Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College student gains insight through internship with Rep. Austin Scott

TIFTON — When Bryce Roland woke up every morning, the United States Supreme Court building was directly in front of him.

During his time this fall in Washington, D.C., on an internship with U.S. Rep. Austin Scott, Roland learned a lot about how the wheels of justice turn and gained insight into just how the government makes thing happen.

“That was the biggest thing I learned while I was up there, learning how the government runs,” Roland, an agricultural communication major from Perry at Abraham Baldwin Agricultural College, said. “The staffers for the legislators carry a lot of weight. They make things happen up there.”

Roland had many moments to chat with Scott about a variety of topics including ABAC, south Georgia, and hunting trips.

“The House was only in session three weeks while I was up there,” Roland said. “My duties varied from day to day. I took phone calls from constituents, and occasionally, I would attend briefings.

“I attended a meeting of the livestock marketing association, took notes, and prepared a brief on what went on at the meeting.”

Roland offered a big vote of thanks to Staplcotn, which paid for his housing while he was in the nation’s capital.

“There’s always something to do there,” Roland said. “During the first month, I visited all the monuments and museums. Rep. Scott arranged for a White House tour for me. That was very exciting.

“My grandmother told me that my great grandfather was originally from D.C. I went to see the hotel where he worked and the church where he was married.”

A native south Georgian, Roland said he will take a pass on the opportunity to spend his working career in Washington D.C.

“It’s not for me,” Roland said with a laugh. “Some people love it. I like riding down the road and not seeing a single other car for a while.”

Quite active around the ABAC campus, Roland has been a member of the ABAC Ambassadors leadership group for three years. He has also served two terms as president of the Student Alumni Council and has been a member of the Agricultural Communicators of Tomorrow.

Roland said he plans to graduate from ABAC in May 2023. His career choice is narrowed down to marketing or fundraising. If he does choose politics, he says his feet will be firmly planted in the Peach State.

Special Photo: ABAC