Meet the Interns of IL-12

If you’ve stopped by or called our office recently, you may have interacted with one of our interns! Elizabeth and Julia have been an integral part of our team, helping to ensure the office runs smoothly. Want to learn more about their experience? Read more below! 

Tell us a little about yourselves!

Elizabeth: My name is Elizabeth and I am a junior at DePaul University where I am majoring in political science and minoring in psychology and Spanish. I have been interning with Rep. Croke since February 2021. 

Julia: My name is Julia and I am also a junior at DePaul University majoring in political science with a minor in public relations and advertising. I grew up in Wisconsin, but wanted to go to college in a big city which is one of the reasons that I picked DePaul.

Why did you want to be an intern in our office and why do you care about public service? 

Elizabeth: I wanted to be an intern to learn more about politics and how our state government works. Through the news and my schoolwork, I felt I had an understanding of the federal government, but this internship has provided me with a comprehensive knowledge of the inner workings and importance of state government. 

Julia: I wanted to be an intern to learn more about politics and what being an Illinois State Representative entails. I have always had an interest in politics and government, and this internship was an amazing opportunity to explore my passions.

What is the best thing you’ve worked on so far in this internship?

Elizabeth: My favorite thing I have worked on is our office’s participation in The Folded Map Project. Tonika Lewis Johnson’s Folded Map Project connects residents at corresponding addresses on opposite sides of Chicago and encourages them to reflect on the differences (and similarities) of each neighborhood. Our office partnered with Rep. Mah’s office, and she took us on a tour of the Pilsen neighborhood in her district, and we took her office on a tour ofNorthalsted in ours. It was great being able to work on this project that gave us a chance to explore another district and learn about a different part of the city. 

Julia: I’ve loved helping Representative Croke with her social media. Before this internship, I didn’t have much experience working in social media, but I have been able to learn a lot and grow an understanding of how using these channels can be an asset to an elected official. 

What is the most surprising thing you’ve either worked on, learned, or noticed?

Elizabeth: The most surprising thing I learned is that the Illinois Democratic Caucus is majority women. The lack of women in politics is a longstanding issue in so many places, but it is one that Illinois has overcome. As a woman interested in politics, I feel empowered seeing all of the women in Illinois making great strides. 

Julia: One of the most surprising things I have noticed during my internship is how long the process of getting bills through the legislature is. It may sound like an easy process, but there are long debates about each bill, and it has been so interesting to see that in action.

What is your favorite part of the district? 

Elizabeth: I would have to say the lakefront is my favorite part of the district. The lake paired with the skyline is one of the most beautiful sites in the city.  It is a hub of all things community and an IL-12 staple! 

Julia: I love how active our district is There is always something to do and each neighborhood is different. There are so many great small businesses to visit, and the lakefront presents countless opportunities that make this district so much fun.

What bill have you most enjoyed learning about?

Elizabeth: I have most enjoyed learning about the Repeal of the Parental Notice of Abortion Act. Prior to this internship, I did not know that Illinois still required parents to be notified when minors seek reproductive healthcare. Governor Pritzker signed this bill in December 2021, and not long after, I read a book in one of my classes discussing Parental Notice of Abortion Acts all over the country. Connecting what I learned in my internship to my coursework gave me a deeper understanding of the issue. 

Julia: I really enjoyed learning about the Alzheimer’s Training Bill, HB4388, and how we can further help those who struggle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. This bill will help require training to make sure EMTs can help provide the appropriate care to those with Alzheimer’s and Dementia.