September 2007

Congressional Interns

 

Dear Friend,

Congressional internships, whether they are in Washington D.C. or district offices, are a valuable experience for college students interested in public affairs and public service. This summer, we are honored to have as interns:

• Bryce Mendez of Ulupalakua, Maui is interning in my Washington, D.C. office. A graduate of King Kekaulike High School on Maui, Bryce will soon be heading into his senior year at George Washington University in Washington D.C. where he is majoring in Political Science and Public Health.
  
• Kelsey Yamasaki of Honolulu is interning in my Honolulu office. A rising senior, Kelsey is a Public Policy and Political Science major at the University of Denver and a graduate of Roosevelt High School on Oahu.

During these internships, students like Bryce and Kelsey get a front-row view of legislative affairs, enriching their college educations. Interns also are able to gain valuable work experience in public service. But the people of Hawaii benefit the most from our interns' classroom experiences and love of public service because our interns are working every day to help my staff and I serve you.

As interns, Bryce and Kelsey are responsible for various office operations, which include answering phone calls, distributing mail, and assisting staff with various constituent service projects. In my D.C. office, Bryce has also been assigned the duty of guiding tours through the Capitol; while in my Honolulu office, Kelsey assists my staff with casework and helping my Honolulu-based press secretary with communications assignments.

"In school, we learn about public policy and government affairs from a very academic and theatrical perspective," says Kelsey who comes to our office following an intensive internship experience last summer with the Human and Civil Rights Division of the National Education Association in Washington, D.C. "Interning this summer has allowed me to see first hand how policy actually affects people, through the numerous calls and letters the Congressman receives from constituents as well as through the eork the Congressman does for Hawaii."

"Interning for Congressman Abercrombie is a great experience!" Bryce says. "It reminds me of a particular 'Olelo No'eau (Hawaiian proverb), 'I le'a ka hula I ka ho'opa'a', which literally means, 'the hula is pleasing because of the drummer.' This proverb refers to the importance of small details that can make something become so great and pleasing. Even though I'm an intern doing what others may think are 'menial' tasks, it actually makes a huge difference and is a large contribution to the Congressional office."

Internships are typically awarded to students in their junior year of college. Selection is based on an applicant's general work experience, grade point average, and a short writing sample on a current topic of choice. Priority is given to applicants from Hawaii's First Congressional District, although all interested individuals are encouraged to apply.

Resumes and questions regarding internship opportunities should be directed to the appropriate congressional office.

For my office, please contact Monica Chapman at (202) 225-2726 or at monica.chapman@mail.house.gov . For my district office, please contact Gail Onuma at (808) 541-2570 or at gail.onuma@mail.house.gov .

General information on internship opportunities with the federal government can be found at senate.gov/reference/resources/pdf/98-654.pdf .

If you know of any energetic and passionate college students interested in public affairs and public service, share with them the opportunity to intern in my offices.

 

Aloha,

Neil Abercrombie

Member of Congress