Quick 5: Doug Porter

“Northwest and all schools in Missouri have a legislative intern program. I applied, interviewed and was selected, then had to be paired with a representative. Sheila is the mother of two of my good friends from Northwest. Interning for her made sense because she represents my district and constituents I know.”

“I get the mail and check different newspapers to find out what’s going on. I also answer emails, take telephone calls and try to address the issues constituents are dealing with.

“Sheila is working on eight pieces of legislation this session, so I help get her stuff ready for committee. There’s also a research component of the internship where I’m seeing if bills make sense, checking what’s happened in the past and looking up data and statistics.”

“What made me jump at the opportunity was the chance to make connections and get insight into what happens at the state capitol. It’s a bird’s eye view of how it works in Missouri. I think local and state politics are really important. It’s down home and it really affects people more immediately.”

“It’s something that I’ve thought about. I’m only 23 and trying to keep my options open, but it definitely interests me.”

“I did an internship with Cerner last summer, and I’ll be working full time when I’m through with this internship. I’ll be moving back to Grain Valley when the session ends May 18 and start working in Kansas City in June.”