A view from Capitol Hill
Wyatt Falardeau ’26 knew his internship on Capitol Hill would include some unique experiences, but one in particular literally topped them all.
Majority Senate Leader John Thune invited a few interns, including those like Falardeau working for North Carolina Rep. Addison McDowell, and asked if they wanted to see the top of the Capitol Dome.
“It takes a lot of time to climb all those stairs, but then it’s a view of the entire city and I could see my apartment,” Falardeau said. “Not many people get that chance to see how beautiful D.C. is as a world capital.”
Beyond the sights, Falardeau’s internship with McDowell provided insights about the work of Congress and the potential of his own skill sets. Falardeau prepares research memos for McDowell. But he also spends a lot of time answering constituent phone calls and giving tours of the Capitol on McDowell’s behalf. The calls and tours have given Falardeau plenty of time to consider the diplomatic work of public service.
Albion student Wyatt Falardeau looking out over Washington, D.C.
“One thing that I overcame at the start of my internship was talking to individuals with different political beliefs and opinions. During my first week, there was a gentleman who was very rude and he said lots of mean comments about Congressman McDowell,” Falardeau said.
“I’ve learned to be calm and polite when I deal with citizens who have different viewpoints and demeanors,” he continued. “This is a vital lesson because we live in a democracy and everyone has the right to express their First Amendment rights. If no one expresses their freedom of speech then the United States would not be the beacon of democratic values.”
Falardeau credits Albion’s Writing Center with sharpening the communication skills at the center of his internship. “I’ve done sessions with several of the Writing Center student mentors and the director, Dr. Angela Zito,” he said. “I would not be where I am today without the writing center.”
And while he may not be the fastest talker, Falardeau showed off his quick thinking during a brief personal exchange with House Speaker Mike Johnson. “He asked me which school do you attend?’ and I replied, the best liberal arts college in Michigan, Albion College,” Falardeau said..
“He smiled at that,” Falardeau concluded. “It is something I’ll remember.”
Wyatt Falardeau is a senior at Albion College majoring in history with a minor in English and a concentration in secondary education. He is also a member of the Prentiss M. Brown Honors Program. Falardeau is the child of James and Cynthia Falardeau of Vero Beach, Florida and is a graduate of Vero Beach High School.
