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

by Alcee Lamar Hastings

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

                                 ______
                                 

                         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.