SISP Spotlight: Rianna Santra

Senior Rianna Santra is interning in Congressman James P. McGovern's office for her Senior Independent Study Project (SISP). The SISP is a 100-hour project in which students have the opportunity to learn and experience things that they couldn't in a classroom. Another senior, Shuling Lin, is interning in the Congressman’s office as well, so the position is open to multiple MAMS students each year. 

Santra chose this for her SISP because she “wanted to learn more about public policy and how the government interacts with its constituents.” This choice instigated from a curiosity about government regulations about artificial intelligence, which is one of her interest areas. 

Many of Santra’s questions were answered, as she learns a lot each time she goes into the office. When asked about one thing she learned, Santra said, “Whenever I need to renew my passport I usually just send it through the mail, but I don't know what actually happens when it gets renewed. I learned a little bit about that process and how it gets turned over to different departments before finally being sent back to the constituent.”

As a high school intern, Santra mostly handles phone calls from constituents. “When constituents call the office, I ask for what they need help with and either direct them to the right person to ask for help, or if it's just a general question about their case with Social Security sometimes I can answer directly,” said Santra. 

Asked about the most surprising thing that happened while interning, Santra said, “probably the amount of people who think the Congressman is the Governor. Most likely because his last name is McGovern but too many people refer to him as Governor.” 

Another surprising experience happened when Santra was helping a family with immigration issues. Santra mentioned the man she was helping told her, “‘If McGovern ever needs help with running for President, let me know. I can get him up there really quickly,’ (very much paraphrased) and then left. It felt slightly ominous at the time but I am sure he was well-wishing.”

All in all, Santra is really enjoying her time interning, and left this piece of advice for any interested juniors: “There's a lot more training than expected, but I'd tell juniors not to worry if they make mistakes. I've asked so many questions and all the staff members have been so nice to me.”