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Nicole Koke
Lingleville Graduate Nicole Koke has been in Washington, D.C. since Jan. 19, serving as an intern in the Office of Congressman August Pfluger.
This appointment was made possible after Nicole was named among 14 students selected for a policy internship through the Public Policy Internship Program (PPIP) at Texas A&M University, where she is a Business Management Consulting major.
Her duties may be preparing reports, working on special projects, monitoring legislation, and attending hearings and briefings.
“I’m so glad to be here right now,” said Koke. “It’s been awesome to see the work that goes on day to day. I’ve had the opportunity to really research some of the bills coming into the house, take notes and hand them in.”
Koke said she had always been interested in politics from a young age so it seemed natural to apply for the internship.
“It’s really bringing back some some of my interests and opening my eyes,” she said.
Koke feels it’s important for people to understand the work and decisions that affect people at the local, state and federal level. She’s also observed that many of the people at Capitol Hill try to answer questions that arise from their constituents.
“I would always encourage everyone to call your [representative] if something concerns you,” she said, adding that staffs take note of matters that need to be investigated or resolved.
Nicole is the daughter of Mr. & Mrs. Johan & Sonya Koke.
“The Public Policy Internship Program is one of few in the nation specifically geared toward transforming today’s students into tomorrow’s leaders,” said Stephanie Webb, director of PPIP. “Through this opportunity, students use what they have learned in the classroom in a professional work setting. Not only will this D.C. experience be attractive to future employers, but our students are also providing valuable assistance to the offices in which they intern.”
Through PPIP, undergraduate and graduate students actively participate in the policy process at the state, national or international level. Since its inception in 1999, more than 1,000 Aggies have interned through the Public Policy Internship Program. The program is offered year-round, allowing students to participate in the fall, spring or summer while also earning academic credit. Students who intern in Washington, D.C., Austin, Texas or various Europe locations walk away with a better understanding of their individual strengths and professional goals. To learn more about Nicole and her experiences, please visit the program’s website at ppip. tamu.edu.
Nicole Koke is a 2019 graduate of Lingleville High School, who is currently a sophomore business management consulting major at Texas A&M University. She grew up in Stephenville, Texas on a dairy farm with her six siblings. Nicole’s parents instilled hard work and discipline from in her from a young age, so that she and her siblings have the determination and discipline to work harder and be better. Nicole’s family constantly pushes her to be the best and encourages her to inject 100% of her effort in all her endeavors. Her passion for agriculture has led Nicole to Texas A&M University where she is part of the Texas A&M Christian Business leaders (CBL) and part of the professional development committee. In addition, she is the secretary of the Dairy Science Club and part of the A&M dairy challenge team. All of these experiences have molded Nicole into the person she is today, and her successes have shown her how much she enjoys hard work and earning her accomplishments.