Saylor Cuzzort, a Sparkman alumna and junior at the University of Alabama, currently is double majoring in Public Relations and Communication Studies with a minor in Political Science. As a previous Editor in Chief and Vice President for the Student Government Association, she is familiar with the position of leadership.

From May 9 to July 29, Cuzzort decided to take an internship in Montgomery in Gov. Kay Ivey’s Communication and Press Office at the Alabama State Capitol Building. Last summer, she interned in the Governor’s Office of Education and Workforce Transformation for six weeks.

“To say it has been a pleasure to serve Governor Ivey as an intern this summer would be an understatement. I am beyond appreciative for the opportunity to learn from some of the State’s most dedicated professionals and to have been a part of such an incredible administration,” Cuzzort said. “This summer has been full of challenges and lessons yet held some of the most enriching moments I have experienced thus far. I will forever be indebted to this administration.”

During her internship, Cuzzort assisted Ivey in maintaining an effective communication strategy in the Governor’s Communications Office. She participated by writing press releases, sending our media advisories, creating social media content and writing captions, tracking media coverage, researching current topics and responding to media inquiries. Cuzzort says Ivey seeks to run an open and honest administration and makes it a priority to keep the public informed of office activities.

“From an earlier age, I have always been not only fascinated but also passionate about the world of Alabama politics. After hearing Governor Ivey speak at Alabama Girls State my junior year of high school, I aspired to learn more about her role in the state,” Cuzzort said. “I made it a personal goal to one day work on her team serving Alabamians because I could sense the level of dedication and institutional knowledge Governor Ivey exemplifies. Being given the opportunity to learn and grow from Team Ivey has been a true blessing.”

As her daily routine, Cuzzort checked media coverage on the Governor and topics relating to Alabama politics and state government at the office. Then she created a document with news stories that were interesting to the administration and proceeded in sharing the list to all state agencies, governor’s staff and the cabinet.

“After that, every day was different because the communications office is constantly juggling many moving parts ­– that is what I loved most about the office, every day is different and you never know what you will learn,” Cuzzort said.

With her internship revolving around political situations regarding the position of leadership, Cuzzort was able to see what really goes on behind the scenes and help define her own definition of dedication to one’s own state.

“Having the opportunity to work with constituents opened my eyes to the daily problems and struggles Alabamians face. Seeing how the executive branch of government helps combat these struggles is often not advertised or appreciated but is prevalent behind the scenes,” Cuzzort said. “People often make jokes about politicians and state employees questioning their work ethic and intentionality behind the positions they hold. The Governor’s office defied every stereotype and truly ignited a spark in me to be dedicated to our state. Whether I pursue a career in Alabama politics or not, I now know the importance of being civically engaged.”

As Cuzzort continues down the path to finding her career, she has recognized her desire to combine her passion for writing and communication with governance and public service. She is currently interested in political communication or possibly working for an elected official as a communication director or press secretary.

“Over the last two summers, my idea of a dream career became apparent when I had the opportunity to serve Governor Ivey and learn from the state’s best,” Cuzzort said. “Having the opportunity to write press releases, pitch social media ideas and research solidified the career I want to pursue.”

As an intern, Cuzzort was given the opportunity to travel alongside Ivey to a variety of public events. There, she recorded footage for social media and drafted captions to recap Ivey’s participation. Before each event, she researched and gathered background information, created the agenda for the event, wrote speeches and prepped the Governor with any important information.

“From groundbreakings and ribbon cuttings to elementary schools and restaurants, Governor Ivey’s interactions with Alabamians are truly a testament to her dedication to our state. At the end of each session of the internship, Governor Ivey invited all of the interns to have lunch with her at the Governor’s Mansion. This gave each of us time to sit down and get to know the Governor better and ask her questions pertaining to her job and our state,” Cuzzort said. “With the majority of interns wanting to pursue a career in politics and public service, Governor Ivey reminded us of the difference between a politician and a statesman. She said, “a politician worries about the next election, but a statesman worries about the next generation.”

Not only did Cuzzort participate at public events but she was able to visit places she unlikely would have visited if had not taken the internship. Here, she was introduced to all aspects of the executive branch of state government as an entirety.

“While in the office, I had the opportunity to visit several state agencies, including the Alabama Department of Tourism, the Alabama Department of Agriculture and Kilby Correctional Facility.  The tours of these facilities and conversations with agency leaders allowed us to see first-hand the complexity of state government and all that falls under Governor Ivey’s jurisdiction,” Cuzzort said. “It was especially interesting to visit a prison facility at such a historic time for the criminal justice system in our state. It is not everyday you have the opportunity to tour a state prison and visiting Kilby opened my eyes to some of the realities that the criminal justice system faces.”

Even though her high school experience came to an end, Cuzzort takes what she learned and still applies it to her life today. With the amount of relationships developed over the years with those she trusted, she quickly learned the importance of growing and developing through the effort contributed to the opportunities put in front of her.

“I would not be the person that I am today without the opportunities Sparkman High School offered me to lead and grow. Contrary to what some people say, what you do in high school matters. The resume you can build in high school will provide you opportunities in college which will only lead you to further opportunities in regard to internship and professional development opportunities,” Cuzzort said. “In my internship experience, I have discovered that “thank you” notes are a lost art. If my dad taught me two things it was to get everywhere fifteen minutes early and always write a “thank you” note. Taking time to thank those who take time to mentor you helps build relationships that are instrumental to your future.”