Politics has become one of the greatest passions in Rich Winter’s life.

When he arrived at New Paltz, Rich wasn’t planning on a career in politics. He had aspirations to become a lawyer. However, through the Political Science program at New Paltz, he soon found his calling.

Today, the political science senior has a front row seat to the workings of a politician’s life. He has been serving as an intern in the office of Congressman John Hall (19th District) since the summer of 2007.

When the fall semester began, Rich transferred his internship from Congressman Hall’s Washington, D.C. office to his regional office in Goshen. Rich plans to continue his work with the 19th district until graduation.

Casework, briefings, and legislative action are not only permanently ingrained in his vocabulary; they are his world. He thrives on the fast-paced atmosphere of politics and enjoys participating in congressional forums open to the public and researching public policy on a variety of issues.

He also learned valuable leadership and decision-making skills in his extra-curricular pursuits on campus. Rich has served as a student ambassador, a Campus Judicial Committee member and a student advocate.  He says being a resident assistant for the past year and a half has allowed him to improve his ability to listen effectively on both an academic and personal platform.

Following graduation, Rich would like to continue to be involved in congressional work and is exploring his career options.