Waynesburg University Stover Scholars, Luke Diel and Tyler Wright, participated in summer internships in Washington, D.C. As interns, they worked closely with government officials and learned more about political procedures.
Diel, a senior political science major, interned with Congressman Bryon Donalds of Florida’s 19th District. He was entrusted with a variety of tasks including legislative research, cosponsor requests and communication with constituents, media and congressional offices.
“I took my knowledge and my passion to Washington D.C. with an open mind,” Diel said. “There was nothing more amazing than walking to the Capitol Building every morning to go to work and do my little part to not only serve Florida’s 19th District but to help make positive change in our nation’s law.”
Wright, who interned with Senator Shelley Moore Capito of West Virginia, also valued the positive impact he could make through his internship.
“From a substantive standpoint, I gained a lot of hands-on experience working in a variety of policy areas such as broadband, infrastructure, energy and environmental works,” Wright said. “Being that the senate is a place of change, I also learned how the country and world around us can be changed for the better.”
Wright and Diel commended Waynesburg University and the Stover Scholars Program for preparing them with the knowledge and opportunities that they needed to enhance their internship experiences.
“Dr. Stratton and his leadership in these two programs [Stover Scholars Program and Student Senate] have been instrumental in teaching me not only about government but how good government works,” Wright said. “My conversations in the Stover Scholars Program have helped shape my political beliefs and how to use those to better the lives of others.”
Moving forward, Diel and Wright plan to utilize the values and knowledge that they’ve gained from Waynesburg as well their internships to better themselves for their future careers.
“Waynesburg’s mission is something I always had in mind during my time as a congressional intern and something I plan to build on as my career progresses,” Wright said.
“This internship showed me ultimately what I want to do as well as affirm my hopes of shedding a Christian light on politics, making the harsh political divide a mere debate and not a war,” Diel said.
In addition to affirming their career choices, Diel and Wright expressed gratitude.
“Having this close opportunity was amazing, and I am so grateful to the congressman and his staff for this opportunity,” Diel said.
Stover Scholars Program
Through the Stover Scholars Program, students have an outstanding chance to understand the U.S. Constitution, to witness the workings of government, to prepare for the responsibilities of leadership, and to benefit from a generous scholarship. Although the program focuses on issues related to history, government, politics, and policy, it is open to students in every major and can provide a strong preparation for virtually any professional calling.
