateful for it. Finding friends and making connections in a new place helped me build my communication skills and prepare for the future.”
