Article by Rebecca Kubacki,
State Representative for House District 22

(Photo provided)

Each summer since 1989, the State Personnel Department administers the Governor’s Public Service Summer Internship program. The program provides interns with opportunities to work with state agency officials as well as participate in a Speakers Series, which features various elected officials, state agency directors and other government representatives.

I was honored to address interns that were accepted by 21 different executive agencies into this incredible program. It is great to see so many young Hoosiers taking advantage of this opportunity. It is important for legislators to listen to what the younger generation has to say.  They are smart and are in tune with the direction we need go as a state to continue to keep Indiana moving forward.  The voice of the younger generation is just as important as the baby boomer generation.

In my speech, I spoke on different topics including qualities of a leader as well as legislation that passed during the 2014 legislative session.  I shared with them that while this internship and life in general has its challenges, how we face those challenges determines what kind of a leader we will become.

Every journey is different and we all encounter obstacles. Personally, I did not think I had the skills necessary to become a state leader, but I knew that in order to help people, which is why I wanted to be a public servant in the first place, I had to overcome that lack of confidence. I realized that by learning from my mistakes and through hard work, any goal can be achieved or obstacle overcame.

We live in a country where we all can become leaders, and in my speech, I shared with the students that true leaders stand up for what is right. Leadership does not have to be grand; instead, it can be small acts of kindness. Helping others when they need it most is another form of true leadership.

Our state government offers many unique opportunities for future leaders to expand their skills and learn about the world around them. It is so important for young people to become involved in politics as legislators are making laws today that will affect their future. Find out who your state legislators and senators are, contact them and make your opinions known. I highly encourage all those interested in internships to begin researching to find the right fit for you.

To be considered for the governor’s program, the candidates must be currently enrolled as an undergraduate or graduate, with an accredited post-secondary institution and have completed at least one year of undergraduate education.

To learn about this and other internships in Indiana’s government visit http://www.in.gov/spd/2335.htm.