December 15, 2023
By Adina Schnabel
As my internship at Triad Strategies comes to a close, I’ve been reflecting on my incredible experience. My time here working with Triad began in June this past summer, as a monthlong shadow opportunity. Immediately I began learning, attending committee meetings, Triad Tuesday’s, and working with the incredible #TeamTriad are some of the many things that I will carry with me. I had the opportunity to work on a bill with Olivia Rindfuss, and present it to the Government Relations team.
I am currently a junior at Franklin and Marshall College, double majoring in Government and Dance. I am particularly interested in public affairs/public relations, and law. I have been dancing for 17 years, specializing in tap, hip-hop, and modern styles. At F&M, I have thoroughly enjoyed my Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Media and Politics, and Modern Political Theory classes.
This internship has provided me with the opportunity to not only gain a new perspective on the world of lobbying, but also the tools to work in government outside of school. The experience was more than just a basic internship, I was welcomed with open arms, and taken under the wing of my colleagues. Attending committee meetings showed that hands on work is what I want. Writing summaries perfected my word choice and ability to sort through information quickly. Watching the floor was where it all came together and I realized this is what I want to do after college. Lastly, working on my BREAK grant program bill was one of the most rewarding experiences to date for me. Not only was I put under the pressure I needed to be confident, but I was given the opportunity to stand and defend my ideas to people who have been doing this for years.
I am grateful for this opportunity and for everything that Triad has taught me. This really was a dream come true. I will hold this experience dear to me not only because of what I learned, but because of who it was with.