Spring 2006 Legislative Interns

During the spring 2006 semester a group of talented AIKCU students lived, worked, and learned in Frankfort as legislative interns as part of the AIKCU Frankfort Semester Internship. In addition to their work assignments within legislative offices, interns take two seminar classes during the semester.

One of the students commented during the semester that, “The legislative process sometimes seems like a gigantic whirlwind. But that whirlwind is addictive.” Now that it’s over we wanted to get more thoughts on the semester, so we recently asked the spring 2006 interns to reflect on their internship experiences during the General Assembly. Here’s what some of them had to say:

Trista Corbin, Lindsey Wilson College, intern for Representative Gross Lindsay

“When I first started the internship, I was shocked at the mere chaos of Frankfort. But the chaos was what I began to love towards the end. There was never a dull moment. I enjoyed watching the process and how the whole political game is played. I think this inside knowledge will be very helpful in the future, because I can definitely see myself in the House of Representatives one day.”

Rachel Ratliff, Pikeville College, intern for Representative Jeffrey Hoover

In my career at Pikeville College I could have never learned from a textbook the details associated with lawmaking that I learned during my internship. I have really enjoyed my semester. . . I met people here from all over the state (and) developed relationships with interns from other colleges and universities, legislators and staff that I feel will last a lifetime.

Ashley Koch, Transylvania University, intern for Representative Kathy Stein

This past semester I spent in Frankfort was amazing. I do not think that anything else I ever do could teach me as much as I learned . . . This internship taught me more about where I want to go and life and the type of person I want to be than any other experience I will ever have in my lifetime.

Allison Brooke Maynard, Pikeville College, intern for Senator Ray Jones

I will most definitely recommend the Frankfort Semester to people from Pikeville College. I think that everyone can come to Frankfort and learn something that they never expected. I think that this is something that everyone should try.

Brooke Shelley, Lindsey Wilson College, intern for Senator Daniel Mongiardo

I have been interested in government and politics for several years, so my time here (in Frankfort) helped me see things I would never learn in a classroom. . . . The most valuable thing I am taking away with me is the confidence that I have in myself. Some of my views have been challenged while working in Frankfort, but I am confident enough to know that being wishy-washy on certain issues is OK. I will only be encouraged to seek more answers.

The Frankfort Semester Internship is an annual AIKCU initiative made possible by a foundation grant. In even years students intern within the General Assembly. In odd years, students work in a variety of administrative offices within state government. Applications for the Spring 2007 Administrative Intern program will be available early in the fall semester.