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Hoya Football Player Willie Bodrick Takes Opportunity on the Hill |
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Written by Media Relations
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Friday, 20 July 2007 |
Washington, D.C. ─ Georgetown University sophomore football player Willie Bodrick (Atlanta, Ga./Benjamin E. Mays) has made himself at home since coming to the Hilltop from his hometown Since arriving on the Hilltop last year, Bodrick has immersed himself on the Georgetown campus as both a student and athlete. On the field of play, Bodrick played in every game for the Hoyas in his initial season. Off the field, he performed in plays on-campus, even taking a solo singing act in one outing.
This summer, Bodrick has had the opportunity to immerse himself in the daily aspects of the United States Government as an intern in the Department of Veteran Affairs Office of Policy and Planning. It’s been a great experience for Bodrick, who has seen first-hand the daily workings of one of the government’s offices.
“I’m really enjoying it,” he said over the phone from his office in downtown D.C. “It’s quite an experience. I’ve learned a lot about how the government works and how each department has its hand in something.”
While most of his work has involved daily office duties, Bodrick has worked on some long-term projects and had a visit to the VA Hospital in Baltimore. The internship opportunity came about in an odd way. He was the host for a Georgetown football recruit when he met Ronald Thomas, the older brother of incoming freshman Justin Thomas. Ronald Thomas, a graduate of the United States Military Academy, is the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Policy and Planning and he encouraged Bodrick to send him his resume. “I was networking with him about certain things and it went from there,” Bodrick explained. “Coach (Kevin Kelly) told me to jump on the opportunity.”
And with that, Bodrick has found himself looking at the White House every day as he goes to work. Since members of the football team work out every night, Bodrick’s schedule has been busy.He is in the office each day at 8:30 and works until 5 p.m. Following work, he joins his teammates for workouts from 6:15 p.m. to 8 p.m.
“I’ve made every workout,” Bodrick says with pride. “It’s the sacrifice you have to make. I’m glad I got the job I have. You have to make it happen. Football is very important to me and the off-season is when you get your training in. It’s worked out for me.”
And the work itself has been rewarding, especially considering the climate of the world. Working in the Office of Veteran Affairs, Bodrick has been able to build a keen insight into the conflicts of today’s world.
“It certainly gives you a greater appreciation for the people that are risking their lives,” he said. “There are a lot of things the VA is providing. It’s given me a greater appreciation of what the veterans go through.”
The experience to work in the government has been something he won’t soon forget. “I think one of the neatest things is that I’ve been able to experience the government at work,” Bodrick said. “I’ve been to a Congressional hearing for the VA and to different areas of the White House and the Capitol.
“I eat lunch across from the White House every day and you’re just in the middle of everything.”
And like his work in the Office of Veteran Affairs, Bodrick is hoping he can be in the middle of the football field for the Hoyas when the 2007 season starts. “It’s been such a great experience,” Bodrick said. “A lot of people don’t get these chances. I’m taking advantage of this opportunity at work and I’m looking forward to camp starting for football too. I think we’re really close and I’m excited to have this summer be one to remember.”
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