Ethan Rapp from PennWest Edinboro, right, is APSCUF’s summer intern. He appeared on an episode of “Behind the Headlines” with Host Charlie Greenawalt, left, who retired from Millersville University, and APSCUF President Dr. Kenneth M. Mash. Click here to learn more about the internship. APSCUF file photo
I spent the past 10 weeks as APSCUF’s summer intern, and I enjoyed every second. I found out about this internship through my professor, Dr. Erik Bentsen, and I got accepted on my second application. As an education major with a concentration in social studies, I thought this was the perfect opportunity for me to study further in my field. I understand that this internship was not designed for education majors, and, as I look back on my time here, I realize that I am incredibly fortunate. Throughout my weeks, I gained experience that I never would have been able to find anywhere else.
In my degree program, we learn about the history and political nature of our government, but we don’t follow current legislation or see firsthand what goes on in government. Throughout my time with APSCUF, I was lucky enough to travel twice to Harrisburg to meet with legislators in our state Capitol, research legislation, and sit in on government-relations virtual meetings, thanks to the APSCUF director of government relations, Sean Crampsie. I was also able to discuss policies on a broadcast program alongside APSCUF President Ken Mash. As a student who has avidly studied politics and government, this was a dream of mine. I had always wanted to see further behind the scenes of government, and throughout this internship, I had a front-row seat.
As a hopeful future social studies teacher, two main things I have to know are content and how to communicate effectively. In the second part of my internship, I worked alongside the communications director, Kathryn Morton. I interviewed members via virtual meetings, assisted on the digital newsletter, and helped develop advocacy material for the PA Promise. Before entering my internship, I struggled to express my thoughts and ideas in writing. Where I lacked experience, Kathryn guided me, from writing about higher education to teaching me journalism skills and ethics. I now feel much more comfortable communicating my thoughts and ideas.
I was also invited to attend a leadership training. There, I got to meet firsthand with APSCUF members. I learned what they truly care about. They fight not just for one another but for the students and the betterment of the universities as a whole.
I realized the impact of APSCUF and the PASSHE system. APSCUF and the people fighting for a better-funded education are advocating for a better future for all of Pennsylvania. The funding of higher education can affect businesses, schools, the economy, and the everyday family.
I had an amazing experience this summer, and I would highly recommend this internship to any State System student. I learned so much throughout my little time here. Everyone I met through this journey was kind and helpful. I would like to thank everyone at the APSCUF office as well as all of the professors and faculty at Edinboro who helped me get to this position.
—Ethan Rapp, APSCUF intern