Auburn University is an excellent institution to receive a college education, make great friends and have the time of your life. Thousands of students graduate from Auburn every semester, but where are they now? I spoke with Matt Christopher to find out what he was up to post graduation.

Matt Christopher is 23 years old. He was born and raised in the suburbs of Atlanta. Both his mother and father went to Auburn University, so his decision in choosing Auburn University was no surprise. He graduated from Auburn University in May 2008, and he received his degree in biomedical sciences. He studied at Auburn for three years. Before he began his career at Auburn he went to Young Harris College, a small private school in the north Georgia Mountains.

Christopher, like many other recent grads, had no idea what he wanted to do or where he wanted to go after graduating. However, a few month before he was set to graduate and internship opportunity presented itself. The position was an internship with Senator Saxby Chambliss of Georgia. After a competitive interviewing process Christopher received a call declaring he had been chosen for one of the coveted positions. Christopher gladly accepted. With lifetime involvement in the Georgia 4-H system, Christopher would be the intern for the Agriculture Committee.

Life went on as normal for the next months. After graduating in May, Christopher returned home to work a summer job on a farm in Cartersville, G.A. He worked for three months saving money in order to make the transition from small town to the hustle and bustle of the big city. On August 30, he left to make the long drive to Washington D.C. Christopher chose to live in dorm-style intern housing on Constitution Avenue near Capitol Hill.

Christopher began work in early September. He works in the Russell Senate Office building located just a few blocks from his apartment. Christopher said as times his position felt like a “glorified secretary” but he has enjoyed the work thus far. His duties as tasks include talking and writing to constituents, research on bills as well as condensing the bills into a more readable version, attending press conferences and hearings, and answering phone calls from the concerned citizens of Georgia. The past few weeks he has stayed late helping campaign for Senator Chambliss. He makes phone calls and tries to secure votes for the reelection of Senator Chambliss.
Christopher is very excited to interning at this particular time. With the election on Tuesday he said, “It’s been very exciting to be in the middle of everything.” Out of everything that has happened while he has been in D.C. he says the coolest part has been getting to meet and talk with senators and have them remember you by name.

Christopher has also seen Bush, McCain, and Obama while working in the Senate Buildings.
Christopher flew to Atlanta this past weekend to help campaign for Senator Chambliss this Monday and Tuesday. He said he didn’t know his duties yet, but was there to do whatever was asked of him.

Auburn grads do exciting and important things every day. Christopher proves that no matter your major or background great opportunities can happen if you try.