Recent Tyler Junior College graduate Patrick Smallwood just finished a five-week internship in the office of U.S. Sen. John Cornyn in Washington, D.C.
“Senator Cornyn is an exceptional leader and is working tirelessly on behalf of the people of Texas,” Smallwood said.
This was Smallwood’s second time to intern for a U.S. governmental official from Texas, having worked last summer for U.S. Rep. Louie Gohmert.
“I just returned this past Saturday and am grateful for the opportunity I had to help Senator Cornyn’s office serve the people of Texas,” Smallwood said in a letter of thanks to Dr. Juan E. Mejia, TJC president for branch locations and district provost, who wrote letters of recommendation for both internships. “It was great to once again represent TJC in Washington, D.C.”
Mejia said, “We are all very proud of Mr. Smallwood’s accomplishments, and I truly value his contributions to TJC. He continues to represent the values of our institution, and we sincerely wish him the very best in all of his endeavors.”
Smallwood, a political science major from Tyler, graduated from TJC in May. During his time at TJC, he served as TJC Student Senate president, a member of Phi Theta Kappa honor society, Apache Chiefs (student leadership organization) and was named to the president’s and dean’s lists. He also served as president of Texas Junior College Student Government Association Region 3 and was named its 2018 Student Leader of the Year.
This fall, Smallwood will transfer to Texas Tech University, with plans to eventually attend law school. He aspires to be the youngest sitting U.S. congressman and eventually president of the United States.