The
Communicator
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Roggie said she found herself in situations that she had never imagined.
“The internship program had a different speaker that meets with the interns every week,” Roggie said. “I also got to see President Obama as he was getting into Marine One and he waved goodbye to all the interns standing by.”
Roggie also worked as a volunteer at the White House Easter Egg Roll, and helped with a Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month event at the White House with other interns.
“It was a moment of clarity, all these people coming together for a common cause, and the vice president showing his passion and drive to help fix it,” she said. “That day, the Violence Against Women Act was reauthorized, an act he had authored as a senator years ago.”
Roggie said some of her favorite experiences happened while doing work for the Office of the Vice President.
“The first time I saw the vice president, I was escorting guests to a retirement ceremony for the ambassador of Romania, where the vice president was going to honor him,” she said. “As I saw him walk through the double doors and speak to the small group, I can definitely say it was a surreal moment.”
Roggie found it difficult to adjust at first, and admitted to missing the seclusion of St. Bonaventure at times.
“Bonaventure is a beautiful place in the mountains, and the students and faculty are focused but relaxed, and then I came to D.C., where things are hectic and people are very image-conscious and career-oriented,” she said. “It’s a great city, and there are a ton of things to do, but sometimes I did find myself missing the serenity of Bona’s.”
Roggie also had to take a semester off from her studies, but said after taking a few summer classes she is still on track to graduate on time next May.
“You do it because you know it’s going to be worthwhile,” she said. “You get to serve the public and further your skills in what you want to do.”
As much as she enjoyed it, Roggie said she’s looking forward to returning to campus in the fall.
“I had a great time working at the White House, and I have learned more about my country and who I am as a person being here and experiencing all these things, but I can’t wait to be back with my fellow Bonnies!," she said..
“I knew if I didn’t take it I would miss out on a great opportunity and lose the chance to have some truly memorable experiences.”
Fall '13