Kennesaw State University student Darrius Knight was selected from more than 300 applicants to serve as a spring intern in the office of U.S. Senator Raphael Warnock, according to a March 27 announcement.
The opportunity allows Knight, a political science major with a minor in international affairs, to apply his education and leadership experience on Capitol Hill. He said the internship is especially meaningful because it enables him to work on legislation that affects college students nationwide.
Each day in Senator Warnock’s office begins with reviewing constituent voicemails and quickly shifts into legislative assignments covering areas such as education, labor, and foreign policy. Knight said one of his most important roles has been analyzing bills related to federal student loans and proposed changes to the FAFSA process. “These bills can impact students who receive federal financial aid at colleges across the country,” Knight said. “Being on a team who helps organize information so the senator can decide which bills he should support is a task I don’t take lightly because I know it can have a direct impact on my peers back home at KSU.”
Knight credits his coursework at Kennesaw State’s Norman J. Radow College of Humanities and Social Sciences for preparing him for these responsibilities. He also acknowledged support from Leon Humphrey, his program coordinator and mentor at KSU’s Department of Student Leadership, after an earlier setback applying for internships. “Through his positions as a tour guide and orientation leader with New Student Programs, I knew Darrius possessed the ability to be a high-character leader, one with both the interpersonal and strategic skills needed to succeed in roles involving advocacy, community engagement, and public service,” Humphrey said.
Financial support from the D.C. Owls Scholarship helped relieve housing expenses during Knight’s internship period in Washington. This allowed him time not only for work but also for networking opportunities with other interns and exploring local landmarks like the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library.
As he considers future steps beyond graduation, Knight encouraged fellow students: “This is your moment,” he said. “Your experience at KSU has prepared you for this moment and equipped you with everything you need to succeed. The only thing you have to do is take advantage of the opportunities in front of you.”
