After serving as an intern in the Washington state Legislature, junior Sadie McMillan summed up her experience.
“In the classroom, I learned how politics worked on a surface level. I learned about politicians, lobbyists, and the system in theory — but in the office, I saw it all in action,” McMillan said.
McMillan and fellow junior Karla Navarro both served in Olympia during the 2025 legislative session. Working for different state legislators, they attended committee hearings, researched policy issues, drafted memos, and helped with constituent communications — gaining firsthand experience in how the Washington state government works.
Navarro, who is double majoring in Political Science and Social Justice and Cultural Studies with a minor in Sociology, saw how important it is for citizens to get involved in the process.
“I learned how accessible the American legislative process is, especially at the local level. We’re often intimidated to get involved, but in reality, we are the stakeholders and have every right to engage in decisions that affect our livelihoods,” Navarro said.
SPU President Deana Porterfield with McMillan (left) and Navarro (right) while on a visit to Olympia to meet with lawmakers.
McMillan is majoring in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with a concentration in law. She was struck by the level of detail required to pass a bill and was amazed to learn how many people are involved in making state government run.
“It was so powerful to see that politicians and lobbyists are real people with their own hopes for their communities.” McMillan said. “Every single bill is reviewed by multiple people — some to check grammar and wording, others to assess structure or content. It’s truly amazing!”
Balancing a 9-to-5 work schedule and a two-hour commute to Olympia with class assignments was a challenge. However, they both experienced significant personal growth and became better time managers.
“I also learned how to set a structured schedule and prioritize tasks to meet deadlines,.” Navarro said. “I learned that building relationships through communication is crucial to a successful workplace, especially in settings where ideologies may differ. Above all, kindness and respect are values I strive to uphold wherever I go.”
Both Navarro and McMillan credit SPU professors with helping them juggle their schoolwork and internship.
“Dr. Ediger (associate professor of political science) was a huge help when it came to managing deadlines and checking in during the internship. I’m so thankful I had a point of connection at SPU while I was so far from campus,” McMillan said. “I’m also thankful for the community I built — full of brilliant, inspiring people. My intern supervisors were amazing and made me feel so welcome. They supported me through the highs and lows of the internship and helped me find my place.”
Navarro shares the sentiment. “I’m incredibly thankful for the people I was surrounded by — my supervisors, office team, and peers were all so supportive, which made the experience truly engaging.” said Navarro. “Dr. Ediger and Dr. Um (assistant professor of English and cultural studies) were especially helpful during the application process and throughout the internship itself.”
Both students expressed their gratitude for the opportunity to work in Olympia, legislative process has also shaped deepened their interest in pursuing law and public service. Navarro hopes to work in local government and plans to pursue a master’s degree in public administration. McMillan says she is not only thankful to have served the people of Washington, but to be surrounded by many experienced mentors and professionals in the political field.
“I was one of the youngest there, and I loved being in a community where I could learn from others’ life experiences. I now have a clearer plan for what I want to do in the next few years, thanks to the people who walked a similar path before me.” She shared. “I learned so much about state politics, and I’m truly thankful for that.”
