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Name:
Peggy McLeish
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Residence:
Indianapolis, Indiana
Graduation Year:
1998
Major:
Human Services/Social Work
Minors:
French and Political Science
Why did you choose SJC?
Saint Joseph's College played a significant role
in the success of my older siblings. Hearing them talk about their classes
and professors really impacted me and came to mind when I began thinking
about college choices. When I visited the campus, I found it to be very
welcoming. I also thought the professors would give me the academic push
I needed, but with a gentle hand. As a student, what were you involved in?
I was heavily involved in student government at
SJC. I was the Halas Hall Governor, Chair of the Governors Committee, and
a Representative on the Student Life Committee, which was comprised of faculty,
administration, and students and discussed issues related to campus life.
I was News Editor and a reporter for The Observer (SJC's student-produced
newspaper), where I learned how to edit stories and design page layouts.
I also completed two internships as part of the curriculum for my degree, including one with Crime Victims Assistance in Terre Haute, Indiana, the summer before my junior year. My job was to help victims through legal processes, especially those with low-income backgrounds. Sometimes, I even went to court with them. That internship sparked my interest in criminal law. My second internship took place the summer before my senior year, and it was with a public defender in Jasper County. I went to court with him and learned the different steps involved in legal proceedings.
What are you doing now?
I'm a Caucus Assistant and Press Secretary for the
Senate Democratic Caucus in Indianapolis, which means I work for the 18
Democratic State Senators in Indiana. During the legislative session, which
lasts three to four months a year, I keep the media updated on what our
members are doing, which includes writing press releases, organizing press
conferences, attending committee meetings, and distributing weekly constituent
publications that outline the current issues each senator is focusing on.
When not in session, I work on more consuming projects, like writing and
designing our semi-annual newsletter and issue-specific publications for
our constituents. I also navigate "everyday" people through the different
loops of government. I've helped one person take action against her landlord
for not repairing her damaged roof, found grants for somebody wanting to
open a business, and answered questions about property tax issues. How did SJC prepare you for the "real world"?
Saint Joseph's College taught me to be curious and
not to take everything at face value. My education encouraged me to do my
own research on an issue, and now, if there's information to be found, I
can find it! The Core Program also taught me how to take a complicated idea
and break it down. This is extremely important in my job, since my duty
is essentially to bring the governmental system down to a level that is
more accessible, and to make constituents feel connected to our government
and part of the legislative process.
