May 10, 2022 (Chattanooga, TN) --- There are not a lot of students that can claim to land a congressional internship, but Michaela Dawson, a political science major at Chattanooga State Community College, did just that. Michaela, who graduated this spring with an Associate of Science degree with a Political Science concentration using Tennessee Transfer Pathways, is a member of Global Scholars and Phi Theta Kappa, a three-time Dean’s List honoree, and a Tennessee Promise student from Chattanooga.

Ms. Dawson said she had been wanting to intern for Congressman Fleischmann for a few months before she landed it. Because congressional internships are extremely competitive, “I was waiting for the right time and with the help and support of my advisor, Dr. Liz Norell, I sent in the application and heard back shortly thereafter about an interview.” When Michaela was chosen, she felt a great sense of accomplishment.

Responsibilities at an internship vary, but Michaela is responsible for answering and interacting with constituents on the phone, sorting mail, sending out correspondence, and researching any news about the congressman. By the end of her experience, Ms. Dawson said, “I hope to gain more knowledge in general about government and politics because I have so much interest in them.”

As she began her internship last fall, Michaela never dreamed she would still be at work there this spring. When her internship ended in December 2021, she was thrilled to be offered a full-time job at the Congressman’s office.

“Working with Chuck Fleischmann and his staff has been a wonderful and educating experience, and I cannot wait to continue it as I finish school,” stated Ms. Dawson. “I will continue to work hard to achieve my goals and remember that there was once a time I never thought I would even get this far, and here I am. That will always be what I remember when I face obstacles in the future, and it will also be what drives me to work harder and succeed.”

With her passion for politics and government made even stronger by this opportunity, Michaela was excited to complete her degree at ChattState and begin working on a bachelor’s degree in Public Policy Administration.

Dawson chose to attend Chattanooga State to take advantage of the great opportunities offered. “I felt it was a great place to start and it has definitely lived up to my expectations.” Michaela also has high praise for Dr. Norell and other instructors who want students to succeed and reach their goals.

Chattanooga State… Start here, go anywhere.