July 31, 2006 | By Heather Hart

Heritage internships shape the next generation

The Heritage Foundation's 2006 summer interns pose with Heritage President Ed Feulner in Allison Foyer.

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Each summer, more than 60 young conservatives serve as interns at The Heritage Foundation. Working directly with our research analysts, policy-makers and professional staff, Heritage interns gain valuable experience even as they gain a firmer understanding of conservative principles. MyHeritage.org has invited this summer’s interns to describe their experiences.

Walking up the steps to the Supreme Court for a meeting with Justice Clarence Thomas sounds like something that only high-powered attorneys and well-connected politicians get to do.  But I had this amazing opportunity in only my third week as an intern at The Heritage Foundation.

Justice Thomas spoke with Heritage’s interns for over two hours, answering questions about his judicial philosophy and discussing the honor and privilege it is to serve on the nation’s highest court.  He was very open with us and interested in our thoughts and questions.

Hearing Justice Thomas speak helped me to better understand the impact I can have if I devote my career to furthering my ideals.  Justice Thomas explained to us how important it is that we young conservatives educate ourselves now to deal with the problems of the future.  The world and technology may be ever-changing, which is why we must turn for guidance to the fundamental principles embodied in the Constitution. This education is why Heritage’s internship program is so important.

Justice Thomas also reiterated the importance of having committed public servants in office who understand the ideas set out in our Constitution and who recognize that their powers are limited. He explained that he took “an oath to God, not to be God.” This simply strengthened my resolve to work to promote the conservative cause.   

This and other experiences over the summer solidified my belief that a Heritage internship gives young people a unique and priceless opportunity.  Every day, I have the chance to work with Americans wholly committed to ensuring that our great nation’s core values remain intact. That inspires me and gives me hope for the future. 

Heather Hart is an intern at The Heritage Foundation.