Two Members of the Holy Cross Community Talk About Summer in the White House

Emma Cronin ’15 of Chicago, Ill., and Alex Clavering ’13 of Dix Hills, N.Y., were participants in the 2013 Summer White House Internship program. Competitive and highly esteemed, this opportunity is priceless, and has opened each student’s eyes to the world of public policy.

Cronin, who worked in the Office of Presidential Personnel which oversees the selection process for presidential appointments, researched potential candidates and tracked position vacancies. A political science and Spanish major, she has benefitted much from her time on the hill.  She not only points to her academics as an inspiration, but also her involvement in the Holy Cross’ service program, Student Programs for Urban Development (SPUD). For the program, Cronin has worked at local Friendly House, and has learned “the importance of contributing to something bigger than [herself].”  Cronin has also volunteered as an intern in Chicago for President Obama’s reelection campaign, and worked on Elizabeth Warren’s campaign last fall with fellow Holy Cross students.  After Holy Cross, Cronin hopes to participate in some capacity in the 2016 election cycle. “I also plan to attend graduate school, and am hoping to pursue a master’s degree in public policy,” she said.

Cronin is spending her junior year studying in León, Spain,  through the Holy Cross study abroad program.

Also spending time at the White House this past summer, Alex Clavering interned in the Office of Presidential Correspondence, where he assisted the mail analysis team in their greater mission of “listening to the American people, understanding their stories and concerns, and responding on behalf of the President.”

Clavering was also featured in Worcester’s Telegram & Gazette, where he was interviewed regarding his White House experience. Speaking to his beneficial time at Holy Cross, issues concerning day-to-day White House responsibilities, and the truly presidential goal of his internship, he tied each experience together, “Every day I take a moment to remember that behind every letter, email, fax, and phone call there is a real person who wants to have their voice heard.” Then, in a moment of reflection, he continued: “That is what public service is all about.”

Clavering will travel to Malaysia in January where he will participate in a Fulbright English Teaching Assistantship for 10 months.

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