In a democracy, citizens are encouraged to call their representatives in Congress whether it's to vent, opine, or raise a personal or societal concern. Of course, that means someone is required to be on the other end of the call. In Senator Chuck Schumer's (D-NY) Albany office, that's Bill Karipidis '24.
"When I get into the office, there could be 50 to 100 messages. Sometimes we'll get up to 300 calls a day. If we're opening a case on someone's behalf, they'll get a call back. But even if they're just expressing an opinion, we log it and share it with the senator. He looks at every single one."
Bill interned for his local congressman back in New Jersey, and when he learned of an opportunity to intern in Senator Schumer's office, he leapt at the chance. Bill won't be pursuing a life in politics, but the political science major does want to make a difference in people's lives. That passion, no matter where you find it, is transferable.
"I've really enjoyed it. It's one thing to learn about how the legislative process works in the classroom, but getting to experience it hands on – that's a whole new way of learning. There aren't a lot of public servants who care as much as he does. The influence he has, the way he cares about his constituents... he visits every county in New York each year."
Bill will graduate this May, in just three years, and then plans to take a semester break before enrolling in law school – Georgetown is the dream – next spring. After that, Bill hopes to pursue a career in corporate or real estate law, but that's not his end game.
"I don't want to be in corporate law my whole life. I'd like to open my own firm and focus on disabilities law. I know a lot of people with disabilities, and sometimes they get taken advantage of by the system. I want to make sure that doesn't happen."
He's already started. In Senator Schumer's office, Bill often hears from someone in need of help. He quickly returns the call, listens, and elevates their case to the appropriate person. Whether it's as an elected public servant or legal counsel, helping is helping.
"Although I'm going to be in a different field, it's beneficial to walk with people who need it."
That a lesson, Bill says, has been an honor to learn from Senator Schumer.
