Mr. Joerns Goes to WashingtonUST graduate John Joerns spent the fall of 2007 working in the center of the nation’s capital after being selected as a White House intern. Specifically, he worked under a special assistant to the president in the Office of Public Liaison, a department that coordinates the president’s involvement with various causes and organizations. Joerns’ internship was nothing short of exciting.
On his first day, he witnessed the final departure of former Deputy Chief of Staff Karl Rove and the resignation of former Attorney General Alberto Gonzalez. In between the long hours he spent each day doing everything from answering phones, to taking care of schedule and travel arrangements, to helping with events and briefings and acting as a personal assistant to his boss, Joerns encountered many well-known political figures.
During the internship, he saw Speaker of the House of Representatives Nancy Pelosi, got an autograph from Justice Antonin Scalia, met Justice Clarence Thomas, spoke with former Secretary of State Henry Kissinger by phone and, along with a group of about 100 interns, had a private gathering with President George W. Bush and Vice President Dick Cheney.
Joerns also attended a White House press conference and heard lectures by news reporters Dan Rather and Helen Thomas at a National Press Club event. In fact, Joerns said it was not uncommon to see many other public figures walking around Washington, going about their business or getting coffee from a local Starbuck’s. Joerns said he is grateful he had the opportunity to spend a semester working for the White House.
In particular, he was very impressed by the devotion, commitment and vibrant energy of the staff. “The White House staff members were busy, energetic and even funny,” Joerns said. “They were all very hardworking people that really made you feel like a part of the team.”
Joerns graduated with a B.A. in political science in spring 2007. He plans to attend medical school at Tulane University in fall 2008.
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UST 2007-08 Global Ambassadors Chosen
Center for International Studies students Claudia Espinosa and Laura Adal have been named University of St. Thomas Global Ambassadors by the World Affairs Council of Houston. The Global Ambassadors initiative for the 2007-2008 academic year was launched to bring some of the most outstanding college students to 6th-12th grade classrooms to speak about their experiences abroad. Espinosa and Adal were chosen through a rigorous application process.
“I think it is a great opportunity to talk to younger kids, who may not have been exposed to outside cultures and teach them about different intercultural opportunities they may not be familiar with.” said Adal, Espinosa is a senior International Studies major. Her parents are from Mexico. Her study abroad trips included visits to Mexico and Argentina. Her experiences cultivated her knowledge of each country’s culture, history, economics and politics. It also motivated her to further travel and discover her heritage.
“I was really excited when I found out I was chosen,” said Espinosa. “Going abroad is a wonderful experience. When you visit other countries you learn a lesson in cultural adjustment. It is not just about seeing great sites, but learning about people who function in different ways.”
Adal is a UST senior, majoring in International Studies with a minor in French and Arabic. She grew up in Houston where her Syrian parents taught her to be bilingual in English and Arabic. After graduating from high school, Adal lived in Damascus, Syria for three months with relatives. She has also spent time in a little town called Dhour Shweir in Lebanon. Adal has travelled extensively around the world. She backpacked around Egypt and Tunisia, as well as visited Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
“I think it is a great opportunity to talk to younger kids, who may not have been exposed to outside cultures and teach them about different intercultural opportunities they may not be familiar with.” said Adal, Espinosa is a senior International Studies major. Her parents are from Mexico. Her study abroad trips included visits to Mexico and Argentina. Her experiences cultivated her knowledge of each country’s culture, history, economics and politics. It also motivated her to further travel and discover her heritage.
“I was really excited when I found out I was chosen,” said Espinosa. “Going abroad is a wonderful experience. When you visit other countries you learn a lesson in cultural adjustment. It is not just about seeing great sites, but learning about people who function in different ways.”
Adal is a UST senior, majoring in International Studies with a minor in French and Arabic. She grew up in Houston where her Syrian parents taught her to be bilingual in English and Arabic. After graduating from high school, Adal lived in Damascus, Syria for three months with relatives. She has also spent time in a little town called Dhour Shweir in Lebanon. Adal has travelled extensively around the world. She backpacked around Egypt and Tunisia, as well as visited Italy, the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, France and Germany.
