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Interns, Summer 2001 Print Share

Interns, Summer 2001

As in the past, my Summer 2001 interns represented a diversity of backgrounds and interests.

New Mexico has much to be proud of in these young students. I am pleased they applied to my program.

 

A group photo of eleven young interns, five men and six women, standing before an arched brick doorway and surrounded by green plants.

A group of eleven Bingaman inters, five men and six women, sitting on a stone wall adjacent to the grassy expanse opposite the capitol.

The 2001 Bingaman Interns gather outside the U.S. Capitol.

 

A photo of intern Anna Marie Baca, who stands beside a bannister outside the Capitol, with a lon line of steps behind her leading up to the Capitol dome

Anna Marie Baca

"Working with Senator Bingaman's staff has truly been an exceptional experience. Everyone is friendly, helpful, and they provide you with challenging and interesting tasks. I particularly enjoy giving tours of the Capitol. It gives me chills to walk the halls of history."

Anna Marie is originally from Albuquerque and is a senior at the University of New Mexico.

Majoring in History.

 

Andrew Black standing on the Capitol staris with the Capitol dome in the background

Andrew Black

``I am looking forward to gaining a firsthand understanding of the inner workings of Congress while at the same time enjoying the history and the beauty of the Washington, DC experience."

Originally from Santa Fe, Andrew is a senior at Eckerd College in St. Petersburg, Florida.

Majoring in Political Science and Religious Studies.

 

Michelle Carillo stands in front of maps in Senator Bingaman's office.

Michelle Carrillo

``Not only is this a great learning experience, but a great life experience as well."

Michelle is currently a senior at Western New Mexico University in Silver City. She is also originally from Silver City.

Majoring in Management.

 

Amanda Casarez-Smith standing alongside Senator Bingaman in front of a landscape mural

Amanda Casarez-Smith

``This internship has been the best learning experience for me. Seeing the way the government works for myself will have a much greater impact on my life than reading about the government from a book."

Originally from Las Cruces, Amanda is currently a junior at New Mexico State University.

Undecided on her major.

 

A photo of intern Divina Chavez, who is leaning against a bannister outside the Capitol. Behind her, a long flight of marble steps leads to the Capitol dome.

Divina Chavez

``Coming into this internship, I had an appreciation for the structure of law making. Leaving, I will have an appreciation for the process."

Originally from Albuquerque, Divina is a junior at UNM.

Majoring in Business.

 

Nicole Chavez perched next to a capitol lamp post, the Washington Monument in the background

Nicole Chavez

"I am excited to learn more about the workings of the United States Senate and the press because of my interest in journalism. This will be a great experience. I am prepared to work."

Originally from Belen, Nicole is a sophomore at Saint Mary's University in San Antonio, Texas.

Majoring in Humanities.

 

Erin Corriveau

``The words 'rich opportunity' best characterize my summer spent in Washington. Not only have I worked directly on legislative issues, observed committee hearings and learned first hand the governmental process, but this internship has most importantly provided direction for my future."

Originally from Las Cruces, Erin is now attending Middlebury College in Vermont.

Undecided Major.

 

Brian Eagan stands atop a grassy knoll by the Capitol

Brian Eagan

``I wanted to intern for Senator Bingaman so I could get a more in depth view of America's democratic system of government. It was the experience of a lifetime."

Originally from Albuquerque, Brian is currently a junior at the University of New Mexico.

Majoring in Political Science.

 

Clara Fields sitting next to a fountain

Clara Fields

``This is a great opportunity to cultivate and discover skills that will make me successful in my future career."

Clara is a senior at New Mexico State University. She is originally from Las Cruces.

Majoring in English.

 

 

Alison French standing in front of a wrought iron design in a red brick wall

Alison French

``Through this internship, I hope to gain a better understanding of government policy-making as well as its interaction with the public. I also hope to leave with a clearer direction for my future."

Alison is currently a senior at the University of Redlands in Southern California. She is originally from Santa Fe.

Majoring in Government.

 

Derek Garcia

``I'm learning how useful it really is to be involved in such an efficient and benevolent government. I'm proud to be part of this well-oiled machine."

Originally from Albuquerque, Derek is now attending Wesleyan University in Middletown, Connecticut.

Majoring in Government and English.

 

Mike Haley-Gritzbaugh standing in a grassy area in front of the Capitol

Mike Haley-Gritzbaugh

``I am working for Senator Bingaman so that I may have the chance to be actively involved in something I believe in.

Mike is currently a sophomore at New Mexico State University. He is originally from Hillsboro.

Majoring in Journalism.

 

Ian King

``Interning at the National Commission on Entrepreneurship has been a great experience. I learned a great deal about how government policy affects small business and the important role entrepreneurship plays in our economy."

Originally from Chicago, Ian is currently a senior at the University of New Mexico.

Majoring in Political Science.

 

 

Elizabeth Louton standing on a grass lawn in front of the Supreme Court

Elizabeth Louton

``I wish to have an experience that will last a lifetime. I wish to grasp something that's too far away. I wish to come to the reality that I'm here and I am willing to see more than my eyes can handle."

Elizabeth is currently a junior at the University of New Mexico. She is originally from Santa Fe.

Majoring in Political Science.

 

Photo of intern Jenny McKay, who is standing before a marble ledge. Over her left shoulder is the National Mall and the Washington Monument.

Jenny McKay

"There is a lot more to government than a student can read in books. Interning in Washington will be one of the highlights of my undergraduate experience, not only because I am understanding federal government more, but because I play a vital role in it here at the Bingaman office."

Originally from Albuquerque, Jenny will be a senior at UNM.

Majoring in Political Science.

 

Justin Mirabal standing in front of maps in Senator Bingaman's office

Justin Mirabal

``This is a very exciting, educational, and fun five-week experience."

Originally from Albuquerque, Justin is currently a junior attending Princeton University in New Jersey.

Majoring in Political Science.

 

Photo of intern Maria Najera, who is standing beside Senator Bingaman in the Senator's office. Both face forward and are smiling

Maria Najera

"My experience here in the capital has allowed me to broaden my education and my understanding of how our government works. Seeing actual people work together to make our system work has given me a more human view of our government."

Originally from Albuquerque, Maria is majoring in Political Science at the University of New Mexico.

 

Photo of intern Hugh Naylor, who had his hand on the edge of a partition and is looking downward at something not visible in the photo.

Hugh Naylor

``By observing the arduous and meticulous processes of our government, I now truly appreciate and respect those who are chosen to represent us."

Originally from Raton, New Mexico, Hugh is now attending University of Colorado at Boulder

Majoring in Business.

 

David Roach standing on the outside of the Capitol next to a lamp post

David Roach

``I'm looking forward to acquiring an inside perspective to the legislative process and a deeper understanding of issues currently before the Senate. I'm excited to see what this internship holds for me."

David is currently a senior at Vanderbilt University in Nashville, Tennessee. He is originally from Albuquerque.

Majoring in Philosophy.

 

Angelica Rubio standing in front of a red brick structure

Angelica Rubio

``What I want out of this internship is a chance to broaden my thinking and learn from others. I am looking forward to working with the other interns and being able to contribute my own ideas. I look forward to working as a team and sharing ideas."

Originally from Lake Arthur, New Mexico, Angelica is currently a senior at New Mexico State University.

Majoring in Government.

 

Photo of intern Alexandra Sanchez, who is standing beside Senator Bingaman in the Senator's office. Both are looking forward and smiling.

Alexandra Sanchez

"Interning in the Senate, specifically in the Energy and Natural Resources Committee, has given me an insider's perspective of a very complicated, busy and sometimes frustrating process. By far, I've been most impressed by the high level of expertise and legislative skill that I've had the opportunity to observe and absorb firsthand."

Alex is currently a junior at Cornell University. She is originally from Albuquerque.

Majoring in Government.

 

Emilia Silva

Honors graduate of Roswell High School, planning to attend Eastern New Mexico University of Roswell in the fall. Undecided major.

 

Photo of intern Carson Smith, who is resting against a marble ledge outside the Capitol. In the distance behind him is the National Mall and the Washington Monument.

Carson Smith

"While living and working in Washington I have gained work experience, learned about the federal government and spent my free time as if it were a vacation. The assistance of the Bingaman staff makes this internship one of freedom, providing time to explore the historical city. While working directly for Congress, issues of the government mix beliefs with current issues which can stir debates between fellow interns."

Originally from Albuquerque, New Mexico, Carson is now attending NMSU. Majoring in Geography.

 

Photo of intern Miguel Suazo, who stands on the well-manicured green lawn of the Capitol building with his hands folded before him.

Miguel Suazo

``Not only did I research current issues, but I had the opportunity to sit down with the staff and discuss these issues in depth on numerous occasions. It is something that you do not gain in the classroom or through reading alone. The staff really took the time to make this internship a positive experience, and I am thoroughly grateful for having had this opportunity."

Originally from Watrous, Miguel graduated from NMMI Junior College and will be attending Georgetown University in the fall to complete his undergraduate study.

Majoring in Political Science and History.

 

Victoria Tishman standing next to a pot on the Capitol stairs

Victoria Tishman

``This internship will give me a great insight into the field of politics which I hope to pursue. It provides a rare opportunity to see how government works from an insider's perspective."

Originally from Santa Fe, Victoria is currently a sophomore at Mount Holyoke in Massachusetts.

Majoring in Critical Social Thought.

 

Stephen Vigil stands in front of the U.S. Capitol

Stephen Vigil

"I believe that this internship will be a great learning experience. Interning for Senator Bingaman will give me a more personal view of politics and government. As a student interested in attending Law School, this internship will be beneficial to my career goals. Also it will be fun getting to know the Washington DC area and getting to know the other interns. Overall, this internship will help me grow as a person."

Originally from Albuquerque, Stephen is a junior attending school at Stanford University in California.

Majoring in International Relations/Political Science.

Photo of intern Brandon Winchester, who is standing with Senator Bingaman in the Senator's office. Both are facing forward and smiling.

Brandon Winchester

``It was great working in the Energy Committee. I got a firsthand look at how policy was made. I also enjoyed giving tours and learning all the wonderful secrets of the Capitol building."

Originally from Las Cruces, attending NMSU.

Double major in Government and German.