By Gerard Flanagan
Lead writer and communications specialist
Office of Marketing and Communications
At the end of last year, Campbellsville University student Josie Smallwood was weighing a major decision.
Should she apply for a legislative internship for this summer or next summer?
As the deadline drew closer and closer to apply for this summer’s internships, Smallwood kept telling herself she would never be accepted if she never applied.
“I quickly got my application materials together and mailed everything in an envelope to Washington, D.C. on Jan. 21,” Smallwood said.
Two months of anxious waiting later, Smallwood got the news in the form of an email offering her an internship position in Senator Mitch McConnell’s office. Smallwood was traveling home from a family vacation in Florida when she got the news.
Smallwood’s internship will begin May 12 and conclude June 21.
“It feels surreal to receive this congressional internship opportunity,” Smallwood shared. “I feel beyond grateful and excited to receive this congressional internship opportunity. Not many people get an opportunity like this one, so I am eager to make the most of it and learn as much as possible.”
Smallwood, a senior double majoring in political science and international studies, will serve as a legislative intern in McConnell’s office, assisting staff by researching current legislation and drafting constituent responses. She will also perform other daily office duties such as sorting mail, making copies, giving tours of the Capitol and answering telephones.
As she thinks of the 40 days she will spend in the nation’s capital, Smallwood shared it’s hard to the decide what she is most looking forward to.
Smallwood said she’s looking forward to the chance to explore the nation’s capital, interact with people of different backgrounds and work with some of the nation’s top decision-makers.
“However, if I had to choose, I am most excited to have a unique look at the behind-the-scenes of our nation’s government,” Smallwood said. “Sure, I have learned so much from my American Government class, but this experience will give me valuable insight that cannot be taught inside a classroom.”
Smallwood first became interested in government and politics during the 2020 election cycle. In her free time, Smallwood would listen to podcasts and YouTube videos that discussed current events and political ideologies. Once she arrived at Campbellsville University in August 2021 as a freshman, Smallwood originally had plans to major in education and become a teacher – something she had envisioned from childhood.
However, she quickly found out where her true passion was – politics and culture – and switched her major accordingly. And, a chance to meet McConnell during a visit to CU last year motivated her to apply for an internship in his office.
Smallwood, a member of the university’s Presidential Ambassadors, explained Campbellsville University has played an integral part in her journey to obtain her internship opportunity.
“Being a part of the Presidential Ambassador program has honed my leadership skills and empowered me to pursue opportunities such as my internship with Senator McConnell,” Smallwood explained. “We meet throughout the school year with Kellie
Vaughn, the Director of Presidential Operations, and President [Joseph] Hopkins, who have provided opportunities for us to serve and lead in various aspects on campus.”
Growing up, Smallwood had grown up hearing the saying that “Nothing good comes easy.”
“It has taken determination and discipline to secure this internship,” Smallwood noted. “In the same way, for me to make the most out of my internship experience, I must work hard and persevere, even through difficult circumstances.”
Smallwood fully expects her internship in Senator McConnell’s office to be a “life-changing experience.”
“Living in a major city and working full-time for the first time comes with a learning curve, but I know that the experience will only grow and mature me,” Smallwood said.
