Business administration major, Graham Wilhoit, spent the summer interning in the office of U.S. Senator Josh Hawley.

Graham Wilhoit - Serving Missourians at the U.S. Capitol

As a business administration major interning in the office of U.S. Senator Josh Hawley, Graham Wilhoit spends his days helping constituents, leading Capitol tours, answering phone calls, and assisting staff with projects throughout the office.

While many people see Washington as a place of politics, Wilhoit has come away with a deeper appreciation for the institutions that keep the country functioning.

“I have learned that our country is truly remarkable with how the Senate runs and operates,” Wilhoit said.

One of the biggest surprises, he says, is discovering the quieter side of Washington.

“Washington, D.C. is such a fast-moving city but if you stop and look, you find so much beauty.”

Wilhoit says his experience working in the admissions office at College of the Ozarks prepared him well for the pace of Capitol Hill, strengthening his customer service skills, professionalism, and ability to manage competing priorities.

For Wilhoit, the most meaningful part of this internship experience is serving fellow Missourians.

“It is an honor to help my fellow Missourians with the problems they come across and to give them tours of our nation’s Capital,” Wilhoit said. “It is truly a blessing.”

Senior public relations major Ren Porch is spending the summer with Concerned Women for America as a Government Affairs and Public Policy Intern.

Ren Porch - Advocating for Biblical Truth

Senior public relations major Ren Porch is spending the summer with Concerned Women for America as a Government Affairs and Public Policy Intern.

Her work includes attending congressional hearings, researching legislation, writing articles, and completing a policy research project while learning how advocacy organizations engage with lawmakers.

“My experience at College of the Ozarks has helped me to develop integrity in my work and connect with people well,” Porch said. “I am so grateful to bring these skills to advocating for biblical truth in policy.”

The Christian community she has found has made the greatest impact on her experience in Washington, D.C.

“This is truly a place where people follow the Lord with all their mind, soul, and strength,” Porch said. “I am grateful to be surrounded by such impactful champions of the faith.”

She hopes the internship opens doors for future work advocating for the pro-life movement.

Senior criminal justice major Lemuel Miner is spending the summer as a Security and Law Enforcement Operations Intern with the U.S. House of Representatives Sergeant at Arms Office.

Lemuel Miner - Protecting the People’s House

Senior criminal justice major Lemuel Miner is spending the summer as a Security and Law Enforcement Operations Intern with the U.S. House of Representatives Sergeant at Arms Office, working inside the U.S. Capitol and surrounding House office buildings.

His responsibilities include supporting House security operations, tracking security projects, assisting with VIP security planning, and helping ensure security measures throughout House offices are functioning properly.

Miner says one of the biggest lessons he has learned is the value of staying curious.

"One thing I have learned during this internship is the importance and value of a bold, inquisitive disposition," Miner said. "By continually asking questions, I have gained more exposure to the Capitol's security operations and valuable opportunities."

His coursework at College of the Ozarks prepared him to recognize many of the security procedures now taking place around him each day.

The internship has also given Miner the opportunity to tour agencies such as the FBI and ATF, providing firsthand insight into federal law enforcement while allowing him to build valuable professional connections.

As he prepares for a career in the Diplomatic Security Service, Miner says the experience has strengthened both his professional goals and his commitment to serving with excellence.

Junior journalism major Nathan Johnson is spending the summer just blocks from the White House as a contributing reporter for The Daily Caller.

Nathan Johnson - Reporting from the Nation’s Capital

Junior journalism major Nathan Johnson is spending the summer just blocks from the White House as a contributing reporter for The Daily Caller. His days are spent covering breaking news, investigating story tips, and writing articles read by thousands of people across the country.

Rather than simply observing a newsroom, Johnson has been trusted with reporting responsibilities from the start.

“I was hoping to do something more than just fetch coffee,” Johnson said. “I didn’t expect to be publishing two or three articles every day that thousands of people would read with very little supervision.”

Nathan credits College of the Ozarks with preparing him for the fast-paced environment.

“Everything, and I mean everything, I know about journalistic writing I learned at C of O,” Johnson said. “More than just the skills, I developed a mentality to pursue despite risk.”

Beyond the newsroom, Washington, D.C. has offered opportunities to hear national leaders speak, explore historic landmarks, and build valuable professional connections. Johnson says one of the greatest blessings has been the continued support of the College community.

“In no version of reality did I imagine having a college not only send me to Washington, D.C. but actively help me work through challenges while I was here,” Johnson said. “Professors and fellow Bobcats have made this experience so much richer.”

Recent College of the Ozarks graduate Madelyn Sestak is spending the summer as a State Policy and Young Women for America Intern with Concerned Women for America

Madelyn Sestak - Launching a Career in Public Policy

Recent College of the Ozarks graduate Madelyn Sestak is spending the summer in Washington, D.C., and Alexandria, Virginia, as a State Policy and Young Women for America Intern with Concerned Women for America through the Ronald Reagan Memorial Internship Program.

Drawing on her degrees in marketing and communications, Sestak is helping create election resource materials, developing leadership resources for young women, attending congressional hearings, and researching public policy initiatives that support state and local engagement across the country.

For Sestak, the most rewarding part of the experience has been working on issues she cares deeply about.

“I have learned how much I enjoy the intrinsic value that comes from meaningful work,” Sestak said. “Getting to work on issues I’m passionate about motivates me every day.”

She credits College of the Ozarks with preparing her for the transition into full-time work, particularly through the Work Education Program and her Communication Law and Ethics coursework.

Living and working in Washington, D.C. has also reinforced the value of community.

“I’m thankful I have the opportunity to help women across the country with the resources they need to bring meaningful change through public policy,” she said. “The community here is filled with hardworking, driven young professionals who are passionate about what they do.”

Recent College of the Ozarks graduate Pyrce Renfroe has launched his career in Washington, D.C., as a Legal News Research Associate with FOX News.

Pyrce Renfroe - Reporting on the Nation’s Biggest Stories

Recent College of the Ozarks graduate Pyrce Renfroe has launched his career in Washington, D.C., as a Legal News Research Associate with FOX News, where he supports coverage of some of the nation’s most significant legal and political developments.

Working alongside the network’s Chief Legal Editor and Vice President, Renfroe researches Supreme Court cases, Department of Justice investigations, state-level litigation, and other major legal issues while helping shape coverage of stories that impact the country.

“The opportunity to see firsthand how journalism, law, and public policy intersect has been incredibly valuable,” Renfroe said. “It has challenged me to think more critically, ask better questions, and appreciate the institutions that help our nation function.”

Renfroe credits his experiences at College of the Ozarks—particularly his time with The Outlook and The Point—with preparing him for the responsibilities of national journalism.

“Working as a journalist on campus and learning what it means to be a follower of Christ in the media prepared me well for this role,” he said.

Living in Washington, D.C. has also given him a front-row seat to history.

“I have been blessed to find a strong Christian community here,” Renfroe said. “Being so close to the celebrations surrounding America’s 250^th birthday has been an unforgettable experience. We live in the greatest country in the world, and it is a privilege to witness and take part in such a historic celebration.”