Martha Roby: Summer interns gain valuable experience

Each year my office brings on summer interns who work alongside my staff to support our legislative business and constituent services efforts. Congressional internships offer college-age young people valuable experience and unique exposure to our government at work. We have been blessed with terrific interns this summer, and I wanted to take this opportunity to recognize each of them.

Interning in our Capitol Hill office in Washington, D.C. were:

• Emily Durden, of Ozark, who studies public relations at the University of Alabama;
• Tazewell Flowers, of Dothan, who studies finance at the University of Alabama;
• Jordan Kramer, of Prattville, who studies public relations at Auburn University;
• Baily Martin, of Birmingham, who studies political science at the University of Alabama;
• Drake McGowin, of Montgomery, who studies English at the University of Alabama;
• Lenze Morris, of Ozark, who studies public relations at Auburn University; and
• Candler Reynolds, of Montgomery, who studies art at Furman University.

Interning in our district office in Montgomery, Ala. were:

• Madeleine O’Mara, of Montgomery, who is a student at The University of Notre Dame;
• Anna Grace Parnell, of Stanton, who is a student at Northeastern Oklahoma A&M College;
• Sterling Dixon, of Newnan, Georgia, who is a student at Huntingdon College in Montgomery; and
• Tyler White, of Montgomery, who is a student at the University of Alabama.

In addition to their various daily duties, we challenge our intern classes to complete a special project proposing a legislative idea. They conduct research into issues, study the legislative process and develop detailed proposals — all on their own. They then present their project to the whole office, which can be a little intimidating. I have to tell you, I was very impressed with what our interns delivered. I have no doubt these smart, talented young people will be successful in the careers they pursue.

I once served as a Congressional intern myself, so I understand how challenging and rewarding the experience can be. I appreciate the hard work each of our interns put in on behalf of the 2nd Congressional District. Their willingness to serve their state and be a part of the legislative process is commendable, and I wish them all the best as they return to college in the fall.

If you or someone you know is interested in pursuing a Congressional internship, applications for Summer 2017 will be available early next year on my website, Roby.House.gov.

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Martha Roby represents Alabama’s 2nd Congressional District. She lives in Montgomery, Alabama with her husband, Riley, and their two children.