Anna Stachniak '26
This summer, senior Anna Stachniak—a Political Science major with minors in Business Economics and Constitutional Studies—spent her days just a few blocks from the Capitol as a Legislative Intern at Thorn Run Partners, a government affairs firm in Washington, D.C. Originally from London, Anna has immersed herself in campus life at Notre Dame as a Glynn Family Honors Program scholar, a Hesburgh-Yusko Scholar, and an active member of Mock Trial. She also serves as a research assistant in both Economic History and Business Ethics, and was a participant in Notre Dame’s Washington Program.
Her internship placed her at the heart of federal policymaking. “I’m contributing to government affairs work on behalf of a diverse and dynamic group of clients,” Anna explained. Each day brought new challenges: monitoring legislation as it moved through Congress, drafting policy memos, and attending high-stakes hearings. She particularly enjoyed translating complex policy issues into actionable insights. “It’s been a fantastic opportunity to grow professionally, deepen my understanding of the policymaking process, and contribute meaningfully to the work of a talented and mission-driven team.”
Anna was drawn to Thorn Run Partners after a prior experience on Capitol Hill, eager to explore how lobbying firms shape legislation behind the scenes. What impressed her most was the firm’s mission-driven advocacy: “Their success stories, from expanding broadband access to rural healthcare funding, show that lobbying can be a powerful force for good and is making a tangible impact across the country.”
For Anna, the internship was not just about skill-building—it was also a chance to live out the values of her Constitutional Studies minor, and to connect theory to practice. “There’s a real and growing need for transparent, responsible, and effective lobbying,” she noted. In her estimation, this conviction aligns closely with the CCCG’s mission of securing God-given rights and advancing the common good.
Looking ahead, Anna plans to pursue a career in public policy or government relations, possibly at a lobbying firm or policy research institution. “Whether in advocacy, law, or government service, I want to be someone who helps institutions work better for those they serve,” she reflected. “This summer was a crucial step in that journey.”
Aedan Whalen '26
Senior Aedan Whalen spent the summer serving at the nation’s capitol as a White House Intern in the Office of Presidential Correspondence. In addition to studying Political Science and Greco-Roman Civilization with a minor in theology, Aedan also serves as the President of the Intercollegiate Studies Institute Orestes Brownson Society and Co-President of Notre Dame College Republicans.
In the White House, Aedan’s work was centered on facilitating open communication between the President and the American people. Each day, he read, reviewed, and coordinated hundreds of letters, emails, and calls. “I learned so much about what it means to be a public servant,” Aedan shared. “It was incredible to see how deeply the White House cares about the views, experiences, and ideas of the American people.”
The experience tested and strengthened his professional skills—especially in writing and communication—but it also offered lessons in humility and leadership. “I had the privilege of meeting many amazing people who modeled servant leadership. This experience definitely helped me grow as a person and leader.”
A former Tocqueville Fellow, Aedan emphasized how the themes of the fellowship program closely aligned with and informed his internship experience. “In [Tocqueville], we discussed how the success of a republic requires the government to listen attentively to its people. This summer, I got to see what that looks like in practice.”
The internship also provided valuable discernment for a future in public service. Aedan added, “Interning for the American people was incredibly fulfilling,” he said. “I met brilliant, committed young professionals who showed me the incredible positive impact one can have as a public servant.” Following graduation, Aedan hopes to pursue a career in public service.
Shri Thakur '26
For senior Shri Thakur, the summer brought an extraordinary opportunity to work just steps from the West Wing. As an intern in the Office of the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR), Shri was immersed in the fast-paced world of trade negotiations and economic policymaking. A New Jersey native majoring in Economics with minors in Political Science and French, Shri is a Constitutional Studies minor and has been a Tocqueville Fellow for three semesters. On campus, he serves as co-president of College Republicans and politics editor for The Irish Rover.
Shri’s role balanced administrative responsibilities with substantive policy work, drafting memos that were read by senior officials. He also analyzed advisory committees, evaluating the expertise of members and their influence on trade policy.
Reflecting on the experience, Shri described it as “definitely the coolest job I’ve had.” He noted the breadth of knowledge he gained from career staffers: “A lot of the full-time [staff] had deep policy knowledge and gave great feedback on my writing. It was a privilege to learn from them.”
The internship also reinforced the values Shri has studied in the Tocqueville Fellowship and his minor in political science. “Part of the mission of the CCCG is to promote the common good and be civically engaged. Working as a government intern, I saw firsthand how you can bring a holistic education into public service.”
Looking forward, Shri hopes to attend law school after graduation, with plans to focus on economic policy. His summer confirmed both his interests and his aspirations: “I was hoping to learn how trade policy works and how the administration pursues its goals. I came away with exactly that—and more. It was an incredible experience.”