Prestigious Internship Helps ESU Senior Find Fulfillment on Capitol Hill

As an intern this summer on Capitol Hill, senior political science major Richermy Batista found herself at the epicenter of American politics, where she applied the academic skillset she gained at East Stroudsburg University to further her passion for public service.

Batista, a first-generation college student born in the Dominican Republic, was one of 30 students nationwide selected for the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute's (CHCI) 2024 Summer Congressional Interns program. The program's goal is to give Latino college students opportunities to explore the inner workings of the federal government while preparing them to enter the workforce as future leaders.

Her duties over the 10-week experience included answering emails and phone calls, drafting memorandums, attending hearings, giving tours of the Capitol, and other responsibilities that provided a first-hand perspective of policymaking and government.

"In some ways my role was small, but even just by picking up calls from constituents, I was the first person to answer their concern, their first voice of hope," Batista said.

A sought-after opportunity, Batista applied for the internship alongside dozens of other potential candidates, successfully advancing through multiple rounds of the interview process before finally landing the role in February.

"I cried," she said of receiving the news.

Batista was able to choose where she preferred to intern and picked the office of U.S. Rep. Greg Casar of Texas, whose platform aligned with her views, particularly on the environment, she said.

Batista said Casar was accessible and took the time to talk with his interns, which helped her gain an understanding of how politicians can be the voices of their communities.

"It felt great knowing he took the time to really care," she said.

Throughout the experience, Batista relied on the knowledge she gained at ESU in the political science program, as well as the communication and psychology programs in which she minors, in addition to her heavy involvement in clubs, organizations and her community.

Batista serves as president of the ESU chapter of MANA, A National Latina Organization, director of academic success for Alpha Sigma Tau sorority, student affairs chairperson for the Student Government Association, and is member of the Gen One Club, Psychology Association, Women of Color Initiative and several professional societies.

As a sophomore in 2022, she received the University's MLK Award - given to the student that best exemplifies the principles of Martin Luther King Jr. Batista has also volunteered as a mentor to other young native Spanish-speakers in her hometown of Hazleton through the Hazleton Integration Project.

At the same time, she credited the support system of ESU faculty and staff for not only helping her earn the opportunity, but also for preparing her to succeed.

"I came here to East Stroudsburg University because it's a smaller school that gives you opportunities to connect with your professors one on one," she said. "They know who I am, they know my goals and they care about me."

One of those supporters was professor of communication Andrea McClanahan, Ph.D., Batista said. McClanahan, who is also communication department chair, helped Batista fine-tune her application and encouraged her to be confident in her answers.

"She is a very goal-oriented student, and her enthusiasm and motivation make it easy to point her in the correct direction," McClanahan said. "My suggestions for changes were never met with fear of criticism but rather with welcoming responses."

McClanahan said other students should feel comfortable following suit and asking their professors for help.

"So many faculty became professors because they had professors who supported and encouraged them, and we want to do the same for our students," McClanahan said. "We thrive when we are working with students and helping them."

Batista said that in addition to the insight gained working on Capitol Hill, the CHCI program featured weekly skill-building sessions focused on personal and professional leadership. She also networked with past CHCI alumni from politics, businesses and nonprofits, as well as fellow interns from across the country.

"It was incredibly empowering because there were so many connections happening with people who shared the same goals as me," she said.

Despite her accomplishments, Batista has even more growth in mind. She plans to remain at ESU to pursue a Master of Science in Management and Leadership - Public Administration and Policy and one day aims to work in the White House.

"I've been a Warrior my whole life," she said. "Ever since I stepped on campus, I knew I wanted to self-grow, and I definitely feel like I've done that during my time as ESU."

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