RNC Provides Unique Opportunity for Students

Bryce Thomas, a 20-year-old marketing major at the University of Tampa, loves politics. Lucky for her, one of the country’s biggest political events is in her backyard this week, and she’s been granted access that’s typically only given to media and party delegates.

Thomas is one of about 20 interns from the and the University of South Florida recruited by Time Magazine to help promote their RNC and DNC Foursquare badges and their Floor Pass app for the duration of the convention. In addition to getting convention credentials, the interns also get the opportunity to network with some big names.

“It’s another way to interact with different people from different areas … and hear their wisdom,” says Thomas, who has made some connections within her field of study and also met some political influencers like Herman Cain and Los Angeles mayor Antonio Villaraigosa.

Thomas, who is a senior at UT, says she’s never done anything like this and she’s grateful for the opportunity.

“I love people, and I love my community,” she said.

Her dream is to someday start an organization to help inner-city kids set long-term goals and support them in their efforts to achieve them. She thinks knowing more about politics might help her realize that vision.

“I want to help people,” said Thomas. “Politics gives you the means to get into avenues to influence people.”