08.14.23

Naperville, Illinois Student Interns in Durbin's Washington, DC Office

WASHINGTON – Naperville, Illinois, native Meher Sethi spent this summer interning for U.S. Senate Majority Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL), working behind the scenes in the Senator’s Capitol Hill office as an intern.

“I started my career on Capitol Hill as a college intern for Senator Paul Douglas of Illinois,” Durbin said. “I will never forget that day in February of 1966 when he agreed to hire me as an intern to work in his office.  As a student from East St. Louis, Illinois, going to work in the office of a U.S. Senator was one of the most exciting things I had ever done.  I know what a valuable experience it can be and we strive to make sure all of our students get a glimpse into the workings of the United States Senate.”

Meher, born and raised in Naperville, is a rising junior at Yale University studying ethics, politics, and economics.  A life-long conviction for distributional fairness has animated Meher’s activism and interest in economic, labor, and social welfare policy.  On campus, Meher has organized with Students Unite Now, fighting for better financial aid, mental health care, and the graduate workers’ union campaign.  He has also worked with progressive organizations including Blue Future, Movement Labs, and Common Cause Illinois.  He has thoroughly treasured the opportunity to support Senator Durbin’s personal office and the economic, housing, and labor legislative teams.

“Interning for Senator Durbin has been one of the most rewarding and memorable experiences of my life,”Meher said.  “I am incredibly thankful to have been awarded this opportunity and owe my warmest gratitude to the amazing staff and fellow interns who made this summer not only transformative, educational, and awe-inspiring, but also one of laughter, exploration, and unbreakable bonds.”

The intern responsibilities include assisting full-time staff in responding to constituent related topics, assisting with information inquiries, attending committee and agency hearings and briefings, researching legislative issues and policy questions, and observing floor proceedings.  During that time, the students gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, learn about the inner-workings of the federal government, and develop valuable research skills.

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