Angela Shubert
Class of 2009
Hometown: Crookston, MN

Majors: Journalism and Government/International Affairs

Angela was profiled as a freshman as well. Start with her original profile.

Tell us about your latest experience in Washington D.C. What did an average day look like? What was the best part?

I interned with the Coalition on Human Needs (CHN), an alliance of national nonprofit organizations working to promote public policies that address the needs of low- to moderate-income individuals and families. It was a phenomenal professional opportunity that surpassed all expectations. To be honest, there was not one day that looked the same. While with CHN, I wrote and updated policy issue briefs for their website in addition to authoring articles for a bi-weekly "Human Needs Report." However, I also represented CHN at public policy forums and advocacy meetings with other professional advocates to discuss an array of pertinent policy issues (i.e. State Children's Health Insurance Program, nutrition title in Farm Bill, child support enforcement, Earned Income Tax Credit/Child Tax Credit/Alternative Minimum Tax, early and higher education policies, affordable housing initiatives, etc.). In addition, I conducted research on these important policy issues and disseminated appropriations data about funding levels for human needs programs. At the request of my executive director, I created budgetary tables to compare the appropriations data and trends. I also attended meetings with Congressional staff on Capitol Hill to lobby for policies that addressed the needs of low-to moderate-income families and individuals and regularly communicated CHN's policy priorities to Congressional staff. In addition, I contacted state organizations to retrieve data regarding the "human impact" of federal funding cuts and gathered press clips on state "field" events focused on pertinent policies. Finally, I assisted with logistics for an annual CHN fundraiser that took place at the end of the summer.

The best part? How about some highlights: learning how policy advocacy really works inside Washington by sitting in on insider lobbyist strategic sessions, networking with professional and compassionate advocates, attending progressive conferences and listening to the presidential contenders address pertinent policy topics and finally, meeting Ms. Marian Wright Edelman, the founder of the Children's Defense Fund.

Was it what you thought it was going to be?
When I was a young girl, I dreamt of being in Washington, D.C. one day. I never thought I'd have the opportunity at the age of twenty. The ten weeks I spendt living and interning in Washington changed my life. The experience literally exceeded all expectations and dreams. I cannot pinpoint the most interesting or important thing I learned because frankly, the list seems endless right now. It was an invaluable learning experience not only because I was able to find out how policy works inside Washington but because the independent experience of living in a city and immersing myself in a culture quite different from that of the Midwest offered me new perspectives about life and the world around me. Ultimately, I would say this opportunity enhanced my passion for public service. I believe my calling is in the direction of the policy realm. I appreciated working on policy issues because I was able to intimately see the direct correlation between strong, progressive public policies and the significant impact they have on those whose voices continue to be ignored (women, children, the poor, minorities, etc.). The internship also allowed me to see the way in which the journalism community can actually enhance the policy realm's work. Finally, I am increasingly passionate about the intersection of a "think-tank strategy" and "advocacy approach" when considering the most effective way to promote policies that address the needs of the least among us.

Looking back on your answers from your profile freshman year, would you change any responses now?
Well, I'm focusing on a few different activities now. I'm still involved with the Mirror, Augustana's Advocacy Team, and I continue to volunteer at the Children's Inn. However, I'm also active with Augie Dems and a newly-formed student alumni association [S.K.O.L. - Students Keeping Ole's Legacy]. In addition, I'm a part of a planning committee for Augustana's annual Community Service Day.

While Dr. Swanson's religion class still ranks near the top when considering all the courses I've taken thus far at Augustana, I must note that since then I have taken a number of classes that have continued to challenge me intellectually, personally, and spiritually. I count myself among one of the most fortunate college students. I have an insatiable desire to learn more - whether it is about current affairs, the world, religion and ethics, the way or my own ethos about the world in which we live. This said, I could not have asked for a better community of which to be a part. There are a handful of professors in this academic community who have supported and empowered me from the first day I stepped foot on campus. Not only do we have brilliant and accomplished scholars who teach us in the classroom - they are also the most compassionate mentors one may ever find among a group of faculty.

Describe Augustana's Government/International Affairs Department.
I particularly appreciate how an array of courses is offered in our government/international affairs department. While majors are required to take a certain number of core courses, we are also given the liberty to select additional courses in the department based on our interest area. That is to say, for someone like myself who is interested in domestic policy, I can take a public administration course and a course on public opinion, the media and voting behavior, while someone interested in international policy can choose to take supplementary courses on American foreign policy or international law and organization. There are also four different law courses offered at Augustana: criminal law, international law, constitutional law as it pertains to government powers and constitutional law as it pertains to civil liberties. Ultimately, a student interested in public service, the political realm, the nonprofit sector, the public interest/advocacy sector, law school or graduate school would benefit from a degree in government/international affairs at Augustana. There are four distinguished faculty members in the government/international affairs department, as well.

However, I chose to do my internship this past summer through the journalism department. It is important for prospective students to understand that because Augustana is a small private liberal arts college, it is quite feasible to major in two or three different departments (and still graduate on time). Furthermore, the liberal arts aspect allows one to be exposed to an array of topics that ultimately lead to one's application and understanding of the interconnectedness of issues.

I felt well-prepared for my time in Washington because a majority of my courses at Augustana (inside and outside of my major areas) urged me to think and write critically. However, perhaps the most important aspect of my preparation for this experience was the mentoring and support I received from the two faculty members in Augustana's journalism department. Dr. Janet Blank-Libra and Dr. Jeffrey Miller have not only made an impact on my experience at Augustana - they have made an impact on my life. Dr. Blank-Libra encouraged me to pursue the internship opportunity at this point in my academic career and I am indebted to her. Both Dr. Blank-Libra and Dr. Miller kept in touch with me throughout my summer and continue to express a genuine interest in helping me achieve my academic and career goals.

Was there some synergy between the theory that you learned in the classroom at Augustana and the "hands on" work that you did in Washington, D.C.?

In my journalism courses, I learned how to listen carefully to all viewpoints, philosophies, and ideas, as well as how to think critically about the implications of given perspectives. This was important. In Washington, I listened to policymakers, advocates, lobbyists, and Congressional staffers discuss opinions about numerous policies, and I observed how the same group of professionals had to come to a consensus on the most effective approaches for promoting the policies. Additionally, as I conducted research, it was necessary for me to be attentive to and understand the arguments against the very policies our advocacy community was trying to promote in order to defend the viewpoints of the Coalition on Human Needs. And finally, I continually had to consider the implications of contending perspectives. For example, if Head Start funding is cut as the President has requested, how many fewer preschool children would be served? Or what about funding for the Social Services Block Grant? The President has level-funded the program from fiscal year 2007 (effectively cutting it, when adjusting for inflation) but what types of services are actually provided through this program, and how would this funding request really affect those individuals served? I learned the answers to important questions such as these.

Any new career plans or goals?
Yes. As a freshman, I thought I would pursue the journalism route in the political arena. I now plan to work in the public policy realm as an advocate for children and women, still benefiting from both my major backgrounds. I will likely attend a graduate school a few years down the road to obtain a Masters in Public Policy with a concentration in social, family, or gender-related policy.

Read any good books lately?
Outside of my Constitutional Law textbook? :-) I am actually reading "The Conscience of a Liberal: Reclaiming the Compassionate Agenda," written by the late senator from Minnesota, Paul Wellstone. I highly recommend it for anyone passionate about progressive politics and eager to find an avenue to influence change.

Now that you're a Washington "insider", who's going to win the presidential election this fall?
Hillary Clinton. And her vice-president will be from within - not from the table of the other democratic contenders currently in the primary race.