Legislative internship grants scholarship

Matthew Kimsey, a senior history major from Martin, Tenn., was elected as the governor by his intern class in Nashville during a Tennessee State Legislative Internship in 2009.Kimsey worked with State Representative Susan Lynn, 57th district and chair of the House Government Operations Committee.

"The atmosphere at the capitol, and what I got to see being worked on, was very exciting and uplifting," Kimsey said. "I learned so much thanks to Rep. Lynn and her executive assistant Cyndie Todd. I got to meet so many great people."

The internship program Kimsey completed is through the state of Tennessee and began in 1972 to "provide Tennessee college and university students with an opportunity to work and learn in a hands-on legislative environment," according to the Tennessee Legislative Internship Program Web site.

Students in their junior, senior or graduate years may apply to work in the state legislative offices, according to the Web site.

The site states internships are paid and duties involve "bill analysis, constituent work, research and general office work."

Dr. Christopher Horne, the faculty advisor for legislative internships at UTC, said he has coordinated many students' summer jobs, not only in the Tennessee legislative offices, but also in other governmental avenues.

He said he finds the Tennessee Legislative Intern program to be especially effective in helping students become involved in public service.

"Interns have found the experience to be good preparation for careers in law and government service," Horne said. "In many cases, the internship has led directly to jobs as legislative staffers and lobbyists."

Kimsey said his experience is an excellent example of how helpful these internships can be. He said his internship completely changed his concept of what he wants to do in the future. Kimsey said before working with the legislature, he did not want to have anything to do with politics, but now wishes to run for office someday.

Kimsey said he met Governor Phil Bredesen, Chief Justice Janice Holder and the "walking legend" John Jay Hooker, who ran for office in the 1970s.

Kimsey said he helped extensively in setting up for committee meetings, engaged in social activities with the representatives and other interns and did research.

Kimsey was elected governor by his peers in the intern class, and he was awarded the House Tennessee Lobbyist Association Scholarship.

Kimsey said the most difficult part of being the intern class governor was making committee meetings run smoothly.

Kimsey said he keep a journal of his experiences during the internship, containing the letters, newspaper articles and photos pertaining to his time at the state capitol.

Kimsey said he hopes that his story and experiences will cause more UTC students to take advantage of internship opportunities with the Tennessee legislature.

"The overall experience was amazing," Kimsey said.