Kyle Kuykendall

Kyle Kuykendall is currently a senior at the University of North Texas and is majoring in Emergency Administration and Planning. During the spring of 2005, Kyle interned in Senator John Cornyn’s Washington, DC office through the NTDC program.  “Being in the Senator’s office was truly a rewarding opportunity,” Kyle said, “you never really know how hard or fast paced the work is until you experience it yourself.” During his internship, Kyle was able to work closely with some of the Senator’s key legislative staff on issues such as immigration and health care, and he was given the opportunity to participate in a supportive role in several committee hearings.  
  
Since his time in the NTDC program, Kyle has interned with Congressman Burgess’ campaign office (TX-26) and with the US Marshals Service Dallas office.  Following his graduation this December, Kyle intends to attend graduate school and eventually continue his service in the public sector.  “Its amazing how many doors the NTDC program has opened for me.  Two years ago I would have never thought that I would have ever lived and worked in DC; now I have done it twice!  I would encourage anyone looking into this program to think about it seriously. I know that it was a the best possible choice that I could have made in my college career, and I’m certain it could be just as rewarding for anyone else.”

Kim Garza

Kim Garza is originally from Beaumont, Texas and a senior at the University of North Texas. Garza received her Bachelor's degree in Political Science with a minor in History and Spanish. During her two and a half years at North Texas she was active in Chi Omega, SGA, NT40, Order of Omega, Gamma Sigma Alpha, and Phi Alpha Delta. In the spring of 2004 Garza moved to Washington, DC with the mind set that she would be there for four months while she interned for Congressman Michael C. Burgess (TX-26).  At that time she couldn't see what was in store for her in the near future.  Four months turned into a year and Garza moved to an internship in the West Wing of the White House.  "Working in the West Wing during an election year was a chance of a lifetime," Garza said, 'I've had the opportunity to work in the most powerful house in the world."  Garza currently serves as the Campaign Manager for Congressman Michael Burgess.

Sarah Mathis

Sarah Mathis grew up the daughter of an Air Force Chaplain. The military took her family all over the world and she finally settled at the University of North Texas to begin her college career. Sarah received her Bachelor's in Emergency Administration and Disaster Planning and is now pursuing a Master's of Public Administration from UNT.  Mathis spent the Fall 2003 semester interning in Senator Kay Bailey Hutchison's office.

"I loved my experience in DC," said Sarah, "It is such a cultural and political hub. You learn so much just by being there. At first I wondered if a press internship would be the most beneficial since it does not appear to fit with my future career goals. However, I quickly learned that for anyone interested in policy formation the press office is a great way to get exposure to its development and implementation. A DC internship is not just for political science or pre-law majors. Anyone who has an interest in public service can benefit from an internship. I fell in love with DC and its culture and the fast pace of the office could keep you from getting out. The best advice I had before I left was to make sure that I took advantage of every opportunity while in DC. You can rest when you come back to Texas!"