Criminal justice and sociology double major Brooklyn Miller’s internship in Albany allowed her to see firsthand how policy is shaped, debated, and enacted at the highest levels of New York State government.
“It’s definitely a one-of-one experience,” Miller said. “I am responsible for office duties, writing legislation, writing memos, and taking meetings with advocacy groups from all around New York State, as well as my assembly district.”
“The SUNY system is really amazing and there are a lot of benefits to it.”
Brooklyn Miller
The New York State Assembly Intern Program runs during the spring semester, bringing together students from colleges across the country to work alongside members of the New York State Legislature.
Miller serves in the office of Crystal Peoples-Stokes, the Majority Leader representing Assembly District 141 in Buffalo. Her role extends beyond many traditional internship experiences, including fast-paced, often unpredictable days that give her direct exposure to the inner workings of state government.
“One of the things I was allowed to do was actually sit on the Assembly floor while in session right next to the Majority Leader,” Miller said. “Being able to sit there and listen to an active debate amongst assembly members firsthand was incredible. I’m very fortunate to experience that.”
One of Miller’s most memorable moments was participating in a mock budget hearing, where she took on the role of an assembly member hearing testimony from advocacy groups. Currently minoring in legal studies, the experience helped Miller see what a career in law might look like.
“Public policy is definitely gaining my interest,” Miller said. “This internship showed me that running for City Council or even running for mayor is a lot more obtainable than I previously thought.”
When applying to colleges, Miller initially committed to Ohio State University before making a last-minute decision to attend SUNY Brockport. The decision ultimately came down to affordability, campus culture, and the opportunities Brockport offered. Without ever touring campus, she made the switch during the summer before her freshman year, a decision she now says changed her life for the better.
“I’m really glad that I did. Affordability is very, very real,” Miller said. “Because Brockport is a smaller school, I’ve been able to build real one-on-one relationships with professors.”
Miller’s faculty connections became instrumental in shaping her academic and professional journey. She credits professors like Dr. Swaroop (Kumar) Korni in the Department of Criminal Justice and Dr. Kyle Green from the Department of Sociology for mentoring and encouraging her along the way.
“Dr. Kumar saw my determination and abilities since day one,” Miller said. “Dr. Green showed me how sociology can be adapted into my field of study and even into real life.”
“There are a lot of opportunities here, and because it’s a smaller school, they’re a lot more accessible.”
Brooklyn Miller
Despite juggling a double major, a minor, honors coursework, and a competitive internship, Miller says the University’s size and support systems have allowed her to thrive.
“The SUNY system is really amazing and there are a lot of benefits to it,” Miller said. “There are a lot of opportunities here, and because it’s a smaller school, they’re a lot more accessible.”