Amy Heitstuman, Rhetoric Writing and Public Discourse major and Politics minor, shares about their internship at Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and Northern Idaho.
“Hi all! My name is Amy Heitstuman, and I am beyond thrilled to be interning with Planned Parenthood of Greater Washington and Northern Idaho alongside the External Affairs team this summer. My ultimate goal is to enter into law school following my graduation this Spring. I am a rhetoric major with a minor in politics. This internship is not only helping me learn more about the nonprofit advocacy work and public policy work that I aspire to work in and influence someday but it has also opened doors to aid me in my honors thesis surrounding rhetoric, violence and the rhetorical female body.
This summer’s internship has given me the opportunity to continue to grow and learn and expand my capacity as an advocate for women’s health care. I have become more passionate through my work here at PPGWNI, inspiring me to pursue public policy in law and to become a part of the change I hope to see in the world and especially our nation.
Throughout my life I have worn many hats, but each holds a single, consistent theme: the empowerment of women and fellow advocates through community and engagement.
This passion for the advocacy of others, as well as standing up for my own beliefs, was the driving force behind my decision to finish my degree in 2020 after leaving a career in the hair industry—following my military service. Throughout my time working with Planned Parenthood this summer I have been able to connect with supporters and other advocates. We need more boots on the ground organizations to work together for the social justice needed in our communities and our world.
Working with the external team at Planned Parenthood has more than reinforced my sentiment that rhetoric is everything. Rhetoric and the way we communicate, especially about social justice and the female body is everything. Which is why the work that I have been a part of this summer, both personally and professionally will heavily support and impact my honors thesis here at Whitman.
It seems surreal to think that the far off goal of a bachelor degree, let alone law school, is just around the corner here at Whitman. I will say that I would not be here without the amazing people and organizations that have supported me along the way, especially those who share the same passion of advocacy for others. I am dedicated to the mission of advancing women’s health care wherever it may be needed. I will continue my efforts of empowering others through this invaluable nonprofit work within our communities and use this opportunity to build for my future work here at Whitman and beyond.
As a single mother, the importance of the work we do at PPGWNI is very dear to me. We are working towards a more just world for women everywhere. I am eternally grateful to be a part of this wonderful organization and to help give back to the community through our work here at Planned Parenthood. I hope to continue my work with them past this summer internship, well into the foreseeable future.”