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Students on D.C. semester learn inner workings of government
By Stephen Roberts
Staff Writer
Calvin sophomore Andrew Vlietstra, an economics and political science major, is learning about the inner workings of government firsthand by interning with Michigan congressman Pete Hoekstra. The program offers opportunities for students interested in government and even those who are just looking for a new and different experience.
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Fourteen students have spent the semester in Washington D.C., thanks to Calvin’s American Studies Program. In this program, a Calvin student receives 14 credits for three months of interning and two separate courses. While some students have interesting internships at places like ABC News and the Republican National Committee, sophomore Andrew Vlietstra has perhaps the most exciting internship, getting hands-on political experience in Congressman Pete Hoekstra’s office.
Congressman Hoekstra is a conservative Republican representing Michigan’s second district, where Vlietstra happens to live. Like Vlietstra, the Congressman is a graduate of Holland Christian Schools; he also got a bachelor’s degree at Hope College and a master’s at the University of Michigan. Besides Holland, Hoekstra’s second district encompasses parts of the 11 different counties along Lake Michigan. Many Calvin students from western Michigan lie within this district.
Since officially starting his internship in mid-February, Vlietstra has been responsible for many important tasks in the Congressman’s office. Duties have included various forms of research, building congressional coalitions and giving tours in the U.S. Capitol. Vlietstra, a dual major in Economics and Political Science, feels that this internship “will help him better understand how and why policy is made the way it is and thus how it affects the economic world.”
He also subscribes to many of the same points of view as Congressman Hoekstra, as articulated on Hoekstra’s Web site, http://www.house.gov/hoekstra/. Some of Congressman Hoekstra’s keynote issues include Medicare, national security, education, abortion and transportation. Vlietstra’s unique internship has afforded him incredible opportunities to meet famous figures including European ambassadors and high-ranking military officials and participate in exhilarating events, like participating in a U.S. Marine demonstration with hands-on training.
“The most important experience,” Vlietstra said, “is what I am learning about myself and what I can do to help others. I do not feel that the Lord is calling me into the public spotlight; however I do believe that there is a reason why I am here working for Peter Hoekstra. Every day I walk to the Hill, I am reminded about how I have learned something so fundamentally different about myself and the Lord’s plan for me. I am truly excited to see what will come every day.” Other Calvin students also have glowing remarks regarding their time in D.C.
For more information about Calvin’s American Studies Program, refer to the following Web address: http://www.calvin.edu/academic/pols/opportun.htm. The students in D.C. are currently accompanied by Professor Mark Smith of the Political Science department, but will be led by other professors in the future. Students are always encouraged to apply for next spring.
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