While working for a congressman is nothing new for Savannah Naugle-Baker, but doing so in Washington, D.C., would prove to be an unforgettable experience for the senior.
Savannah spent the summer of 2016 interning for U.S. Rep. Bob Latta of Ohio in his Fifth Congressional District Office in Bowling Green, which also happens to be her hometown. With assistance from Mark McKee, director of the Owen Center for Career and Academic Support, and Dr. Marc O’Reilly, associate professor of political science, Savannah was able to secure an internship with another congressman, this time in Washington, D.C.
She arrived in D.C. just a few days after the new year to begin work for Congressman Dan Donovan. Donovan represents the state of New York’s 11th District, which includes all of Staten Island and south Brooklyn. He is the only Republican representative of New York City.
With help from Heidelberg Trustee Jaimie Orr, ‘81, professor of national security strategy at the National War College, Savannah was able to get situated in the nation’s capital. “I was literally living a street behind the Supreme Court. I probably could’ve thrown a rock and hit the Senate Building,” Savannah laughed. “It was so cool.”
Working weekdays, 9 a.m. - 5 p.m., her duties included everything from scheduling and giving tours of the Capitol Building to handling flag requests and answering constituent phone calls to relay their concerns to the congressman. “I’m sure there are lots of offices where you just sit and answer phones but I got to do so much,” she said.
Without preconceived notions about the area, Savannah found it easy to connect with the constituents of the 11th District. “New Yorkers get such a bad reputation,” she said. “They would call and be so nice to me.” In fact, she said connecting with them became one of her favorite parts of the job.
Through her five months in Congressman Donovan’s office, she often attended congressional hearings and briefings, taking notes for the staffers. There were even times where bill recommendations were brought to her. “The legislative aide would give me a bill and say it was going to be proposed,” she said. “I had to look it up and see if it matched with the (Donovan’s) positions. If it did, then I could tell him what it’s about and why he should or shouldn’t sponsor it.”
Her experience in D.C. comes with gratitude for those close to her here at Heidelberg.
Dr. O’Reilly has stood by my side and given me so many tools for the future. He and Dr. (Traci) Stark were phenomenal helping me get there. I’m just super grateful because I don’t think I’d have gotten these opportunities elsewhere.
Dr. O’Reilly even got the chance to visit Savannah during her internship, in February. “It was obvious she was learning important professional and personal lessons that would serve her well no matter what career she chooses,” he said. “Her joy at having such a wonderful opportunity to learn the inner workings of D.C. politics radiated that day.”
Due to graduate in December, Savannah returns to campus grateful for the experience she gained during her time on Capitol Hill. “I’m so blessed to be able to work in that office,” she said. “I got a unique experience because I was in an office that really cared and wanted to further my education.”