Current SLCC student Natalie Callahan interned under Senator Orrin Hatch’s Judiciary Committee in Washington, D.C. this past summer. The internship went from early May to mid-August.
“It was an incredible experience; I would have done it for free,” says Callahan.
In Washington, D.C., her intern hours were from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., but she would often end up contributing her time far beyond that.
“I was interested, and I wanted to learn. I’d be there until they kicked me out,” says Callahan.
Her internship duties included information gathering, note-taking, and making graphs.
She was able to meet many senators and congressmen, among other politicians. She even crossed paths with Vice President Joe Biden while there.
According to Callahan, there was limited free-time. She was able to watch a charity softball game between Democratic and Republican congressman though, a game which, to her dismay, the Democrats won. Some other free-time she used to explore the city.
“It’s completely different. Salt Lake is pretty small. D.C. is, in my opinion, one of the coolest cities,” says Callahan.
She didn’t get to tour the White House because President Obama has stopped allowing tours to the public but did enjoy getting to see the Capitol Building.
“I love the Capitol. The history is amazing. Every moment in United States history is in one building,” says Callahan.
Callahan, who is only 18 years old, graduated a year early from high school. She applied for the internship through SLCC’s internship program.
“At first I was a little scared I wouldn’t get it since I’m only 18, and the program usually only chooses juniors and seniors,” says Callahan.
She was able to make it to the next step though, which was an interview with the senator’s office.
“It’s really just an incredible program and experience; everyone should do it,” says Callahan.
Callahan is currently studying political science, economics and marketing. She wants to go into constitutional law.
