David McClainMy fellowship experience this semester was honestly one of the best opportunities I have had, and I can say that I really loved every minute of it. Being in Washington and getting to learn in such a hands-on environment made the experience feel much more meaningful than a normal classroom setting. I enjoyed how the internship combined professional development, policy exposure, and real-world experiences in a way that made me feel much more connected to the work being done in government and public service. It was a busy experience, but in a good way, and I feel very lucky that I got to be part of it.
Some of the highlights for me were definitely the visit to the FBI and attending the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing. The FBI visit was especially memorable because it was so interesting to see the museum, hear from former agents, and get a better sense of the work they had done. I also thought the Senate Intelligence Committee hearing was incredibly exciting because it gave me the chance to see the Intelligence Community questioned in a real Senate setting. That kind of experience is something I will remember for a long time, because it made me feel like I was seeing government and national security work up close rather than just reading about it.
David McClain
Stetson/American University, Class of 2027
Civic Thought & Statecraft Fellow