I became interested in the Legislature early on in my studies at James Madison College. I always found my courses infatuating and wanted to find a way to apply what I was learning to real-world scenarios. Because of this, an internship at the Michigan State Capitol was a goal early on for me. With the proximity to MSU’s campus and the wide array of opportunities for students, the state Legislature just made sense. Moreover, every major in JMC is centered around the legislature and a state’s ability to make quality laws, even International Relations which I happened to study. So, after some looking, lots of applying and an eventual interview, I finally secured my role.
In December 2023, I was selected to be one of three new pages hired into the Clerk’s Office of the Michigan House of Representatives. At the time, I did not know what my role would present, but a year and half later I can say I learned far more than I ever expected about the Legislature! Not only did I grow in my understanding of government functions, I also formed amazing relationships with my colleagues, had once-in-a-lifetime opportunities (Potato Day was a highlight!) and gained new skills.
While my favorite part of the internship was being known as “the coffee girl,” I was also given immense responsibility through my tasks. From running Zooms in committee meetings to having House floor access, I was able to both grow in my knowledge and build connections I never thought possible. Even better was my ability to bond with all 110 Representatives. Accepting this internship was one of the best decisions I have ever made.
Working under the Clerk of the House and the Assistant Clerk of the House allowed me to adapt to new tasks across Lansing. In the mornings I supported the Committee Clerks, which encompassed setting up of committees, assisting in the administration of committee meetings and lots of paperwork. In the afternoons, I was in the Capitol building helping facilitate the House session. Interning with the House not only familiarized me to the state legislature, but the other government branches as well. The very best part of my experience was the amazing coworkers and supervisors that prioritized my learning and cheered me on.
Without the support of those coworkers and the immense responsibility I was given at the House, I would not be able to confidently enter the workforce upon graduation from JMC. With this experience under my belt, I know the direction I want to head in with my career. I had the greatest pleasure interning as a public servant and want to continue this work for the people of Michigan. Finally, working for the Michigan House of Representatives has also given my resume the ability to stand out for competitive roles in the professional world. My biggest piece of advice to incoming James Madison students is to look for opportunities to apply the knowledge you’re learning outside of the classroom. You will grow in your skills, experience and confidence knowing your education is making a difference in your life and the lives of those around you.