Interns Work in Local Government: A story from the office of Windy Swetman
Summer Interns Learn Valuable Lessons In Government
Jessica Pickard @ Girls & Boys Club
The Harrison County Board Of Supervisors has partnered with young high school and college students for a summer intern program. Students who participated in the intern program in the past worked mostly in Parks and Recreation. Hoping to make a change in the program during the summer of 2008, Harrison County Supervisor Windy Swetman III (District 1) has implemented summer intern positions to serve in multiple roles throughout District 1. Swetman, a 14 year public servant, has served in many different facets dealing with youth and community outreach. Supervisor Swetman placed students in the Harrison County Tax Assessor’s Office, the Harrison County Work Center, The D’Iberville Senior Citizen’s Center, and the Boys and Girls Club of D’Iberville and East Biloxi. Supervisor Swetman hopes that this may teach our young people about county government as well social services in our community. “This is more than a summer job; we are teaching our youth to be stake holders in their community. These young interns received a front row seat in life and I am proud of them for their hard work this summer” Swetman stated.
These young adults are filling many voids in the community. They are doing a wide variety of tasks from working with children’s summer camps, cleaning up cemeteries, collecting taxes for property and license plates for automobiles, to teaching senior citizens basic computer knowledge. Brea Davis, a high school junior was assigned to work in the Senior Citizen center in D’Iberville “I learned how nice the seniors can be. I was intimidated when it came to talking with seniors. This summer internship has really open my eyes about senior citizens.” Davis stated.
Andrea Fetters
Andrea Fetters, a sophomore at Miss. Gulf Coast Community College interned in the Harrison County Tax Collector’s office in Biloxi. Fetters stated “They do a lot more than I expected. I learned how to do title work, tag renewals and property taxes. All the county employees are really nice and dedicated. I will miss the staff and the job.”
Jessica Pickard a junior at Mississippi State worked in the Boys and Girls club. “These kids are so wonderful. I learned so much that I will take with me throughout life.” Interns worked for two and a half months this summer. The program ends Friday, August 1. If you have questions about the program you can contact the Harrison County board of supervisors at 435-8272.
