Loren Mullen, a graphic artist, historian, business marketer, self-described political junkie and graduate of California State University, Long Beach, has been named a White House intern for spring 2013.
The interns work in one of several federal offices, among them the Domestic Policy Council, the National Economic Council, the Office of Cabinet Affairs, the Office of Chief of Staff, the Office of Communications, the Office of Digital Strategy, the Office of the First Lady, the Office of Legislative Affairs, the Office of Management and Administration, the Office of Presidential Correspondence, the Office of Presidential Personnel, the Office of Public Engagement and Intergovernmental Affairs, the Office of Scheduling and Advance, the Office of the Vice President, the Office of the White House Counsel, and the Office of White House Fellows.
The mission of the internship program is to "make the White House accessible to future leaders around the nation and to prepare those devoted to public service for future leadership opportunities," according to a news release.
The White House Internship Program application for the Fall 2013 program is available on the program website.
Patch caught up to Loren for a quick Q&A:
Patch: What Long Beach high school did you attend? What year did you graduate?
Loren: I attended Long Beach Polytechnic High School in the CIC Magnet Program where I graduated in 2008.
Patch: What are your parents’ names and do they still live in Long Beach?
Loren: My parents are Patrick and Janet Mullen and, yes, they still live in Long Beach.
Patch: What was your reaction when you heard you were selected as a White House intern?
Loren: I was honored to hear that I had been selected as a White House intern with the Office of Digital Strategy. New media and digital technologies have fundamentally changed the way we interact with each other and with our representatives, and I was thrilled to have been chosen for this internship and the chance to be a part of the Obama Administration.
Patch: Why did you apply and what do you hope to learn/accomplish during the internship?
Loren: I applied to the White House internship program because I wanted to participate in and be a part of our government in a way that would be hands-on. During my time at the White House, I hope to develop a greater understanding of the Executive Office of the President, cultivate valuable professional skills, and expand upon my interest in public service.
