Ben Nanna (’11) spent this past summer, from May to August 2016, as a White House Intern—one of the most prestigious and sought-after internships in the nation.
Though the application process was arduous, Nanna—who was an English major—said he felt that the writing and communication skills he learned from the English Department at Cabrini prepared him for these professional challenges.
“I would not be where I am or who I am without the English Department. Period. What I gained is irreplaceable and world opening; a working ability to write, think, relate, empathize, communicate, and advocate for others can move mountains.”
Nanna was placed in the Office of Management and Administration, for which he produced professional development events with White House Senior staff members, leadership workshops for the intern class, and intern-led programming.
“I had the opportunity to start new programming that included a weekly graduate student-led panel on higher education and an inaugural closing ceremony,” he said.
Nanna was surprised by how accessible the White House staffers were during his experience and the general vibe of being around these change makers every day.
“They want to tell you how they got there, so you can use it to find your own way. I knew everyone would be smart, but the genuine passion for the work, additional to their intelligence, was most inspiring. There is a pervading urgency to make the world a better place.
“We all have unfortunate professional or life experiences,” he said. “The type of person who uses these as motivation to change the environment that caused them is an abundant quality of the current White House administration and my Internship Program peers”
During an intern Q&A with the President—one of the last intern events under the Obama administration—Nanna presented a birthday card to President Obama.
(Photo credit: Chief Official White House Photographer, Pete Souza)
As for other interactions with the Obamas, Nanna can’t elaborate, but he can disclose that he accidentally knocked over Bo’s water bowl on his first day.
While he was certain about leading a career in public service, Nanna’s experience at the White House uncovered an even greater passion for this work. He saw the opportunity that exists when holding a position in the public eye, and how this this spotlight can be used to better society.
“Public service requires a lot of thought, nuance, perseverance, and foresight,” Nanna said. “It’s work, it’s pressure, and it’s peoples' lives. The urgency to do something bigger than myself is a constant.”
He looks forward to running for public office one day. For now, Nanna is pursuing a Master of Science in nonprofit management at Columbia University (and serving as Student Body President for its School of Professional Studies) and working at the Hillary Clinton Campaign Headquarters in Brooklyn in the Communications Department.