Q&A with the 2009 E. Fleming Mason Memorial Interns
1. What surprised you most about your experience in D.C.? Jake Howse (ARTBA) The highlight of the internship was working for Senator John Thune's (R-SD) Heartland Values Political Action Committee Leadership Conference. My job was to operate the slideshow which highlighted each of the different speakers of the event. The booth where I operated the slideshow was 10 feet from the podium, so I was 10 feet from Senators John McCain, Mitch McConnell, Chuck Grassley, Johnny Isakson, and Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich as they explained the current political landscape and challenges America is facing - I felt like an insider. There were no media representatives. It was a private event so the Senators could loosen up and answer questions from the audience - it was very conversational.
Tim Sansone (Meyers & Associates)The average age of the person working on Congressional Hill is very young. The political system is operated by young 25-year-olds that have been out of school for only a few years. The city is filled with so many young professionals that enjoy the nightlife while carrying out important agendas during the day.
2. Do you see our system of government and body of politics any differently now? Is so, how? Logan Campbell (Citizens Against Government Waste) After working for Citizens Against Government Waste and researching and writing about all the wasteful spending in the government, my eyes have been opened to a whole new world. With our national debt at an all time high and constantly increasing, the younger generation will have to face this burden in the future. I have learned a lot more about our country's current financial crises and will be following it for years to come.
Jeff Moad (Cassidy & Associates) I definitely see our government a little differently than I did before the summer. Tip O'Neill was famous for saying "All politics is local." It's really difficult to understand just how true this statement is when looking at the way that Congress works. Congressmen are driven to take care of their constituents back home above all else. It is for this reason that lobbyists can be successful. Lobbyists serve a very necessary function in government by summing up the views of citizens and businesses in Congressional districts.
Jake Howse (ARTBA) Before I took the internship I wanted to attend law school following graduation. Now I definitely want to work and gain experience before taking that huge academic and financial step.
3. What would you say to prospective brothers who are interested in this internship? Logan Cambell (Citizens Against Government Waste) I would say that it is a once in a lifetime experience. Any KA that is interested in politics and living in the nations capitol should apply. I have had the time of my life and learned so much over the summer and I feel very lucky to have been blessed with this opportunity.
4. What's the most important thing you learned? Jake Howse (ARTBA) Future interns should not waste a second in D.C. - dive in head first! See every monument and museum, there is plenty of time. Also, ask questions!!! Ask fellow co-workers, fellow interns, D.C. residents where the best places to eat are, the local deals, the events to attend, etc. Volunteer for political events - it allows you to netowrk and, at the least, score a free meal.
Tim Sansone (Meyers & Associates)Going outside of your comfort zone often opens the doors to new and unexpected opportunities.
5. Has this internship changed your plans for the future? If so, how? Jeff Moad (Cassidy & Associates) - Before the internship, I was dead set on attending law school and heading back to my hometown of Louisville, KY. My summer in D.C. really opened my eyes to life outsdie of Kentucky. Even in Kentucky, I realized that there are plenty of jobs where I can make a difference right after school. Whilde I do still want to become an attorney, I definitely plan on exploring my options in Washington, D.C. before I go to law school.
6. How have you grown as a KA in this experience? Jeff Moad (Cassidy & Associates) The summer internship program is an excellent experience that has taught me just how much bigger KA is than a group of 50 guys at my chapter. All of the support that we have gottent from the Kappa Alpha Order National Administrative Office and from alumnni in the area has been incredible. Theh program really has potential to change lives, and I am incredibly grateful for everyone who helped me to have an incredible summer.
Logan Campbell (Citizens Against Government Waste) I have learned more about the fraternity bond that exists outside my own chapter. I am very close to my brothers in my chapter, but did not know about the special bond that other chapters share. I have enjoyed living with and getting to know the four other KAs around the country. Meeting the different KA alumni that are in the D.C. area has also taugh me about the networking opportunities that KA represents.
Intern Profiles
2009 Interns
Brent H. Arant (BΠ - Presbyterian College '06) - American Business Development Group
Logan B. Campbell (EΔ - Texas A&M '06) - Citizens Against Government Waste
Jake S. Howse, Jr. (ΓH – Florida State ’05) - American Road & Transportation Builders Association
Jeffrey S. Moad (EΘ - Western Kentucky '06) - Cassidy & Associates
