Summer had more to do with legislation than relaxation for Carolyn Lidster as the senior interned for Assemblywoman Marie Waldron.

“I wanted to intern for Assemblywoman Marie Waldron not only because I affiliate with the same party and views, but also because I really wanted to learn more about the legislative process,” said Lidster.

Lidster was one of the 37 Civitas seniors who spent their summer getting involved and learning more about different careers in our community. The students were placed in a variety of different professions to further their knowledge on how to be an active civic minded adult.

Although these internships are usually reserved for college students, Civitas Director Linda Reed believes her students are more than capable to do well in these positions.

“The students are well prepared by the program, they are comfortable with public speaking, they have completed practice interviews, have perfected resumes, and are very knowledgeable about the subject matter of government and policy,” said Reed. “I have had students in the past tell me while they are in offices with college students, that they are more than able to keep up.”

The Civitas students chose internships in fields that they are passionate about, no one would agree more than senior Jacob Osecheck. “I have always been interested in politics and because of this I decided to intern for Congressman Ami Bera,” said Osecheck. “I wanted to further the causes of a politician who I appreciate his work.”

These internships were not just handed to the students, they worked hard networking and sharpening their interview skills. Civitas senior Samantha Ford said, “When I was searching for an internship I began to network and get in touch with my contacts. I knew my mentor before the internship and I reached out to her and asked if she would be willing to take me on.”

The students hard work led to incredible contacts and experiences. “The internship was an amazing opportunity and I furthered my knowledge immensely by having a behind the scenes look into legislation,” said Lidster.