Ashley Smith is a senior at Iona College in New Rochelle and Executive Vice President of its Student Government Association.This summer, she worked at the Department of Homeland Security. Here is an article she wrote for the Hall Monitor about the experience…

Unlike other students my age, who spent their summer vacation at the beach or on a family vacation; I was sitting in an office, typing away and mastering the Metro line.

And unlike other students my age, I spent my summer working for the Department of Homeland Security, specifically the Ready Campaign. Located with the Office of Public Affairs, the Ready Campaign is the Federal Government’s National Media Awareness Campaign, which is focused on National Preparedness. This topic extends into all types of situations, from a natural disaster, to a terrorist attack, even everyday life.

Ready asks citizens to take 3 basic steps: get an emergency supply kit, make a plan and become knowledgeable about the types of disasters that can happen in their area. Whether someone is interested in preparing their children, elderly grandma, business or even their dog; Ready has information at www.ready.gov. Ready truly tries to help citizens in all facets of life by giving them the tools and tips they need to be the first line of defense in an emergency.

As for my own part, I helped in making the September’s National Preparedness Month the most successful it has ever been. I spent much of the summer recruiting coalition members. The only requirement for becoming a member is to pledge to spread the preparedness message. It can be anything from emailing co-workers to holding an event in your neighborhood. Only organizations can register. When I left at the end of August, there were over 2,500 members – last year, there were 1,800 at the end of September. I am really proud to be able to have been such an important asset to such a great initiative. Besides recruitment, I also assisted in creating articles for the internal newsletter at the Department, created toolkits for distribution and edited important tips available on the National Preparedness Month website during September.

Outside of the Ready Campaign, I attended a variety of events in the downtown D.C. area. One of my favorites was at the Heritage Foundation, focusing on Policy about Airport Security. Secretary Chertoff gave the opening remarks, which was definitely an exciting aspect. While at DHS, I got the opportunity to meet Secretary Chertoff as well as the Deputy Secretary. It was an amazing feeling knowing I was able to meet, work and learn with such amazing and talented people. I also got to enjoy some touring in the D.C. area in my spare time. The highlight of my trip was definitely the private tour of the West Wing in the White House. We even got to see the Oval Office, which for me was literally breathtaking.
Much of what I got out of the internship dealt with my future as opposed to my present. It helped me decide that I do in fact want to get a job in the Federal Government when I graduate and that I will hopefully be attending Graduate School next fall for Public Administration. This was a chance to see what my future could be like and a taste of the “real world”. Although I must admit, it was nice knowing I would be coming back to another year of school!
I am grateful for the opportunity to have served my government, and more importantly my country, even in this small way. I strongly encourage every student to participate in an internship at some point while in college – it really does make all the difference.