White House Intern

Shemiah Curry ’14, Elementary Education major/sociology minor from Chicago, IL, was selected to participate in the White House Internship Program.  The White House Internship Program provides a unique opportunity to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills. This hands-on program is designed to mentor and cultivate today’s young leaders, strengthen their understanding of the Executive Office, and prepare them for future public service opportunities.

Serving as an intern during the spring semester, Curry said she was “elated, overwhelmed, and appreciative of the selection.  This means something! It feels like a dream come true.” 

A long-term career goal of Curry is to be able to advocate for effective policy- making concerning education.  As a product of the Chicago Public School system, Curry knows first-hand that the reason some students fail is because there is minimum effective policy in place to protect their academic and personal needs. She hopes her experience as a White House intern will teach her a little bit more about how education and politics correlate with one another. She adds, “At the end of the day I just want to absorb as much I can from this experience so that I can help this world be a better place.”        

When asked what do you want to say about dreams, perseverance, and commitment, Curry responded, “You are worthy. You are worthy of every experience that God allows to come your way. Sometimes we dumb down ourselves, thinking things accidently happen to us or that we aren’t qualified for the position. No, everything has a purpose and you are purposed for everything that falls in your lap. If you want something, work for it, prepare for it, then go get it. I applied for the White House Internship Program two times before I was accepted. Lastly, commit time to investing in yourself personally and academically so that you can become a well-rounded person. When you commit to learning yourself, you can adapt without compromising who you are.”

After graduation, Curry would like to teach 3rd grade in an urban community and then return to school and get a degree in public policy.
The White House Internship Program is a public service leadership program whose mission is to make the “People’s House” accessible to future leaders from around the nation.