Communication Arts major Alia Leroy discovered her passion for politics and communication and found an amazing internship that let her pursue them both. After initially majoring in journalism, Alia found herself drawn to classes in the communication arts like intercultural communication and public speaking. This led her to a change of major and subsequently, to an internship with Florida Senator Oscar Braynon II, of District 36. Using the knowledge and skills she has learned from her communication arts courses and the experience she has gained from her internship, she hopes to one day become a lobbyist for higher education and an advocate for the homeless.
Her internship with the Senator’s office has provided Alia with the opportunity to meet politicians and their top aides, ask questions and even bounce ideas off of them to get their opinions and expertise. Alia even had the chance to help draft an anti-bullying bill related to sports, which is still in the development stage. This first-hand experience with the legislative process has been very exciting for the future lobbyist!
Alia, who once viewed herself as somewhat shy, says she gained confidence from her Public Speaking class because she has learned how to speak in front of people she did not know. She knows that to be a successful politician, she must have great communication skills and looks forward to learning more as she continues her classes. In the meantime, her hard work is paying off: she has been offered the chance to extend her internship for a second semester and to accompany the Senator to Tallahassee when the Legislature convenes!
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