By participating in an ongoing internship with the Worcester District Attorney, senior Keely Scott pursues her passion of law and politics and learns life lessons along the way. 

Scott was intrigued when the opportunity was presented by her guidance counselor, as she hopes to pursue law in the future. The internship at the Worcester County District Attorney Joseph Early’s office allows Scott and approximately 25 other interns to get a taste of what the justice system looks like firsthand. Scott’s position has a flexible schedule and consists of helping with case preparation, sending emails and performing other tasks. 

Though some jobs are tedious, such as preparing briefcases, Scott understands that the little things are what help the system run smoothly. 

“When you’re an intern and have to do busy work, many people hate it, but that’s just how it goes,” Scott said.

Scott believes that while the courses she’s taken at ARHS have given her the groundwork of understanding, the inner workings of a courtroom can only be learned from within, which enticed Scott to apply for this specific internship.

“Taking classes allows me to be informed about the government and how it came to be, but I’m excited to learn the nitty-gritty things that come with experience,” Scott said.

Applied Arts and Technology Department Head and DECA adviser Tricia Riley has worked closely with Scott for the past few years and is impressed with her work ethic, in and outside of the classroom. 

“She’s determined and mature for her age,” Riley said. “She’s a leader and she knows what needs to get done. Keely doesn’t let anything stop her.”

Riley believes the internship is a perfect opportunity for Scott to further understand what she hopes to accomplish in the future. 

“Any internship you do is giving you a leg up from others,” Riley said. “That’s how you are going to get jobs.”

Based on her personal experience, Scott recommends all students pursue internship opportunities, no matter their field of interest.

“I think that as students, especially in high school and college, getting the most exposure you can to what you want to do with your life is a great option for everyone,” Scott said.

Scott believes that some of her courtroom lessons apply to life as well, such as which questions to ask when seeking the solution to a problem.

“The District Attorney was adamant on us asking ‘why?’,” Scott said. “Ask yourself ‘why?’ in life and you will have more answers than asking ‘what?’”

Scott has been struck by the emotional side of the job while maintaining respect for others dealing with possibly difficult cases. 

“You have to go into the office with compassion to make sure that you don’t invade anyone’s privacy or disregard boundaries,” Scott said. 

Scott believes that many law students aren’t prepared for these emotional situations until they gain experience in the field. 

“You have to see the pain in families,” Scott said. “It will be interesting to learn the emotional impact that being a prosecutor will have on you. When you’re in law, it’s underplayed how much it can impact you emotionally.”

Though professionalism is implied in a position such as this one, a lot is expected of these interns who range in age from high schoolers to law students.

“You have to live up to this professional standard, and obviously you have to be mature and responsible,” Scott said.

Scott intends to continue her career in the justice system, pursuing her undergraduate degree in Political Science and Human Services at The George Washington University in Washington D.C. this coming fall.

Reflecting on the lessons that she has learned, Scott strongly believes it is important for everyone to get involved in what they hope to pursue. 

“In life, if you’re not one step ahead, you’re one step behind,” Scott said.