Fedorchak recognizes summer interns

The Washington, D.C. interns are:

• Alexis Thompson of Bismarck, ND.

• Caylin Kraft of Bismarck, ND.

• Evan Hummel of Bismarck, ND.

• Jacob Wright of Hillsboro, ND.

• Kendall Jones of Fargo, ND.

• Nick Stensland of West Fargo, ND.

• Kelly Nguyen of Houston, TX.

• Kevin Li of Westchester, NY.

• Marita Faherty of Chicago, IL.

• Mattie Korsmo of McLean, VA.

The Fargo and Bismarck interns are:

• Ben Guthmiller of Bismarck, ND.

• Cash Crimmins of Dickinson, ND.

• Sigryn Henke of Hannover, ND.

Kendall Jones, a Fargo, ND native and student at the United States Military Academy at West Point: "My favorite part of the internship has been working closely with the Congresswoman, doing research on legislative policy and being able share my opinions on critical pieces of legislation. Just as important has been meeting young North Dakotans visiting Washington. Getting to walk them through the Capitol, share its history, and talk about why government matters for their future, helped to remind me why I wanted to do this internship in the first place."

Jacob Wright, a Hillsboro, ND native and student at the University of North Dakota: "The highlight of my internship has been the hands-on experience I have gained in the legislative process, an opportunity I otherwise would not have had. I have especially enjoyed researching the bills that come through Congress, understanding how they could benefit or affect North Dakotans, and sharing my findings with the Congresswoman and other staff members. This experience has given me a deeper understanding of the legislative process and the important rolethat research and constituent-focused policymaking play in serving the people of North Dakota."

Alexis Thompson, a Bismarck, ND native, graduate of Bismarck State College, and incoming student at Barnard College - Columbia University: "After spending last summer in the Senate, I was eager to learn how the House of Representatives operates. I pursued this internship to gain firsthand experience in Congress while working to ensure North Dakotans feel heard and represented throughout the federal legislative process."

Caylin Kraft, a Bismarck, ND native and student at Arizona State University: "Throughout this internship, I learned the functions of Congress and the work that goes into a productive legislative process that exemplifies the importance of making sure constituents are heard and represented."

Kelly Nguyen, a student at the University of Houston from Houston, Texas: "Julie's office has such an engaging and tight-knit feel to it, giving me a piece of North Dakota amid the fast pace of the Hill. Though North Dakota's influence is often underestimated, I've had a wonderful time learning about the state's outsized contributions and helping communicate the priorities and issues that matter most to its constituents. Some of the highlights of my internship have included attending committee hearings and energy policy briefings, contributing to a long-term communications project to better engage constituents, and completing a legislative capstone focused on emergency management and insurance policy. While those weren't issue areas I knew well coming in, they've given me a greater appreciation for policy challenges that are just as relevant back home in Texas. Beyond the work itself, I've been fortunate to intern alongside an incredible team and meet so many dedicated people on the Hill who have made this experience both rewarding and memorable."

Marita Faherty, a student at the University of Mary from Chicago, Illinois: "My favorite part of the internship has been getting a behind-the-scenes look at the legislative process, which would not be possible anywhere else. I have enjoyed attending briefings and hearings and writing memos on different bills. Being an intern on the Hill is so cool, and I am so grateful for the opportunity to experience it!"

Kevin Li, a graduate of Georgetown University from Westchester, New York: "My time on Capitol Hill reshaped how I think about the distance between a good idea and good policy. The strongest proposals I encountered did not advance on their merits alone - they advanced when someone translated them into terms that mattered to the people affected and to the offices being asked to act. That lesson carried directly into the hearing process, where the value of a hearing rests largely on getting the right witnesses in the room: the operators, regulators, and constituents who can speak to consequences firsthand, because Congress can only address the concerns credibly brought before it. Finally, I came to appreciate the deliberate friction built into the legislative process. It is costly by design, and that cost runs in both directions - the same procedural weight that keeps poorly conceived policy from becoming law also slows sound policy from reaching the floor. Learning to work within that tradeoff, rather than against it, strikes me as the core discipline of the job."

Mattie Korsmo, a McLean, VA native and incoming student at Syracuse University: "My favorite part of interning on the Hill has been getting to go to hearings and seeing Representatives debate policy. It has been incredibly interesting to watch their dynamics and learn the things that the Reps. take into consideration."

Evan Hummel, a Bismarck, ND native and student at NDSU: "My favorite thing I've learned from this internship is how much work goes into every bill. Everyone on the Hill, from interns to senior staff, plays an important role. Being able to contribute, even in a small way, has been my favorite part."

Nick Stensland, a West Fargo, ND native and student at Moorehead State University: "My favorite part of the of this internship has been the hands-on nature of everything. Learning the practical application to government and public policy is really intriguing. It's also been cool to live outside of North Dakota for a summer."

Cash Crimmins, a Dickinson, ND native and student at Bismarck State College: "The most impotent thing I've learned while working this internship is the variety of views North Dakotans hold and how the needs of the constituents are handled. For the highlight of the internship, I would have to say attending a tour of an ethanol plant while discussing what the federal government could do for them."

Sigryn Henke, a Hannover, ND native and student at Liberty University: "I would say the highlight was getting a behind the scenes look into what happens outside of elections. Seeing the day-to-day challenges is a unique perspective not many people see, but those are the moments where change actually happens.  I learned so much about the balance and compassion it takes to be in politics and the strength to not compromise your values."

Ben Guthmiller, a Bismarck, ND native and student at the University of North Dakota: "I was able to learn the behind-the-scenes work of a congressional office and how much it takes a team to effectively work in a representative role."