ASU political science student shares experiences working at Arizona Senate

Paulette Zinzun, a political science student at Arizona State University's Tempe campus, splits her time between school and working at Arizona’s capitol. Involved in the Senate Page program and Early Start, Zinzun has been very involved in the community. 

Zinzun was a part of the School of Politics and Global Studies’ Early Start program in two capacities: first as a participant her freshman year, and then as a student mentor the following summer. The program is meant to help incoming students plot out their four years at ASU, all the while working closely with faculty members and advising staff.

“We also had guest speakers who helped me plan for my future and get a sense of where I would like to work after graduation,” Zinzun said. “It really benefited me in that I got a head start to college and it made my transition smoother.”

While visiting the State Capitol with the Early Start program, Zinzun met Jenna Lyon, the Deputy Sergeant at Arms, who spoke to the group about the Senate Page internship. Zinzun remained in contact with Lyon and applied for the program in fall 2017.

The Senate Page program is constituted of several responsibilities. 

“As a page our duties include the general delivery of memos and messages, sorting incoming mail, delivering newspapers, picking up outgoing mail, bill filing, computer and technical assistance, and any other general assistance that is required,” Zinzun said.

Zinzun described the experience as “unique,” highlighting the many opportunities she had to learn the necessary skills needed in the work force and the work that goes behind the Arizona legislative process. She also discussed the moments she had working for the AZ Senate.

“Some of the memories that I will forever cherish are the friends I made and the good times we had in the office, from doing an errand together to staying late nights working or attending the softball games that the Senate had versus the House or lobbyists.”