A recent University of North Georgia (UNG) alumnus and a cadet spent the fall as interns at the White House.
Mitchell Fariss, a 2017 graduate who majored in international affairs, interned in the Office of Public Liaison. Evan Setter, a sophomore from Woodstock, Georgia, majoring in political science, was an intern in Vice President Mike Pence's office.
Fariss and Setter weren't the only people with UNG connections at the White House. Army Col. Pat Duggan, '95, has served as director for cybersecurity for the National Security Council for almost a year.
Most people only see the inner workings of the White House on television. Being there was special for Fariss.
"You're in the middle of it all," Fariss said. "Being there during this incredibly important time in our country's history was an unforgettable experience."
Fariss took part in the internship after spending a year in Germany on a Fulbright Scholarship. He wanted to gain government experience in the nation's capital.
"It provides a unique perspective on how our government works," Fariss said.
Setter interned as part of Pence's operations department. Between seeing the detailed planning of the vice president's days and Pence's being the president of the U.S. Senate, Setter gained a variety of experience in his role.
"It was the best place I could have been put," Setter said.
Dr. Dlynn Williams, head of the Department of Political Science and International Affairs at UNG, said the internships for Fariss and Setter should serve as an example for other students.
"These internships help them connect their experiences in the classroom with real-world problems and concerns," Williams said. "The University of North Georgia is the kind of place where these opportunities can happen. Some students think these kinds of opportunities are limited to Ivy League schools or to institutions inside the Beltway. However, their time at North Georgia can help open up these types of opportunities that provide experiences that can change them forever."
Fariss appreciated being part of the nonpartisan internship.
"It's a team," Fariss said. "You put your head down. You work hard. That's really where the rewarding part of the experience comes from – and at the same time enjoying the moment."
Coming from the Corps of Cadets, Setter said he was thankful to intern alongside people with high-level military experience. The contacts Setter made gave him advice and helped him advance his career.
Setter one day wants to run for local or state office after a military career.
Setter encouraged other UNG students to apply for the internship.
"I highly recommend just putting yourself out there," Setter said.
