Tristan
Wanting to investigate the political arena, Tristan Banks completed an internship in the office of Senator Martha McSally (AZ), during the summer of 2019. Tristan was responsible for processing constituent mail, guiding tours, and researching issue specific information for staffers.
Tim
Wanting to investigate a possible career in government, Tim Mullin enjoyed an internship in the U.S. Copyright Office during the summer of 2019. He worked as a Strategic Planning and Operations Intern focused mostly on the office’s 2020 strategic plan. He also researched contracts to find a new survey vendor and investigated ways to shorten the processing times for copyrights claims. As you can see from the photos, he was also able to enjoy the view from the Speaker’s office in the Capitol Building and sit at the table used by the Federal Reserve committee for its meetings.
Avery
Interested in a possible career in government, Avery Phillips completed an internship in the office of Congressman Brian Fitzpatrick (PA-08), during the summer of 2017. Working in the Cannon office building, a short distance from the Capitol Building, Avery was involved in all aspects of the operations of the congressional office: communications, legislative affairs, tours, and constituency service. She drafted press releases, assisted the representative as he prepared for committee hearings, spoke with constituents from Bucks County and recorded their views for the Congressman, and briefed the Congressman on legislative initiatives. A highlight was watching Representative Fitzpatrick on C-Span giving a speech on the floor of the US House of Representatives that she had drafted.
In 2019, Avery started working full-time as a legislative correspondent for a congresswoman from West Virginia.
Alex
Interested in a career in international affairs, Alex Hyatt attended the American Institute on Political and Economic Systems (AIPES) in Prague, the capital of the Czech Republic, during the summer of 2016.
AIPES brings together about 100 students from around the world to explore fundamental issues related to political philosophy, political economy, and conflict management. The wide range of nationalities, religions, and ethnicities represented at AIPES gives participants the chance to interact, learn, and share their experiences in ways that can benefit their educational and professional development.
In 2019, Alex was hired by a DC-based think-tank.
Pictured: Alex getting his diploma. (In the blue jacket is the commencement speaker, Mikheil Saakashvili, the former President of Georgia.)
Luke (BA, ’17)
Luke David completed an internship at the Pentagon during the spring term of 2015-2016. Luke worked in the Security Cooperation office in the Office of the Undersecretary of Defense for Policy. He participated on several projects involving the Department of Defense, the Department of State, and Congress. Primarily, he prepared a consolidated security cooperation report for the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Security Cooperation that was submitted to Congress.
Luke’s memorable internship moment: Members of his office were called to the Rayburn building when staffers from the House of Representatives requested a meeting. They met in a Virginia representative’s office and it turned out they were most interested in information that he was working on at the time. So for that meeting he served as the subject matter expert on “the 1211(a) report” to Congress and the conduit of information between Congress and the Department of Defense.
Michelle (BA, ’17)
During the fall term of 2015-2016, Michelle Bedford traveled to Peru where she volunteered in an after-school program for 6-12 year old girls who lack stable home and social lives. The program provides academic support and skills development. On weekends, Michelle travelled and hiked the Andes Mountains.
Rob (BA, ’16)
Each year Bryn Athyn College students can apply for a full scholarship to attend the Teacher Institute in Early American History, which takes place over the course of one week in the summer at Colonial Williamsburg.
The picture to the left includes Rob Moran in the front row in red. His thoughts follow: For those interested in Education, the Colonial Williamsburg Teacher Institute was a unique opportunity. Being the only undergraduate student in a workshop of all full-time teachers gives you an opportunity to get insight into the day-to-day aspects of teaching you would not have thought about. The program is a hands on experience that illustrates a clear and concise method for teaching American history that stresses American ideals. The week is jam-packed of activities and each one relates to a certain aspect of teaching. Not only was the academic aspect of the institute beneficial but it was also a great experience, not just because I had a fun group to go through it with, but because of the truly remarkable location that is Colonial Williamsburg. Being able to stay in a house built in Colonial times right in the center of the town really brought the whole experience together. On a daily basis you interact with character interpreters while discussing how as an educator you can get the same experience through looking at sources as you can while you talk to people or walk through the area.