Leah Schaefer (C’19)

ENGLISH, POLITICAL SCIENCE
Research Assistant for the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, United States Senate

When Leah moved to Washington, D.C. after graduation, she didn’t have a job, but she knew she had the support of her Principia political science professors. 

Soon after, however, she landed an internship that led to a permanent staff assistant position in the Senate. Within six months, her boss, the senator, tapped Leah to take on the role of director of operations for the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works.

When he became the ranking member of the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources, Leah followed the senator to become a research assistant, allowing her to take on her preferred work in policy.

“It worked out better than I could have ever expected.”

Even though she's no longer a college student, Leah has remained in touch with her professors when questions arise, which is not unusual for Principia graduates. She also leaned on her English degree, which has proven advantageous as senior staff members rely on her to proofread pieces of legislation. 

“I’ve been able to articulate what I want to say really well. I know that my superiors have noticed that and can appreciate that.”

Because of her double major, Leah felt equipped to cultivate productive conversations amid disagreements with students that felt differently about the world than she did. She valued the small class sizes at Principia where she was able to develop a deeper relationship with both classmates and professors.

Leah participated in Model Illinois Government, student government, and served in various positions on house boards, in addition to her role as captain of the softball team.

Must-Take Courses: Latin American Politics, Jane Austen Literature

Advice for Incoming Students: Develop mentor relationships with your professors and other adults. Ask a lot of questions. There is such a wealth of information at Principia.