Most college athletes spend their summers training for the next season. Rising junior Jackson Rowe spent his summer balancing that commitment with an internship in the office of U.S. Senator Rick Scott, where he had a front-row seat to national conversations about the future of college athletics. As a Division I cross country distance runner and track and field athlete at George Mason, Rowe experienced those discussions from both sides, as an athlete and as an aspiring public servant.

For Rowe, the opportunity felt like a natural extension of his passions.

"I'm a Florida native, and I've always had a strong interest in politics and public policy," he said. "Because of that, I applied to several Florida congressional offices and was fortunate to be selected as an intern with Senator Rick Scott's office."

His days are rooted in constituent services, from answering and logging calls to sorting mail and giving tours of the U.S. Capitol. He has also taken on legislative research and a policy project that challenges him to identify an issue in existing law and propose meaningful solutions.

"The experience has been incredibly rewarding so far," Rowe said. "The staff has been welcoming, supportive, and always willing to help me learn. I've had the chance to meet people from across the country, gain firsthand insight into the legislative process, and experience how the Senate operates on a day-to-day basis."

While Rowe has gained valuable exposure to the inner workings of government, one aspect of the internship resonated with him on a particularly personal level. His time in the Senate coincided with critical conversations about the future of college athletics, allowing him to observe policy debates not only as an intern, but also as a Division I student-athlete.

"As a Division I student-athlete, it was incredibly meaningful to see lawmakers working to protect Olympic sports, which recent NCAA roster limits and funding changes have significantly impacted," he said. "Seeing these issues discussed at the federal level gave me hope that the opportunities and resources available to student-athletes in Olympic sports can be preserved for future generations."

Listening to experts and leaders weigh in on the evolving landscape of college athletics left a lasting impression.

"It was very reassuring to hear people like former University of Alabama head coach Nick Saban discuss his concern for how Olympic sports have been negatively affected by the NIL era and how we need to protect these sports," Rowe said. "This way the NCAA can focus on its original goal of providing students from all sports the opportunity to continue their passion at the collegiate level."

For Rowe, these conversations were more than policy discussions. They reflected experiences he and countless other student-athletes encounter every day.

"Being a Division I student-athlete at George Mason gave me a unique perspective on the NCAA hearings because I have experienced the impact of these policies firsthand," he said. "As an athlete, I understand how decisions about roster limits, funding, and eligibility directly affect student-athletes and athletic programs. Instead of viewing these discussions as just policy debates, I could relate them to the experiences of my teammates, coaches, and other athletes across the country."

That perspective also helped him recognize how closely the worlds of athletics and public service are connected. Both require collaboration, resilience, and the ability to perform under pressure.

"Working in Congress has taught me how much collaboration, research, and communication go into developing effective public policy," he said. "It has strengthened my ability to analyze complex issues, work under pressure, and communicate professionally, skills that will benefit me both as a student-athlete and throughout my career."

His experience as a collegiate distance runner has proven especially valuable.

"Cross country and track have taught me invaluable skills in time management and teamwork that have been essential throughout my internship," Rowe said. "Balancing the demands of Division I athletics with a full-time internship has required me to stay organized, prioritize my responsibilities, and make the most of every day. Being part of a team has also taught me how to communicate effectively, support others, and work toward a common goal, qualities that are just as important in a congressional office as they are in competition."

As the summer progressed, the experience helped Rowe gain a clearer picture of his future. The qualities he has developed through athletics and strengthened on Capitol Hill have reinforced his desire to pursue a career centered on service and problem-solving.

"As an athlete, I've learned the importance of discipline, teamwork, and perseverance, and this internship has shown me how those same qualities are essential in public service," he said. "Professionally, I hope to build a career in public policy, where I can help develop practical solutions that improve people's lives."
Looking back on his experience, Rowe encourages other student-athletes to step outside their comfort zones and take advantage of opportunities beyond their sport.

"Go to as many events as possible and try to meet as many people as possible," he said. "Don't be afraid to reach out to people or even go into the office to speak to staff. I've had the opportunity to listen to many Congressmen and Senators speak at events, and they all urge us to meet as many people as possible because connections are everything in this workforce."

He also credits George Mason's location with helping open doors that may not have been available elsewhere.

"Being at George Mason is such a huge benefit with its proximity to D.C.," Rowe said. "I was able to go in person to speak with people on congressional staffs. Making that in-person connection can help you stand out from the rest of the applications that people submit online. George Mason is also widely recognized and respected on the Hill for producing talented, hardworking students who are well prepared for careers in government and public service."

Whether he's logging miles as a cross country runner, competing on the track, or navigating the halls of Congress, Rowe remains guided by the same principles: discipline, teamwork, and a desire to make a difference. His story is a reminder that the skills developed through athletics can extend far beyond competition, creating opportunities to lead, serve, and make an impact wherever the next challenge awaits.