Washington, D.C. – Campbell University Junior Heather Higgins spends her days manning phones, running errands and giving tours of the Capital to visiting constituents of U.S. Representative Patrick McHenry from North Carolina’s 10th Congressional District. Higgins, who is also slated to work in the office of U.S. Rep. Renee Ellmers this summer, loves being in the thick of politics.
“I really enjoy politics,” she said. “I’ve seen and met so many wonderful and prestigious people, and it is amazing to be a part of the mechanics that make our government run every day.”
Congressman McHenry represents areas in the Blue Ridge foothills, including Hickory, Morganton, Shelby, Gastonia and Lincolnton and has served on the Committee on Financial Services and the Committee on Oversight and Government Reform.
Higgins, who eventually wants to become a federal judge, began officially working for McHenry in the summer of 2010, interning in his Hickory office. She also helped him campaign.
“Congressman McHenry is a wonderful person to work for,” said Higgins, a government/pre-law major. “He keeps a very specific sense of decorum and professionalism in his office that many others I have seen lack. He also expects the most out of his office in the way of efficiency.”
One of Higgins’ most exciting experiences since going to Washington was sitting in on a joint session of Congress in the House Gallery at which Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu spoke. Afterwards, Higgins ran into Vice President Joe Biden, shook his hand and spoke with him briefly.
Maintaining a close connection with the constituents back home as Congressman McHenry does is the key to being a good public servant, Higgins explained.
“He only cares to serve his constituents to the best of his ability,” she said. “He votes in favor of them and has them in mind every time he walks onto the floor of the House.”
Higgins will complete her internship with Rep. McHenry on July 5th and subsequently began working for Rep. Renee Ellmers. Ellmers represents counties in North Carolina’s Second District, including Chatham, Franklin, Cumberland, Harnett, Johnston, Lee, Sampson, Vance and Wake.
Higgins is the daughter of David and Lisa Higgins, of Hickory, N.C. She has two younger sisters.
Photo Copy: Heather Higgins at her job in Washington, D.C. as an intern in U.S. Rep. Patrick McHenry’s office.