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Writer: Sara Tweedy
University of Southern Mississippi juniors Marika Smith and Brian Whitman have been given the opportunity of a lifetime: the chance to spend a summer in the nation’s capital, experiencing politics up close and personal.
Both political science majors have been accepted to prestigious internship programs sponsored by The Fund for American Studies in Washington, D.C. Smith, a native of Lumberton, is one of 135 students nationwide selected to attend the Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems (ICPES). During this eight-week program, she will take public policy track classes while living at Georgetown University. Whitman, a native of Waveland, is one of 65 students nationwide selected for an Institute on Business and Government Affairs (IBGA) internship. Whitman, who will also reside at Georgetown University during the internship, will take classes centered on the link between free enterprise and government. “This internship will provide me with an opportunity I would not be able to find anywhere other than the nation’s capitol. I will be going into the heart of everything,” said Whitman, who plans to continue his studies after graduation at law school, either at Georgetown, Vanderbilt or Tulane Universities. Robyn Curtis, Southern Miss Honors College scholarship officer, recommended these opportunities to both Smith and Whitman. The application process included extensive essays on a “pressing political issue,” a statement of purpose, a writing sample and a phone interview. Each student was awarded a $3,000 scholarship by their respective internship program. Dr. Marek Steedman, an assistant professor of political science at Southern Miss, hopes that this opportunity will show other students in his department that “the sky is the limit.” “I hope that this experience will encourage other students to apply for internships outside of Mississippi,” Steedman said. “It is good to leave Mississippi, learn new concepts and bring them back home for application. These internships will open new horizons for our students.” As for Smith and Whitman, both believe that this internship will significantly impact their future. “I will be given the chance to make significant contacts this summer and learn more of what’s available,” Smith said. “This gives me the opportunity to learn in the field something I can bring back to Mississippi and apply to my studies. There was no better year to apply.”
Southern Miss political science students Marike Smith, left, and Brian Whitman, right, are headed to Washington, D.C. for prestigious summer internships. Also pictured is their professor Dr. Marek Steedman, center. (Submitted Photo)About The University of Southern Mississippi
The University of Southern Mississippi, founded in 1910, is a comprehensive doctoral and research-extensive university fulfilling its mission of being a leading university in engaging and empowering individuals to transform lives and communities. In a tradition of leadership for student development, Southern Miss is educating a 21st century work force providing intellectual capital, cultural enrichment and innovation to Mississippi and the world. Southern Miss is located in Hattiesburg, Miss., with an additional campus and teaching and research sites on the Mississippi Gulf Coast; further information is found at www.usm.edu.
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