K-State student explores agricultural advocacy in Washington D.C. with the Morse Scholarship
Washington D.C. is known as the home for politics in the United States, but Erin Driscoll’s D.C. experience exposed her to something closer to home: the importance of agricultural policy and advocacy in the federal government.
The K-State junior, studying agricultural and natural resources communications, explored the ins and outs of agricultural policy thanks to the Morse Family and Community Public Policy Scholarship.
Driscoll worked in U.S. Senator Joni Ernst’s office as a legislative intern researching agricultural issues and learning how federal policy develops. Specifically, she saw how these decisions can affect the rural farmers who feed the country every day.
“Decisions that may seem small in Washington can have a major impact on a producer’s operation, reinforcing the importance of having people in government who understand agriculture and rural America,” Driscoll said.
Seeing the importance of having experts present in crafting legislation confirmed her interest in an agricultural policy career.
After the internship in Washington, Driscoll worked in the Iowa Pork Producers Association tent at the Iowa State Fair where she chatted with regular folks. Through this experience she was able to bring awareness to consumers about the importance of agriculture.
“The pork tent gave me a better appreciation for meeting people where they are and making agriculture approachable,” Driscoll said.
The Morse Family and Community Public Policy Scholarship made Driscoll’s time in Washington D.C. possible. The $5,500 scholarship honors Richard L.D. and Marjorie J. Morse, and it supports a student gaining experience in government or a nonprofit organization through a project or an internship. Driscoll’s passion for agricultural policy aligns with the scholarship’s goal of developing public policy for the community.
Through her internship she gained valuable professional experience and built connections that will benefit her as she pursues a career in this field.
By Will Hudelson