Sarine Zenian is the local. The Churchill grad is taking part in an internship with the Armenian Assembly of America. There are about 20 interns from around the country taking part in the program, but Zenian was the one who could teach those from out of the area how to use the Metro. “It’s really helpful to them,” Zenian said.
The economics major at the University of Maryland is interning at the Commerce Department, but the organization offer many other options. “Most of the students that come here are interested in public service,” said Nancy Hiteshue, program director for the association. “It’s nice to have someone local, like Sarine.
Zenian is getting valuable experience in international trade, while she is also getting the opportunity to connect with her Armenian heritage. “I really wanted to check out [the U.S. Dept. of] Commerce this summer,” Zenian said.
She is dealing mainly with import/export issues. While she characterizes her work as “basic intern stuff,” she also has the chance, “to help exporters find banks in other countries.”
Some of what she is finding most educational is the opportunity to study politics in ways she hasn’t before. “This is my first experience with the whole political thing,” she said. “It’s good to see how all these pieces fit together.”
Sarine’s father, David Zenian says this may just be the beginning of her interest in the field. “In a way, being politically active is one of those things that starts to grow on you,” he said.
Sarine Zenian has enjoyed the opportunity to meet with many of the nation’s policy makers. “It’s interesting just getting their point of view in how they got into politics,” she said.
“There is a huge educational component to the program,” Hiteshue said. There is a lecture series with professionals representing the different facets of the U.S. government. “Students have the time to meet one-on-one with a congressman,” Hiteshue said.
By chance Zenian met with her own congressman, U.S. Rep Chris Van Hollen who explained how he got into politics. “I enjoyed meeting him,” she said. “It was really interesting.”
In addition to the personal component, interns have an opportunity to help the Armenian community. “They get, kind of, a re-connection with their heritage,’ Hiteshue said.
The interns contact other members of the Armenian community throughout the nation and encourage them to lobby their representatives on behalf of Armenian causes, such as a house bill to improve trade with Armenia.
“It’s just getting them into the habit of calling their congressman,” Zenian said.
While she isn’t sure if she will continue to pursue politics, she is greatly enjoying her time with the group. “It’s definitely one of the best experiences in my life.”