News and Events
[printer friendly version]posted on 9/13/04
Political Science Major Completes State Government Summer Internship
Story written for SJC by Publications and Media Relations Intern Rebecca Scherer.
Posted: September 13, 2004.
Junior Political Science major Joseph Dovidio has known for nearly two years that he wants to go into politics someday. This past summer, the first steps towards his goal were realized as he obtained an internship with the Board of Supervisors for Orange and Los Angeles Counties in his hometown state of California.
Dovidio worked directly for the Chairman of the board supervisors, who is second in command only to the Governor, and came in everyday contact with various governmental councils and mayors, including State Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger. "Everyday going to work, I felt like a kid in a candy store," he said. "I was so excited with what I was doing and really felt like I was making a difference."
In Orange County, he was appointed the only intern, where he focused on environmental issues. He handled major concerns with harbors, beaches, and parks and assured the safety of the water quality for animal ecosystems and human drinking water. Many of his projects required him to manage flood control and other hazardous environmental condition warnings.
For Dovidio's work in L.A. County, he was one of two interns accompanying a department consisting of fifteen employees. Although one of his concerns continued to be environmental issues, his work allowed him to focus mainly on the protection of civil liberties. He worked closely with the American Civil Liberties Union, particularly with the distinction between church and state. He took on an active role in a court case that sought to defend a state organization emblem, under scrutiny because of a small cross depicted on it. In addition, Dovidio's job duties also included work with policing and enforcement systems as well as immigrant population factors.
Working in California reinforced Dovidio's conviction of active participation in the democratic process. He believes that Americans need to participate more in the electoral process and encourages everyone to vote in the upcoming election. "Democracy gives us the freedom to voice our opinions, and we do that by registering to vote and getting out to the polls," he said.
The most beneficial aspect of Dovidio's experience lies in the hands-on knowledge he acquired, which he considers priceless. "The best thing was going behind the scenes with everyone rather than learning from a textbook," he said. "It's a much different learning experience when you can see someone execute the knowledge and facts that you were taught in a classroom. You get something different out of it."
A favorite part of Dovidio's experience was meeting and working alongside Schwarzenegger, particularly when he and his coworkers sang "Happy Birthday" to the celebrity.
As a result of his internship, Dovidio has teamed up with SJC Associate Professor of Political Science Dr. Peter Watkins to devise a unique independent study course for this fall. The class focuses on federalism and utilizes Dovidio's recent experience while prompting him to delve deeper into the realm of politics and government. "I've always been interested in politics, and (this internship) was great because I got to see the background of what I've been learning. I was able to apply what I learned in Dr. Watkins' classes," he said.
Saint Joseph's College, named a "character-building college" by the Templeton Foundation, is a four-year, Catholic liberal arts college offering 79 major, minor, and pre-professional programs. Founded and sponsored by the Missionaries of the Precious Blood, SJC is located in Rensselaer, Indiana, approximately 90 minutes from both Chicago and Indianapolis, on a park-like campus of 180 acres and has an enrollment of approximately 1,000 students.
