“I am enjoying my time and learning more than I bargained for. My eyes have truly been opened to politics, which is exactly why I applied for this program. I can turn on the nightly news and see events I actually saw during the day.”

"In addition to getting all of this done by a crucial deadline each day, I also have grunt work to do … I am happy to help and know that I am learning a great deal. I am thoroughly exhausted come 5 or 6 o'clock in the evening."

My duties include working in the Senate chamber with the clerks. Every day we prepare the Senate chamber for the session that takes place at noon … I feel this is the perfect fit for me. I enjoy seeing the everyday happenings of the Senate and being part of this tradition."

“Most Likely to Become a Member”
Participants in the Virginia Capital Semester select from among their fellow students the individual “Most Likely to Become a Member of the General Assembly.”

The 2003 winner was Jeff Knighton from VCU. Runner-up was Whitney Pack from James Madison University.

The 2004 winner was Samuel Everett from Hampton University.
Runner-up honors go to Robert Rowland at Virginia Tech



Publication
LaToya Gray (2003) of Virginia Commonwealth University had the honor of seeing her seminar paper, “Virginia's Judicial Selection Process,” published in the Fall 2003 edition of The Journal of the American Society of Legislative Clerks and Secretaries.

Legislative Assistant positions:
Two participants in the 2004 Virginia Capital Semester have new jobs as legislative Assistants:
Mary McDougal (Virginia Tech) with Senator Marty Williams and Krystal Jimmerson (Mary Baldwin College) with Delegate Mamye BaCote

Statements from early internship reports:

 

“I had no idea how fast paced this environment is. No amount of classroom time would equal up to what I have learned in the short amount of time I have been at the General Assembly Building.”

Anton Daniel,
Virginia Commonwealth University

“ My duties are like the character Charlie of ‘The West Wing.’”

Samuel Everett,
Hampton University

"This job is, quite frankly, the highlight of my school day … I have enjoyed every minute of this internship."

Ali Khan,
Virginia Commonwealth University

“Everyday I walk into work with a smile and usually at the end of the day I leave with a smile. Now what more can you ask for from a job.”

Mara George,
James Madison University

"… this is the best and most educational experience I have ever been involved in. I have learned more about politics and state government within the past week than I have in all my college years."

Jeff Knighton,
Virginia Commonwealth University

"After work, I usually have opportunities to attend some of the receptions that are hosted throughout the week. These receptions provide tremendous networking opportunities. Almost every moment I have spent at the Capitol and at social events has proven to be a learning experience."

Aubrey El,
Christopher Newport University

“The struggle between politics and policy creation is a constant tug of war.”

James Corey Harris,
Hampton University

“I’ve lost a lot of my cynicism — the system works. ”

Rob Rowland,
Virginia Tech

“ A most interesting experience is sitting in on committee meetings, especially when legislators argue.”

Carter Bland,
Longwood University

“ My most interesting experience was the reception at the Governor’s mansion. The house was beautiful, the food was good and I met tons of important people.”

Lindsey Bibler,
Virginia Tech

"The Virginia Capital Semester has been the ultimate educational experience of my political science studies … Although the hours may be long and stressful, I am having a great time and loving this experience."

Andrew Rosenblatt,
Virginia Commonwealth University