Congratulations to Annabelle Folsom, a student at USF’s School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies, on being selected to participate in the Legislative Internship Program for the Spring 2024 academic semester! Annabelle is currently interning with the Tampa district office of Florida House Democratic Leader Rep. Fentrice Driskell.
As a student of SIGS, Annabelle is majoring in Political Science with a double minor in Public Service and Leadership and Communications. Annabelle’s interest in politics started at a young age, as she recalls following the 2012 presidential election results on television. However, it was during high school, through volunteer work at homeless shelters and youth group camps, that her motivations to study political science began to solidify. When asked about her interest in the field, Annabelle thoughtfully replied “I recognized the vital role government functions play in people’s lives and saw pursuing this field of study as the best way to assist others.”
While at USF, Annabelle has excelled by actively participating in clubs and organizations that merge her passion for public policy with community engagement. Beginning as an intern in 2022 with an interest in helping people register to vote, Annabelle is currently serving as USF’s Club President for Florida PIRG (Public Interest Research Groups) Students. Her duties include overseeing the New Voters Project, Break Free from Plastic, and Affordable textbook campaigns where she leads a group of over 20 interns and additional volunteers, while coordinating with professional staff and officials on and off campus. As USF’s Club President, Ms. Folsom has had the opportunity to travel to Washington D.C. twice, where she spoke to elected officials to discuss leading issues that affect students nationwide, such as making college more affordable, sustainability initiatives, and textbook accessibility.
Reflecting on her academic journey at USF, Ms. Folsom credits classes taken within the School of Interdisciplinary Global Studies for having helped expand her knowledge “on a wide scope of politics, including how our leaders make decisions, the history of politics, and the functions of our political system”. In Summer 2023, Mr. Folsom also participated in the USF in London Program, led by USF SIGS Director Dr. Scott Solomon. During her time abroad, Annabelle had the opportunity to learn more about European Politics, which she attributes to having helped expand her worldview beyond the U.S and gave her global context in studying political science.
Annabelle Folsom tabling for voter registration with other interns
What Annabelle learned in class; she was able to apply in her internship. One of which ways she is doing by working on constituent cases. As a Legislative Intern, Annabelle works on resolving cases ranging in issues regarding unemployment, education, and veteran’s affairs by referring and connecting constituents to state institutions and government offices that provide the necessary resources. She has really enjoyed being of service to others and seeing the positive impacts of her work when cases are resolved. Annabelle has also had the opportunity to represent the district office at various events and attend a panel at the WFLA station to observe how news is conducted behind the scenes. Through her internship, she hopes to acquire the applicable knowledge needed for a comprehensive understanding of working in government.
To prospective students of Political Science at USF, Annabelle shares this advice, “Don’t be afraid to express your thoughts or opinions. In Politics, you must get comfortable with sharing your thoughts on a wide range of topics. As long as you are being respectful-share your thoughts. You can learn a lot from others who may share different opinions or perspectives when engaging in healthy dialogue and exchanging ideas.” She strongly encourages students to pursue all opportunities available that align with their interests. With over 500 organizations on campus, a variety of clubs, and internship programs at USF, there is something for everyone!
In addition to her role with Florida PIRG Students, Annabelle was recently elected to Student Government where she will serve as a Senator. She also looks forward to participating in the USF Ambassadors Program, starting later this semester. Annabelle still is undecided on her path after graduation; however, she would love her career to be involved in the public sector working in some capacity to help further contribute to change. After all, as she mentioned, political science is a field that is broad and provides a diverse array of opportunities for those who desire to pursue it.