Erika’s in the White House!
Interning at the White House
Erika Morris is a sophomore at the illustrious Fisk University and keeps her schedule full. She participates on the cheer squad, makes time to study for her 14-unit class schedule and held down a fall semester internship at the White House.
“You’re right next to my office!” was the text Dr. Marshall received from Erika while he was a guest at the White House. Nothing makes Alive & Free proud than receiving such a message. Our current collegian is an intern at the White House!
While double majoring in Business Administration with a concentration in Financial Economics and Data Science, Erika received an email about the internship opportunity the day before it was due. “I had to ask myself if I really wanted to try for this internship. I’ve always been interested in politics,” she shares as she reminisces of her time served on San Francisco’s Youth Commission as a senior in high school. “I gathered my recommendations for the application and drilled in on my college assignments. Then I received a phone interview!” the 18-year-old from San Francisco’s Bayview district revealed with a smile. “My whole family was in the room as I did the interview, but I asked them to leave. They were making me nervous,” she laughed.
“When they asked for my background check, I knew I had a real chance of receiving the internship. When they confirmed their choice, I was jumping up and down with joy! I ran to tell my cheer coach, I ran to tell my friends, I called my parents…I was everywhere telling everyone on the day that I found out!”
As her family drove her from Nashville, TN to Washington D.C., Erika was still in awe of being chosen. “I am really at the White House!” Even after two months of walking the halls to the East Wing, Erika was star struck. She worked under First Lady Jill Biden on the Joint Forces Task Force. “It was set up for military families, their caregivers and survivors who are caring for them. They focus on military childcare, military spousal employment, as well as health and well-being.”
“I have family that was in the military, so it was important for me to be immersed in the work. I really am grateful for the military. I was able to listen to their stories and sacrifices. It was amazing to understand these people have really worked their hardest to make sure we’re all safe and protected.”
Erika’s drive to stay focused on her studies and disciplined with her assignments allowed her to take advantage of this opportunity. She was a full-time student as well as a full-time intern with a 40-hour work week. “I had early mornings and long nights. I worked at the White House until 5pm, then I would take the train back to my apartment and worked on my school assignments until midnight.” She kept her routine and didn’t lose any momentum in school and earned a G.P.A. of 3.9 that fall semester. “This job helped me to prioritize my duties and stay disciplined. I learned skills for a career, but I also learned personal skills on how to manage my home.”
Erika wasn’t exactly alone as she lived in D.C. Fellow Alive & Free collegians Markeyla and Siyani, who both attend Howard University, gave Erika a tour of the area. All three attended Alive & Free’s Leadership Academy and College Prep class together in 2020-21. “Alive & Free was in my head 24/7. The ways to be Alive & Free and the Coachisms allowed me to go about my day in a positive way. My friends are good and are not going to lead me to danger. I don’t do things that don’t work. I always carry Alive & Free with me proudly.”
We are happy to share our collegians experiences as they develop their skills in making positive impacts in the community and the world. Great job Erika!
