As an undergraduate Political Science major, the NYS Senate Session Assistants Program provided me an opportunity to experience the real inner workings of New York State government – something that cannot be taught in classrooms.  This internship gave me a wide range of benefits. It gave me the chance to work alongside NYS Senator Joseph Griffo (R-Utica) throughout a full legislative session. It offered me a strong network of mentors to put me on the right track to pursue my passion.  And, most important, it gave me a head start in my career and quickly opened doors for me.