2003 AAPD INTERNSHIP TESTIMONIALS

"The internship experience was invaluable for personal development and in advancing disability advocacy skills. I loved attending briefings where issues relevant to disability and health were debated and discussed. I particularly appreciated the trust placed in my abilities and the responsibilities given to me by Congresswoman Christian-Christensen and her staff. When I left, I received a call from the internship coordinator who said, "You are part of our family." That gave me a feeling of inclusion and accomplishment." - Kristina Carrier, 2003 AAPD Congressional Intern

"The internship has just fed the fire in terms of my educational pursuits. I have a new-found interest and fascination with policy. I am less frustrated by the world around me and feel there is promise of positive change that I might even be a part of. What I liked most about my internship experience was the opportunity to immerse myself in the real world." - Jessie Shulman, 2003 Microsoft-AAPD Federal I.T. Intern

" Now that I have an internship on my resume, a career in politics, whether on the hill or not, is much more available to me. I have a much more reality based idea of exactly what I would want to do. I still haven't made up my mind, but just the information was invaluable." - Shayla Parker, 2003 AAPD Congressional Intern

"Highly recommended because it empowers you to aspire beyond your disability by getting to see other people with your condition who are at the helm of affairs in their respective government offices. Attending ADA engagements inspired me to fight for my right to equal opportunity, independence and the pursuit of happiness." -Nwokoma Sampson, 2003 Microsoft-AAPD Federal I.T. Intern

"Being interested in politics and government I felt the internship would give me an idea if I would want to consider public policy as a career. It gave me an up-close view of one segment of the government - the Senate. I enjoyed my time very much and now feel that I truly may want a career in public policy. Also, living in a very rural state it gave me an opportunity to live in an urban setting and I believe this was very valuable as well. The hearings, speeches, and special events I attended made for lasting memories such as meeting John McCain and Hillary Clinton." - Gene Hermanson, 2003 AAPD Congressional Intern

"Most definitely, I would recommend this internship program to friends because it a life changing experience. First off, it exposes disabled individuals to federal government agencies, who in the future may provide employment opportunities for individuals who participate. Second, it provides an in-depth look at the different issues people with disabilities face. The internship provided, by my interactions with the other interns, a chance to learn about the challenges faced by people who are disabled. As I have learned, a disability is not always easy to spot and there lies the challenge--how to make the work place accessible to various and specific needs of people who have disabilities. Networking (not the computer type) seems to be what DC is all about and meeting various types of people who are working hard to make sure that changes in the federal government and all of the US are headed in the right direction... there is no better place to meet these types of individuals than DC." - Jose Tejeda, 2003 Microsoft-AAPD Federal I.T. Intern

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