SJC Interns • Matthew Kogut ‘16

Political Science Major
Interned at Suffolk County Legislature Page Program

I was incredibly fortunate to be a Page in the Suffolk County Legislature’s Page Program this past summer. It is an 11-week program for graduating high school seniors and college students that give a behind-the-scenes look at how county government works.

I already had been an intern with a county legislator already so I had an idea of what I was going to get myself into, and being someone who is interested in politics, it was something I just couldn’t say no to. Being a Page, I had the ability to continue with the legislator I was already interning with, and interning with one is part of the program. The other part entailed having weekly meetings with the other pages at the legislative building in Hauppauge — where we took part in workshops, seminars, presentations and welcomed guest speakers. We also participated in mock committee and legislative meetings. This was all done in the effort for us to gain the knowledge and understanding of how local government operates and what it takes to legislate, which in turn, directly affect the lives of the people in which these public officials are elected to lead.

This was all done in the effort for us to gain the knowledge and understanding of how local government operates and what it takes to legislate, which in turn, directly affect the lives of the people in which these public officials are elected to lead.

The wisdom I have gained from being in this program was insurmountable. For me, I think the whole point of an internship is to work hard but to make connections and have fun along the way which is how I think one learns. That is exactly what has happened to me. I worked hard, learned so much, but had a lot of fun doing it.

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Matthew Kogut (back row, far right) with other members of the Suffolk County Legislature Program. Matthew was also featured in the August 12 edition of Newsday.

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Being a part of this internship is one of those true cases of, “if you don’t do it, it will be something you’ll regret and wish you had done.” It truly was a one-in-a-lifetime chance that I knew I had to partake in or else I would regret it. The connections I made and friendships built I know will take me a long way. I will never forget the people I worked alongside with and I am not afraid to contact them for advice or support when I know I am going to need it. 

The connections I made and friendships built I know will take me a long way.

I suggest this program to anyone who wishes to become involved with it next summer. The hard work and every single one of the eleven weeks is truly worth it, you will not be disappointed. Even if you don’t feel that politics may be the most perfect fit for you, I suggest that you still try this program, it will still open up your eyes as to how important being involved in government is. It been beneficial to me in so many ways and I know that it will not dissatisfy those who wish to be future Pages!