Sarah Latshaw, Class of 2012

1. Where are or did you intern? Briefly, what does/did your internship entail?
   I interned in Senator Richard Durbin’s office in Springfield. The internship entailed working and helping the staffers with constituent issues varying from Social Security, to Immigration, to Student Loans, and Foreclosures.
   
   
2. What aspects of your internship do/did you enjoy most? Find most challenging?
   The part of the internship that I enjoyed most was helping constituents with their problems. On any given day you would be helping veterans with VA problems, or a family who is facing foreclosure on their home, or you could be helping an elderly citizen who is having problems receiving their Social Security check. Everyday there were new and exciting challenges.
   
   
3. How does/did your internship relate to what you have been studying at Illinois Wesleyan?
   The internship brought a new insight into government and service. While studying at Illinois Wesleyan we learn about the electoral process, the theory behind politics, and the interaction between the branches of government but we do not examine the behind the scenes day to day work of politicians and their staffers. By including everything I have learned at IWU and during my internship I believe I have a better understanding of politics and the hurdles government employees and officials face.
   
   
4. Has your internship given you any insight into what you would like to do upon graduating from Illinois Wesleyan?
   Interning in Senator Durbin’s office helped reinforce my belief in wanting to work in government after graduation.
   
   
5. What advice, if any, would you give to Political Science majors looking for, or even just considering, an internship?
   If you have an opportunity to do an internship do not pass it up. You will learn something new, gain confidence and create a strong network able to help you upon graduation.