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NRL News
A Brief
Look into the Life of an NRLC Intern Five young people from across the country, each with different backgrounds, come together for one common cause in the rough, political terrain that is Washington, D.C. This sounds like the opening dialogue for a reality show, doesn’t it? In many ways, being out here in D.C. I have felt as if I should have cameras following my every move because it all seems so foreign and exciting! Coming from the Great Plains, I knew I was far from home when I saw my first Segway (the high-tech, vertical scooter) tour buzzing around on the way to work one morning. The building of National Right to Life may have looked inconspicuous at first glance, but after a few days in the office, you feel the true sense of unity and passion that drives the staff of NRLC. Once working here, you realize the true heart and soul that goes into this organization. It becomes truly apparent when you get to know the genius behind the Pro-Life Movement. The directors of National Right to Life all share the same tale—they did not choose this cause, the cause chose them. Many attest to the fact that fighting for the unborn is a calling, and they would not have it any other way. Nothing is more inspiring for impressionable ears to hear, and if the whole country had this sense of dignity, we would be living in a different world. This whole experience has been character-shaping and humbling, but it has come with great perks. Twice a week, as interns, we take part in an intimate seminar setting with influential groundbreakers in the Pro-Life Movement and the “Generals,” so to speak, in this great army of pro-lifers. What they tell us stirs our hearts and educates us on how to fight strategically in order to be able to go on the front lines ourselves. What seems to leave the biggest impression on the majority of the interns is the fact that these brilliant, dynamic individuals could very easily do anything else—perhaps something more financially stable—but have instead dedicated their whole lives to defending the innocent. If this isn’t moving enough, we also got to meet some of our nation’s finest lawmakers. I’m sure not one of us will ever forget the day we sat in the front row of the House of Representatives on Capitol Hill and got to meet Rep. Chris Smith, a pro-life champion and co-chair of the House Pro-Life Caucus. Only time will tell what effect Rep. Smith’s stirring words will have on us in years to come. Yes, the crazy whirlwind of National Right to Life has shaped our hearts and minds forever. As an intern, the duties may not be glamorous, but there is a sense of pride and purpose that goes with copying a document or mailing a shipment of brochures. It is the fact you are making a small, but sure difference. That is truly what being pro-life is all about. It is the small efforts by many people that change the world. We are happy to be the new recruits enlisted in this fight. Though the battle may be long, we are confident that victory is assured due to the efforts of those who have led and continue to lead the movement. Here is a brief look at the five young women who interned at National Right to Life this summer. They each describe a highlight of their experience. Medical Ethics Ashley Alhquist is a pageant girl hailing from the Twin Cities in Minnesota. She is a political science major at the Catholic University of America. “My best experience … I would have to say hearing Karen Cross, the NRLC political director, speak to us one on one at our weekly seminars. She is such an inspiration, and I aspire to take on a position such as hers in the future.” Financial Services Loretta McCommas is a native to the D.C. area, hailing from Centreville, Virginia. Loretta is a business major at Grove City College and wishes to someday work for a non-profit group as a career choice. “The convention was one of the major highlights of the internship here at NRLC. I felt incredibly blessed to have the opportunity to meet so many passionate people united by the pro-life mission.” Development Katie Pecha is a second-grade school teacher hailing from Crete, Nebraska. She attended college at the University of Dallas with a degree in elementary education. “I believed, even before I came here, that this is the greatest movement of our time. My summer here has proved that National Right to Life is at the forefront of this movement. I have a lot of admiration for NRLC’s expertise and professionalism. Meeting the talented and intelligent people dedicated to the movement has been a true inspiration.” Federal Legislation Although only 19, Jessica Rodgers is no newbie to the Pro-Life Movement. Jessica is from Salem, Oregon. She formerly worked for the state of Oregon and at Oregon Right for Life. She would like to pursue her love further by continuing her pro-life work on the East Coast. “What was thrilling to me was going to the Capitol with Susan Muskett, NRLC’s congressional liaison, and got the wonderful opportunity to attend meetings with her.” Media Relations and Outreach As for me, my name is Rachael Tvrdy and I’m another Cornhusker from Lincoln, Nebraska. I attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, currently searching for my life’s purpose and a major that I enjoy. My best experience here so far would be getting to hear the leaders of the movement speak firsthand, and also getting to know them on a more personal level. It is the connections you make with other people that truly stick with you and touch your heart. |