Katherine Laub was always interested in politics but never thought she would have the chance to work with a congressman. This semester, her political career is getting a jumpstart in an internship with local Congressman Thomas M. Reynolds (R-Clarence).
Laub, a junior at UB, is originally from Batavia, N.Y., which is a part of Reynolds' 26th District. She got the internship through a joint SUNY program that any UB student can take advantage of.
"I'm interning through the (SUNY) Washington Semester Program," she said. "It's through SUNY Brockport actually, but you can sign up through UB."
"I enjoy foreign countries and working for the government," she added. "D.C. is a really good place to start."
The position was brought to Laub's attention by an internship coordinator for the program who thought, as a resident of his district, she'd be a good candidate to intern for Congressman Reynolds.
L.D. Platt, communications director for Reynolds, said work experience was one factor in Laub's selection to be a part of the program.
"She knows how to be a part of the political processes and the government process, and she had a very good r?(c)sum?(c)," Platt said.
Platt also said that being from Reynolds' 26th District, which includes many parts of Erie County, makes Laub better at communicating with the constituents, or citizens of the community.
"She'll be helping out the constituents of (Reynolds') district, back home in Buffalo and in the Rochester area," Platt said. "For instance, if a constituent would like a tour, she helps set up tours and answer questions."
He also said that Laub has a wide range of duties.
"During the internship, she'll be assisting both the legislative staff on certain issues as well as conducting general research," Platt said.
Laub said that when constituents call her office and wish to visit D.C., she is in charge of setting them up on a "hospitality tour" of the White House and Capital building.
"I also give tours of the Capital to visitors. It's really cool," she said. "I'm in charge of flag orders, and I answer phones, and I do office clerical work, a little bit of everything."
Laub will have the opportunity to go to congressional hearings, as well as meetings of health committees.
Although she didn't know about the Washington program until this year, Laub has been involved with exchange programs before, which attracted her to the government.
"In high school, I was a rotary exchange student to Brazil and was there for a year," she said. "I got interested when I started learning about the government and how the U.S. is looked upon there."
Laub is dual-majoring in international studies and political science, and is exploring her future career options.
"I'm feeling things out. I'm interested in the international aspect, but here I'm becoming more interested in the American government and policy and house administration," she said. "There's so much you can learn in D.C. in a congressional office."
Although she is enjoying her internship, Laub isn't yet sure if her professional destiny lies in our nation's capital.
"I haven't zeroed in on anything," she said.
Photo: Courtesy of Matthew Messina, from the RMBERS' Instagram page
