Some college students get summer internships with a local company. Some get summer jobs with a local store. Others get summer internships in the White House.
Madeline Saltsman, a sophomore English major and political science minor at Samford University, had the amazing opportunity to intern for the White House Communications and Press Office this summer.
“I have been interested in politics for a couple of years now, and the idea of possibly interning in the White House has always been in the back of my mind,” Saltsman said.
From answering phone calls for the West Wing, handling the calendars of Cabinet members and escorting the press, this internship was an experience that Saltsman will never forget.
“Every day, I had the opportunity to see that my work was making a direct impact on people. Now, whatever I do, I want to see that in my career and know that I’m really making a difference in people’s lives.”
Laura Asher, a close friend of Saltsman, said that Saltsman would go “above and beyond” on every assignment she was given.
“I got to see her become more confident in herself and in her career,” Asher said. “As someone who has just finished their freshman year and is working at the White House, there is so much pressure that comes with that. I was just so impressed with her.”
But at the end of the day, the power of the experience for Saltsman was not just in the title, but in knowing that she was making a difference.
“It’s such an amazing experience to be able to see the direct impact that you’re making through your work,” Saltsman said. “Just knowing that I did something today that’s really going to help someone else, that was the coolest part for me.”
Hope Dawson, Features Writer
