Three Augusta University students have been selected to participate in the Georgia Legislative Internship Program (GLIP) during the current legislative session. Anna Carver, Avery Robinson, and Lahari Kamabathula will join approximately 35 students from universities across Georgia as interns with the Georgia General Assembly.
The internship requires students to live in Atlanta, where they perform tasks such as legislative tracking, constituent services, media assistance, attending committee meetings, and writing bill summaries. Interns gain exposure to state leaders and learn about government operations while building professional contacts.
Augusta University President Russell T. Keen commented on the achievement: “I am immensely proud of these students and their selection for the Georgia Legislative Internship Program. The faculty and staff at Augusta University are deeply committed to positioning our students for experiential learning opportunities that translate their academic pursuits into real-world applications. Every sector and profession in our economy are influenced through the legislative process which highlights just how special this opportunity is for our students and how it will complement the life-changing, life-saving work they will engage in for years to come.”
Margie Miller, vice president of Government Relations at Augusta University, oversees support for GLIP interns during their time at the Capitol. She said: “The Georgia State Capitol is an incredible learning environment, and these students will have a front-row seat to the legislative process. Our team is excited to help them navigate the session, connect with elected officials and gain insight that will serve them well in their future careers.”
Avery Robinson, a junior majoring in political science who has been assigned to work in Senate Minority Leader Harold V. Jones II’s office, explained his motivation: “I was born in Lawrenceville, Georgia. Growing up, I was always pretty good in two subjects: history and government. But one of the things that I want to do in life, in general, is to help people,” Robinson said. “So, I combined that desire to help people with being good in government, and I realized that this GLIP internship would be perfect in allowing me to move on to the next step. I want to see how government works and how our legislators implement policies that help people in their districts, in their counties and in their state.” He added: “I’m really excited about returning to the Atlanta area and participating in this internship… My long-term goal is I plan on going to law school. But I am also interested in pursuing a career in public service of some kind so I’m looking forward to what I will learn interning at the State Capitol.”
Anna Carver is a senior majoring in political science with a minor in Spanish who hopes her assignment working with members of the House of Representatives will give her greater insight into policy creation: “I’m a big fan of absorbing information. I love learning and observing,” Carver said. “So any opportunity that I have to shadow someone or monitor meetings or see the process in action; I will be genuinely thrilled about because I’m a take-it-and-use-it-later kind of person.” She recalled her first visit for her interview at the Capitol: “The room where I interviewed was right down from the governor’s office,” Carver said. “I remember passing it and going ‘Wait a minute. That’s the governor’s office.’ In that moment… The importance of what I was doing… hit me.” She credited Professor Martha Ginn for encouraging her interest: “I’ve been wanting to be a lawyer since I was eight years old,” Carver said.“And it is so funny because… professors like Dr.Ginn opened my eyes… So while poli sci is still relatively new territory for me… being able to use my strong suits… excites me.”
Lahari Kamabathula is a junior studying criminal justice from Cumming who has been assigned work with floor leaders’ offices at the Capitol Building.“Cumming is a small town so when I go Atlanta,I feel very adult,” she said.“Going State Capitol,you feel mature.And Capitol itself so beautiful rich history.As soon as you walk,you know there’s importance what you’re doing.It makes appreciate everything even more.” Kamabathula hopes this experience provides perspective:“I’ll watch or read about different cases…and want voice those opinions; however voicing one thing but putting action into making things happen another.In school I’ve been academically focused…haven’t had time experience actual field.This internship allow see bills become law learn laws impact real people.”
To qualify as GLIP interns,the students must be juniors or seniors enrolled at universities within Georgia,and must receive academic credit.The three Augusta University participants will each earn 12-credit hours via an undergraduate social sciences internship course next semester.GLIP internships are open regardless of major.
Government Relations encourages anyone interested legislative updates subscribe online newsletter Capitol Connection which offers recaps,budget news,and other details regarding activities week at the Georgia Statehouse.
