Lexington Summer Intern: William P. Hendon

Hello,

I’m Will Hendon, originally from Eastaboga, Alabama. I graduated high school at the Alabama School of Mathematics and Science where I received the English Concentration with Distinction award. Currently, I’m a rising junior at New York University with a dual major in Global Liberal Studies and English, with a concentration in Politics, Rights and Development.

As a college student, I am a member of NYU’s mock trial team. This has allowed me to compete in imitation trials with other universities including Harvard. In 2015, I received Yale’s Outstanding Witness award, which is given to an exclusive number of top witnesses.

While living in New York, I have particularly enjoyed the cosmopolitan food and museums. I have been to the Metropolitan Museum of Art, the Whitney Museum of American Art and The Cloisters museum. I have seen the city from the top of the Empire State Building, ice skated at Rockefeller Center, attended shows on Broadway and camped upstate. Living in the East Village has given me a new perspective, and the fast-paced lifestyle of the city contrasts with Alabama’s rural life.

I have enjoyed my time in Washington, DC this summer. I had the honor of visiting the offices of Senator Richard Shelby and Representative Mike Rogers. I also explored the National Archives, Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Museums, including the new African American History and Culture Museum and the National Art Gallery. I also visited the National Cathedral and the Freer and Sackler exhibit.

As a research assistant at the Lexington Institute, I have primarily studied educational reform. I conducted research on state literacy rates and published an article analyzing Tennessee’s reading improvement. I have also edited articles and white papers on other issues including smart grid data access and protecting the grid from cyber threats.

I have participated in several policy briefings at think tanks. This has allowed me to learn more about various policy topics and present research to executive staff on nuclear deterrence, foreign relations with Russia and China, the Middle East crisis, domestic manufacturing policy and defense strategy. Learning about these policy issues and current events has helped provide direction for my senior thesis.

All in all, the Lexington Institute might very well make my highlight reel. Everyone is helpful and willing to indulge me with their expertise at the drop of a hat. This internship has shown me the potential of academia with cause.

Sincerely,

William P. Hendon