Interest in politics spurs internship in politics

Jaime Yarosh, a senior geography and planning major, interned this past summer with state Rep. Gerald Mullery (D-Newport Township) in Nanticoke.

Yarosh is also pursuing a minor in political science, as well as a minor in spatial analysis and geographic information systems.

Q: Why a political internship?

“I became particularly interested in politics about two years ago. Before that, I barely knew who anyone was in government, and it wasn’t something I cared to know about. Politics can be dirty, so I wanted to avoid the reality of it. But politics can also be fun. During my visit to the Capitol in Harrisburg last semester, I learned how truly important it is to actually care, about not only the federal government, but also the state government. Walking around and speaking to older, educated individuals in the State Capitol wearing fancy suits and dresses can be extremely intimidating, but they are in that office because of you and I – voters. Constituents are the primary basis for all elected officials, and our opinions have a heavy influence on their entire campaign and decisions while in office. This realization sparked my interest in seeking an internship – I just didn’t know where to start.”

Q: Why local?

“No matter what political party you align with or even if you have no affiliation at all, decisions made on a local level are at work in our lives every single day, even minor ones you wouldn’t even realize. I think especially as PASSHE students, we should be particularly concerned with how the state budget impacts us and our education. Ultimately, I think realizing just how government impacts our everyday lives is what fueled my interest. I wanted to be involved: learn the specifics, see the logistics behind decisions, and learn about what people actually care about.”

“I actually went on a trip to the State Capitol in Harrisburg last semester with our Political Science Association to talk with state leaders about budgets for PASSHE schools. While I was here, I met state Rep. Mike Carroll who suggested I reach out to my home district representative, Gerald Mullery, to inquire about a potential internship. Networking is everything!”

Q: What types of things did you do?

“My main task was to oversee Rep. Mullery’s first-ever Youth Advisory Council. This council consists of about 30 high school students interested in local politics from seven schools throughout the 119th legislative district. I contacted multiple state agencies and planned events where the students would gather and have discussions with guest speakers from said agencies. This allowed them to learn more about state government, the various offices throughout, and how they all work together to run an entire state. I would also take weekly trips with Rep. Mullery and his Chief of Staff, Cody Forgach, to local businesses and police departments. We talked with them about their concerns, their successes, and what Mullery could take back to Harrisburg with him to better his district.”

Q: What did you learn?

“My internship taught me it’s important to be involved with your community and state policies. It’s also important to listen to what people have to say. Voters are the most influential force behind all government doings. People often believe as one individual, there is no point in political involvement because they are just one person, but there is nothing more relevant than the quote, ‘Individually, we are one drop. Together, we are an ocean.’”

“One more thing, it again reinforced that NETWORKING IS IMPORTANT! I was granted this opportunity simply by speaking to another state representative. It all began with a conversation that started by my asking if he still gets lost in the Capitol after working there after all of this time. (If you’ve never been, the place is a big, fancy, intimidating maze).”

Q: Lasting impression?

“Without getting too political, it was important for me to intern with a representative who held beliefs similar to mine, yet challenged them at the same time. This is exactly what Rep. Mullery and Cody Forgach did for me. We talked politics nearly every day and were able to discuss issues from both sides. Being able to understand various arguments in a bipartisan manner is a crucial skill not only to embody when making political decisions, but in everyday life.”

“Personal beliefs nearly always tie into politics – it’s how someone aligns, or doesn’t align, with a party. Your beliefs and those of all constituents influence the votes and decisions by officials. Make your voice known and join others to form your wave. It’s your greatest freedom in this country to be able to have a say in how your government operates, no matter what your beliefs are.”