Above / Logan White is pictured last week at the U.S. Capitol in Washington, D.C. (Photo courtesy of Kim White)
Naperville residents Logan White and Tyler Giacalone spent this spring interning for U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL), working behind the scenes in the Senator’s Capitol Hill office. Each year, close to 50 interns work in Durbin’s Washington, D.C. office.
Durbin recalls beginning his career on Capitol Hill as a college intern for Senator Paul Douglas of Illinois.
“I will never forget that day in February of 1966 when he agreed to hire me as an intern to work in his office,” Durbin noted in a written statement. “As a student from East St. Louis, Illinois, going to work in the office of a U.S. Senator was one of the most exciting things I had ever done. I know what a valuable experience it can be and we strive to make sure all of our students get a glimpse into the workings of the United States Senate.”
Logan White
Although considered a “military brat,” Logan was primarily raised in Naperville, Illinois, and is currently preparing to graduate from Howard University in Washington, D.C. with a degree in Strategic, Legal and Management Communication with a concentration in Public Relations. Prior to joining Durbin’s Washington, D.C. office, Logan interned in Senator Dianne Feinstein’s Washington D.C. office and at Global Resource Solutions, a government contracting firm committed to finding solutions for U.S. Intelligence, Defense and Security communities.
In addition to interning, Logan has spent the school year cheerleading at Howard University football and basketball games, and giving tours to prospective Howard University students.
“My career interest in public service stemmed from my father, Benny White, being historically elected to the Naperville City Council, and I knew that a press internship with Senator Durbin’s office would enhance my communication skills necessary for career success,” White said. “This experience has led me to become further aware of current human and civil rights issues that I am passionate about confronting, especially since these are issues that are extremely important to Senator Durbin.”
The graduate of Neuqua Valley High School is the daughter of Naperville City Councilman Benny White and Community Career Center Executive Director Kim White.
Tyler Giacalone
Giacalone was raised in Naperville, Illinois, and is currently completing his junior year at Ohio State University. He serves as the field organizer for the College Democrats on campus at The Ohio State University. His inspiration for political work came about when watching President Obama’s first inaugural address during his lunch period. That inspiration is what got Giacalone to start his career with the Obama re-election campaign as a campaign fellow. He has since worked on campaigns throughout Illinois and Ohio ranging from city council to presidential.
When taking a break from campaign work, he worked with Argonne National Laboratory as a research aide, which led to his interest in nuclear energy and waste policy.
“Government has the unique potential to help people in their everyday lives,” Giacalone said. “Senator Durbin epitomizes what it means to represent his constituents. It has been one of the greatest privileges of my life to work for a Senator who demonstrates every day his care for Illinoisans.”
Serving as an Intern
The intern responsibilities include assisting full-time staff in responding to constituent related topics, assisting with information inquiries, attending committee and agency hearings and briefings, researching legislative issues and policy questions, and observing floor proceedings. During that time, the students gain firsthand knowledge of the legislative process, learn about the inner-workings of the federal government, and develop valuable research skills.
Story submitted by Amanda Roberts for Senator Durbin. The photo of Giacalone with the Senator was added May 14, 2018, upon receipt and is courtesy of the Senate Photo Studio.
