Hampton Student Interns at the U.S. Embassy in Greece

Painting the World Blue and White
Hampton University students, faculty and alumni are making a global impact this summer. Students and faculty have embarked on internships, study abroad and research opportunities all over the U.S. and the world. This blog series will feature Hamptonians on their travels this summer.  #HUworld

Hampton Student Interns at the U.S. Embassy in Greece

 

Many people might wonder what it’s like working with sensitive materials inside the U.S. Embassy, but only a few get to witness it for themselves. Taylor Bennett, a rising senior Aviation major, from Memphis, TN, is one of those selected few.

Mykonos Island, Greece. Courtesy of Taylor Bennett

This summer, Bennett has the opportunity to serve as an intern at the U.S. Embassy in Athens, Greece. She works in the Human Resources department handling and imputing sensitive, but unclassified files of former government employees into the government data system. Bennett is also in charge of overseeing the facility grounds and making sure that the maintenance is in good condition. Besides her work inside the embassy, she works with the ambassador by accommodating his home and office for visiting U.S. ambassadors of other countries.



Ancient Corinth, Greece. Courtesy of Taylor Bennett

Bennett’s plans after graduation next May were originally to go to the Federal Aviation Academy. However, her experiences in Greece and influence from her parents working in foreign services may just lead her toward a career change. As Bennett contemplates such decisions she’s also enjoying her time outside of work exploring the Greek islands, embracing herself in the culture, and learning the Greek language.



Meteora, Greece. Courtesy of Taylor Bennett

Bennett says that the Greeks are extremely American friendly and a majority of the natives, that she has encountered, speak English. “My experience so far has been amazing. I came here last December to visit my parents and became familiar with Athens before I traveled back this summer. The culture, food, scenery, and people are astonishing.”

 

The university is excited to see where Taylor goes from here as she makes plans to visit the rest of Europe this summer.

 

 -Sechemelia Lewis