By Makenzie Winkler
Zachary Weston
Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) junior Zachary Weston has spent Tuesdays and Thursdays of the spring semester at the Kentucky State Capitol. Through the Colonels at the Capitol Internship Program (CCIP), Weston works under Representative Bobby McCool. McCool is a 1991 EKU graduate with a bachelor’s degree in education.
Weston, a political science and English double major, found out about the internship opportunity from his political science advisor. Participants for the CCIP are selected after a competitive application process, which requires a 3.0 overall GPA and a 3.2 major GPA and completion of POL 101: Introduction to American Government.
“This internship has helped me by giving me an idea of what being a politician is like,” Weston said. “It’s very helpful to participate in this experience because I can utilize it later in life.”
Weston, from Bardstown, Kentucky, says he has learned firsthand how politics function at the legislative level. Not only does he spend time doing research and writing letters, his typical day also consists of meeting with Representative McCool, bill reviews, committee meetings and sessions.
“The best part of this internship, bar none, has been my experiences with the legislators of our great state,” said Weston. “They’ve all been so nice and instructive; I’ve learned a ton from them.”
After graduation, Weston plans on attending law school in preparation for a career in politics.
More information about the requirements for the program can be found at government.eku.edu/colonels-capitol-internship-program.