Honoring the Flinders University of South Australia Washington DC Interns and Internship Program

HONORING THE FLINDERS UNIVERSITY OF SOUTH AUSTRALIA WASHINGTON DC                     INTERNS AND INTERNSHIP PROGRAM

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HON. ALCEE L. HASTINGS

of florida

in the house of representatives

Wednesday, February 12, 2003

Mr. HASTINGS of Florida. Mr. Speaker, it is with great pride and enthusiasm that I rise today to pay tribute to Flinders University of South Australia Washington, DC Internship Program. The Flinders University program is to be commended for providing five Australian college students with the opportunity to experience the American political process first hand, while at the same time, furthering the already strong relationship between the United States and Australia. For the past six weeks, I have had the privilege to participate in the Flinders University program. The intern assigned to my office, Ms. Tamera Gale, has been an incredible asset to my staff and me. I have learned from her, and I certainly hope that she has learned from me. Tamera is a third year college student at Flinders University in her hometown of Adelaide, Australia. She is majoring in American Studies. When speaking with her recently, Tamera expressed her appreciation for the opportunity to intern in my office. But as I told her then, I truly appreciate the opportunity to have her working with my staff and me. During her time in my office, Tamera has assisted in the drafting of a resolution honoring the long-standing U.S.-Australia relationship, as well as educating herself and others on the rich history of African Americans in the U.S. Armed Forces. The fruit of Tamera's labor has been passed on to my colleagues in the House of Representatives through my African American History Month Dear Colleague letters honoring the lives of a different African American military hero each day. Mr. Speaker, we live in a good country filled with opportunity and good people. However, we venture outside of our borders all too little. The Flinders University of South Australia Washington, DC Internship Program provides Australian students with the opportunity to travel to the United States and view our democracy and life in our country. Equally, the program provides Members and staff with an opportunity to learn about the political process and life in Australia, a country and continent that too few of us visit. It has been an honor to have Tamera intern in my office, and I wish her and her fellow intems good luck and fortune in all of their future endeavors. I look forward to participating in the Flinders program next year and urge my colleagues to do the same.