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Tristan Macdonald '12 |
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5/23/12
Randolph-Macon College student
Tristan Macdonald ’12 says his most memorable college experience was joining the
Kappa Alpha Order.
“College life is all about making the most of your time,” says Macdonald, a
political science major and
ethics minor from Salem, Virginia. He considers his friendships with KA members and alumni invaluable.
“KA has helped me make the most of my opportunities at R-MC,” he says. “The KA alumni have gone out of their way to help me. They helped me find internships, and they introduced me to lots of people. That kind of networking is so important.”
Learning by Doing During January Term (
J-term) 2011, Macdonald interned with Hanover Circuit Judge J. Overton Harris.
“Judge Harris took time in between cases to sit down with me and explain why he came to his conclusion,” says Macdonald. “He also explained why the defense or state attorney represented the information of a case in a particular way. The
internship was a great way to learn about the judicial system and procedures of the court system.”
Macdonald interned with Richmond Lobbyist
Cal Whitehead ’96 during J-term 2012.
“I had worked with Mr. Whitehead in summer 2011, when the General Assembly was not in session, and then he offered me the opportunity to serve as a J-term intern during Session,” says Macdonald. “There is a lot of activity during Session; it’s all very fast-paced. Mr. Whitehead made sure I got the full experience: I met his clients and the legislators, and I sat in on the Committee and Floor Sessions. He has gone out of his way to help me get connected with possible employers and has been kind enough to put in a good reference for me whenever I have applied for jobs. To say the least, my internship with Mr. Whitehead is the biggest reason I want to be a lobbyist.”
Future Plans Macdonald, who serves as co-chair of the Class of 2012’s Senior Class Gift Committee, would ultimately like to work for a lobbying firm.
“I was recently hired to work as the campaign manager for Kristen Larson, in the Richmond School Board Race for District 4,” he says. “This race is taking place in the biggest district of Richmond and also has the most candidates running for the open seat on the School Board. I’m really excited to have this opportunity.”
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