What do you do?
I manage a legislative portfolio for a Member of Congress, covering defense, energy, environment, science, space, foreign affairs, and transportation issues. I also handle the Congresswoman’s work on the Social Security Subcommittee on the House Ways and Means Committee. I have wanted to work on Capitol Hill ever since I was a kid, and in both high school and as a student at UTD I worked toward that goal. There is nowhere else in the world like the United States Congress. It is a great privilege to play a small part our democracy.
How do you use your EPPS education in your current profession?
EPPS helped me develop a strong foundation that has helped me learn a great deal while working on the Hill. I owe the Bill Archer Fellowship Program and the Fred Hill Endowed Scholarship for the opportunity to intern for the House Budget Committee. Without the chance to take time to intern unpaid on the Hill, I would not be where I am in my career today.
What value has your EPPS education brought to your life and/or work?
Several Archer Fellows are still good friends and they helped smooth the transition from Texas to D.C. Sharing a group house with them when I first moved to D.C. also helped me get by during my job hunt and my first couple of jobs.
What advice would you give current and future EPPS students?
Take advantage of opportunities to intern with local, state, or federal governments. Regardless of whether you want to work in the publican or private sector, it will help you decide what direction to take your career and likely help you develop relationships you need to do so.