Taste of Politics

By Cori Anderson ‘18

Bradley sociology major Emily Winkle ’17 explored the world of politics through a summer internship with Rep. Cheri Bustos.

Winkle, from Bartonville, Illinois, gained an insiders’ view into national and regional politics through the summer experience. This helped shape her political career hopes.

Through interaction with members of Illinois’ 17^th District, Winkle discovered she enjoyed working with the public. She fondly recalled correspondence with a particular child who was featured on Steve Harvey’s talk show.

“The most gratifying part of this experience was receiving feedback from the constituents to whom I wrote letters,” said Winkle. “I emailed a letter to the girl’s mother, who quickly replied back to share how exciting it was to receive a letter from our office. She said she would hang it in her daughter’s room. It’s such a great feeling to know a letter I wrote was valued that much.”

Winkle credited knowledge learned in the classroom for her summer success. The summer education will also impact her understanding of class materials back on the Hilltop.

“Sociology classes gave me the critical thinking skills to assess situations and make the right decisions,” she said. “Now, when we cover government in my classes, I have an insider’s perspective to share.

Winkle discovered the internship through a job and internship fair sponsored by Bradley’s Smith Career Center.