Rebecca Whalen '18 Awarded the Eben Tisdale Fellowship

Valley politics majors have a competitive edge in the internship market, and Rebecca “Becca” Whalen '18 is an excellent example of someone who gained this edge.

For the upcoming summer, Whalen is one of a handful of students nationwide selected for the Eben Tisdale Fellowship in Washington, D.C.

With this fellowship, Whalen has been awarded full funding for housing at George Washington University’s campus, six credits of courses at George Mason University, and the opportunity to work with top experts in high tech public policy for eight weeks. This gives Whalen the opportunity to apply her politics major, along with her minors in law and society and business, in and out of the classroom.

“It’s a blend of business and politics, which is great,” Whalen said. “It is difficult finding an internship opportunity that can offer you both.”

On campus, Whalen is involved in a variety of activities, which include serving as student trustee, Student Government class president, treasurer of the Pi Sigma Alpha political science national honor society. And, she’s also a peer mentor and a writing mentor.

When she is not doing one of her many extra curricular activities or in the classroom, Whalen is constantly at work with her academic advisor, Dr. Philip Benesch, working on her résumé, editing her personal statement, and searching for the next opportunity. She credits landing the Tisdale Fellowship to Dr. Benesch, associate professor of politics and faculty director of external scholarships and fellowships, who encouraged her to apply.

“He really goes above and beyond in helping students in any way he can,” Whalen said. “Throughout my time at LVC, he has proposed numerous internships, scholarships, awards, and fellowships to me. Dr. Benesch has pushed me to apply for these various honors and has been instrumental in the application process.”

According to Dr. Benesch, who handles proposals and internships for the History, Politics, and Global Studies Department, Whalen is one of countless students who have learned to stand out through the available opportunities here at The Valley.

“Rebecca is an excellent student who has the drive and initiative needed to do well,” Dr. Benesch said. “She always shines in the work that she does and will do excellent work with her internship opportunity.”

 

 

Maria Scacchitti for ENG 430 Feature Writing