Delta State student Kristin Swarek will head to Washington, D.C. as a Congressional Fellow for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran in January.Delta State University accounting student Kristin Swarek was recently selected as a 2015 Congressional Fellow for U.S. Senator Thad Cochran of Mississippi.
Much like previous Delta State fellows who’ve spent semesters in the nation’s capital, Swarek will gain first hand experience working with one of Mississippi’s most respected leaders.
Beginning in early January, Swarek will pack her bags and get a taste of politics from inside the Washington, D.C. beltway. The program aims to provide a better understanding of the legislative process by serving on Cochran’s staff.
“I’m really looking forward to getting an insider’s view on government and political operations,” she said. “This opportunity will teach me more about the things I’ve read and studied in political science.”
Swarek, who previously obtained a degree in biology, said she was motivated to apply for the position after being part of an on-stage panel in September during the colloquial speech of Charles Bowsher, former Comptroller General of the United States.
“His best advice to students was to take every opportunity you get,” said Swarek. “Those words really stuck with me, and I figured I had to at least try.
“Cochran is someone with a lot of seniority, and I think it will be very interesting to learn from him.”
While she has yet to receive details about what a typical day in the Cochran office will entail, Swarek said she hopes to delve into finances based on her educational background.
Delta State has a long-running tradition of sending fellows to Washington. Davlon Miller, director of Delta State Career Services, was part of a committee to help select this year’s candidate.
“The committee felt strongly that Kristin was the right candidate to represent the Delta and Delta State,” said Miller. “She possesses a great deal of knowledge about our culture, and she represents the green and white very well.”
Miller said the fellowship is funded through the Delta Council, and Swarek will receive a stipend from Cochran’s office.
The Delta Council is an area economic development organization representing the 18 Delta and part-Delta counties of Northwest Mississippi. The organization pioneers efforts to solve common problems and promote the development of the local economy.
Learn more about Delta State Career Services at https://www.deltastate.edu/student-affairs/career-services, and follow exciting campus news at https://www.deltastate.edu/news-and-events.
