Department engages students in real-world politics

A sophomore Political Science major serving a five-month internship with Senator Raphael Warnock, first-generation college student Katie Gonzalez makes the most of every opportunity, just as her mother and father did when they arrived in Georgia from Colombia and Puerto Rico, respectively.

“I owe them my life because they came to this country so I could have the best chance at success in my life in America, ‘the land of opportunity,’” Gonzalez said.

She said her federal role gives her the chance to see how the government works on a ground level.

“I get to observe how our elected representatives interact with constituents on a day-today basis,” Gonzalez said.

Her passion and dedication to the Political Science program began before stepping foot on campus, according to Professor Dr. John Tures.

“Katie had such a strong work ethic that she was willing to help with research before she took her first class at LaGrange College,” he said. “She just volunteered.”

In March, Gonzalez and fellow Political Science students Ema Turner ’24

Fyfe, who has been taking classes at LaGrange while pursuing a law degree at Queen’s University Belfast in Ireland, said taking political science classes in America has been beneficial for her future career aspirations.

“Through the study of the U.S. judicial system and the upcoming presidential election, I have been exposed to new proceedings in politics, how the American government works and key principles of the political culture in this country,” she said.

Turner said LaGrange College has helped her prepare for law school.

“Dr. Tures does a great job on giving us real-life activities to help us understand the American judicial system,” she said. “It has given me a better understanding of the legal system and helped me find my passion.”