We have REALLY enjoyed having Sadie Hakes intern with us this summer! We wanted you to get to know her better. We have appreciated her willingness to work with any subcommittee and do anything asked of her while being here. We didn't mean to "throw her to the wolves" as they say, yet it wouldn't surprise us if she felt a little bit that way, given the nature of politics itself, as well as investing in the many differing aspects and different opportunities. Yet, it's been no problem for Sadie given her wonderful attitude! Please see below for our interview.

Sadie Hakes, OCRP Summer Intern

Hi Sadie, Thank you for being with us this summer here at the OCRP. *We understand you moved to Ottawa County a few years ago. Will you share a little bit about where you’re from originally and why or how you came to move/live in Ottawa County? 

My father served in the US Navy as I grew up, and so I have moved throughout my childhood, including the east and west coasts of the US. My family moved to Ottawa County after my father retired, because we wanted to live close to family and we love the area.

What do you like the most about living in Ottawa County?

I love all the farmland in Ottawa County! I appreciate living in a county where I can be close to the city, but my house can still be in the country. I am also very thankful to live in a county with many strong families, friends, and churches. This area has a lot of sweet community!

Please tell us about your area of college studies, where you go to school and how you came to be involved with the OCRP? 

I am studying at Taylor University in Indiana, and my degree is in Political Science, Philosophy, and Economics. As part of my degree, I am required to have an internship, and I was interested in doing my internship in an area of local politics, to see what politics looks like near my home. The OCRP offered to have me work with them for the summer, and it has been a wonderful experience!

We know you are new to this internship and are getting exposed to local politics for perhaps the first time. What area/s so far have you enjoyed learning about the most and/or what interests you the most? 

I have thoroughly enjoyed learning more about the structure of local politics, and what work goes into making changes in the community. I have enjoyed working with different subcommittee chairs in the OCRP, which has helped me learn about what types of work need to be done. While doing research for different projects, I have also learned more about the structure of local government in our county, which has helped me understand the decisions that have been made in a better and deeper way.

What is important to you about the idea of America? 

The most important idea of America to me is the idea of freedom and liberty that America was founded on. The freedom to hold to my beliefs and values, the freedom to speak and act for what I believe, and the freedom to receive the benefits of hard work, are unique and priceless gifts that I value in America and desire to protect.

What do you like to do for fun? 

I love to read, hike and run, and have conversations with my family and friends.

Anything else you’d like to share? 

Thank you for allowing me to participate in the OCRP and Ottawa County!

The OCRP's Response: Thank YOU Sadie, it's been our pleasure to have you aboard! Please come back!