(FLOC welcomes new staff each summer. In this miniseries, we are recognizing our summer associates and interns by publishing blog posts about their experiences. Karen Lott is a Scholars Program intern.)
Q: Where are you from?
I am from a small town in South Mississippi called Leaksville.
Q: Where do you go to school and what do you study?
I’m currently enrolled at the Mississippi University for Women in Columbus, MS, where I’ll be a senior in the fall. I’m a Political Science major with a minor in History.
Q: How did you hear about FLOC?
Through a program called the Washington Center. You write an interest statement about your passion, and they take your interest statement and send it to partnering organizations. My interest area is education, so my resume and interest statement was sent to FLOC.
Q: What are your job duties this summer?
My primary project has been to develop FLOC’s community college and vocational education resources. I’ve also helped with resume and interview prep with our post-secondary Scholars. Other things I’ve done is compiled a research booklet on employment projections for the next 10 years to see which jobs are going to have the most growth.
Q: What have you learned here?
Everything this summer has been a tremendous learning experience. I know that our team works really great together. I’ve learned that sometimes it’s hard to connect with our current generation because it’s such a multitasking mindset. I think that when I go back to Mississippi to tutor, I’ll try to focus on finding ways to interact with the kids through technology and implementing multi-tasking activities.
Q: What’s your favorite part about spending the summer in DC?
I came with the mindset that I was going to be a tourist for the summer. I have been to every museum and every event that I could possibly think of. There’s so much to do and I’m so excited to start the day. I’ve really enjoyed working with the people at FLOC. It’s a great, great team!
Q: What are your plans after college?
This summer has given me a lot to think about. I’m thinking about applying to a public administration program with education being my focus area. This summer has really helped me to find that goal. [I’m also considering] applying to Teach for America mostly because of my wonderful experience here this summer.
