Written by Thomas Smith, ’26
Thomas Smith spent the spring 2024 semester as an intern for Speaker of the House Mike Johnson through the Washington-Hillsdale Internship Program (WHIP). He shares about his experience and encourages other Hillsdale students to consider WHIP as well.
Reason 1: You live on Capitol Hill.
There’s nothing like living in the middle of the action on Capitol Hill. Regardless of your internship, you are exposed to the daily lives of those who are active in government, and you come to understand they are regular people just like you. You might even run into Bernie Sanders at your local market (true story). You will experience presidential motorcades, Supreme Court protests, and Congressional members all within a block of your home for the semester. It brings our government to life and grows your appreciation for our nation.
Reason 2: The classes maintain an air of open and respectful political conversation.
Political discussions are difficult. Political history is riddled with complex situations involving decisions that have resulted in unjust death, despair, and destruction. Often, we are hesitant to discuss these unfortunate circumstances and address the contemporary consequences from them out of fear of peer judgement or professor chastisement. You will never feel this in a classroom during your time on WHIP. All professors and students approach these difficult discussions with maturity and respect. They understand the importance of grappling with these challenging subjects, and that a classroom is a place for intellectual growth, not stagnation. You will walk away from each class having a better understanding of the subject matter and the difficult problems—something students from other colleges often wish they had.
Reason 3: Everyone in the administration wants to help you personally and professionally.
The whole staff wants what’s best for you. Sometimes this is a difficult pill to swallow because of our pride and immaturity, but it is essential—especially in a place like D.C. Washington, D.C., is a maze for young professionals, and it is very hard to navigate virtuously. The Hillsdale staff provides the support and guidance needed for us to continue following and growing in lives of virtue while also confronting some of the most tempting vices for young professionals and people. I couldn’t ask for a better staff for such a trying task as they accomplish.
Reason 4: You will get a great internship.
There is always stress trying to figure out where you will work during the program. Luckily, Hillsdale has an incredible network with more than 800 alumni in the Washington metropolitan area and a very good reputation. No matter your interest, be it politics, law, finance, teaching, architecture, etc., you will find a place to work where you will begin laying the foundations for your professional journey.
Reason 5: You apply your Hillsdale education to real life experiences.
WHIP is a semester of adulthood. The training wheels are off. You are responsible for almost everything. It is a scary prospect, especially as a young man or woman, but it is also exciting. You have a unique opportunity to take what you have learned in the classroom at Hillsdale and mold it to everyday work interactions. You learn how to be prudent and wise in the application of your education with each unique experience you have. It makes you understand the value of what you have learned at Hillsdale, and it ultimately increases your gratitude for what this wonderful institution has given you.
Thomas Smith, ’26, is studying philosophy and finance. In his free time, he enjoys playing and watching sports, traveling, reading, listening to music, fishing, and gallivanting about outside. After graduating, he plans on pursuing a J.D.
Published in August 2024
