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Synethia Mathews selected as Delta State’s 2021 Congressional Fellow

By December 1, 2020General, Press Releases, Students

A Delta State University student will receive the unique opportunity to live and intern in the nation’s capital this spring after being named DSU’s 2021 Congressional Fellow.

DSU junior Synethia Mathews of West Point, Miss., has been selected to intern with Sen. Roger Wicker’s office in Washington, D.C. during the upcoming Spring 2021 semester.

Delta State, in collaboration with Delta Council and Staplcotn, annually sponsors the Delta State Congressional Fellows Program, which offers an experiential educational opportunity for one outstanding DSU student each year.

As part of the program, a fellow is selected each year to serve during the spring semester as an intern in the office of a Mississippi senator in Washington, D.C.

Like previous Delta State fellows, Mathews will gain hands-on experience with the systems of Congress while gaining valuable insight on public policy issues that directly affect the Delta region.

“I was speechless when I first got the call,” shared Mathews, a Business Administration major with concentrations in Computer Information Systems and Marketing. “I was so excited that I was chosen to represent Delta State as I participate in this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.”

Delta State Congressional Fellows work with the congressional staff to help provide constituent services, track legislation and develop knowledge of policy concerns. Fellows also receive the opportunity to be directly involved with the legislative process and national decision-making.

“I am excited to learn more about Senator Wicker’s committees, and I am interested in learning how policies are made,” said Mathews. “I have always read about the process in books, but now I will be able to have a firsthand experience of the process.”

An accomplished student with a well-involved campus resume, Mathews serves as the president of Phi Beta Lamba, student coordinator-volunteer for the Global Mentorship Initiative, as a career ambassador, and as a social media intern in the Office of Communications and Marketing.

Prior to this opportunity, Mathews has interned at International Paper in Memphis during the summers of 2019 and 2020

Through Delta State’s Congressional Fellows Program, Mathews hopes to gain knowledge and opportunities to learn more about how government operates and how technology and marketing affects legislation and policies.

She also plans to continue using her creativity, leadership abilities and communication skills to serve as an advocate for others.

“I am looking forward to gaining more skills that will help me in my future career. I would like to thank all of the individuals who have influenced me and help me grow as a leader,” Mathews said.