Intern credits divine intervention for job at U.S. Supreme Court
By SCOTT POWELL Ledger Staff Writer spowell@gaffneyledger.com

Caitlin Wells is living a dream working as a U.S. Supreme Court intern in Washington this fall.

Wells is a senior political science major at Francis Marion University. Her mother and stepfather are Sandra and Joseph Wallace of Gaffney and the late Bud Wells.

Bud Wells was a history teacher and the head baseball coach at Gaffney High until his retirement in the late 1980s.

Caitlin will finish her internship Dec. 12 in the admissions office of the U.S. Supreme Court clerk's office. She is participating in the South Carolina Washington Semester program.

Wells plans to become a lawyer specializing in constitutional law.

"When I was hired, my supervisor told me it was meant to be because all of the spots are usually filled," she said. "I believe, well I know, that it was meant to be; I would say it was divine intervention."

Wells sits at the Supreme Court Bar Desk, which is open to the public. She answers questions concerning the clerk's office and admittance to the Supreme Court.

A typical day involves answering phones, entering data into the computer, sorting mail, typing forms for the admission ceremony and other assigned duties.

"I love every day that I am here. It is an honor and a privilege to work in the same building where so many landmark decisions have been made," Wells said. "It is exciting knowing that I am working in the same building with some of the most important and powerful people in American government."

Wells has not met any of the U.S. Supreme Court judges. She has spotted a few in the hallways.

"A perk of being an intern is being able to sit in on oral arguments," Wells said. "I was able to sit in on Medellin vs. Texas earlier this month. It was quite an experience."

Wells is taking classes this fall in government policy making, political issues and a theater appreciation class.

"In the political issues class on Monday nights, the professor picks a certain topic and the rest of us have an open discussion about that issue," she said. "It has definitely opened my eyes to varying points of view and has sharpened my debating skills. I have learned that I am not going to be a politician."

Wells has spent her spare time sightseeing, studying, and shopping in Washington. She has visited the Washington Monument, World War II Memorial, Vietnam War Memorial, Korean War Memorial, and Lincoln Memorial. She has spent time at the National Art Gallery and Holocaust Museum.

"My favorite spots in the city are downtown and Chinatown. I love the 'big city feel' that both of these places give," Wells said. "I have tried Ethiopian food since I have been up here and it is now my favorite. My favorite Ethiopian restaurant is Zeds in Georgetown."