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The Georgia Legislative Intern Program (GLIP) provides students from Georgia State University and other Georgia colleges and universities a valuable experience in the legislative process. Through this program, hundreds of students have worked with legislative members and committees, gaining invaluable insight into how government and policy-making work in the state. The following Q&A introduces Andrew Young School undergraduate and 2025 GLIP intern Zayne Dabbas.
Q: Where is your hometown?
A: My hometown is Marietta, Ga.
Q: What is your major?
A: I am a senior studying a bachelor’s in economics.
Q: Who inspires you most in the world, and why do they inspire you?
A: My mom inspires me the most because she has overcome a plethora of obstacles, yet she became the successful woman she is today despite everything she overcame.
Q: Which office/committee are you assigned to?
A: I'm assigned to the Office of House Chairman Ron Stephens and House Chairman Jesse Petrea, and I also work with the House Economic Development & Tourism Committee as well as the House Human Relations & Aging Committee.
Q: What are some of your duties as a legislative intern?
A: Some of my duties as an intern include addressing constituent concerns, bill-tracking, attending and taking notes at committee meetings, scheduling meetings, engaging with lobbyists, planning luncheons, and running paperwork.
Q: What do you hope to gain from the Georgia Legislative Intern Program?
A: I hope to gain connections that will aid me in my future endeavors.
Q: How will this experience help you in your future career plans?
A: I want to obtain my JD and work as an immigration lawyer. The experience to work at the Georgia General Assembly will allow me to witness the law-making process that will one day affect my career on an everyday basis.
Q: If you could use one word to describe your experience at the Georgia Legislative Internship Program thus far, what would that word be, and why?
A: One word to describe my experience at the Georgia Legislative Internship Program is fruitful because it is giving me the opportunity to grow—not only as a person but also as a future lawyer and politician. I never thought I would be rubbing elbows with any officials, yet here I am. It is truly mind-blowing what simply telling your story can produce for you.
- Q&A republished from Georgia State University’s Office of Government and Community Affairs’ newsletter, “News from the Capitol, Legislative Report, March 14, 2025,” with permission. Text edited and provided by Data Analyst Vinesh Sahadeo Singh.