Judith Templeton had traveled virtually around the world as an Army brat; when her own daughter, Courtney, was growing up, Judith wanted the youngster to have the same kind of adventures.
They traveled throughout the United States, Japan and Mexico.
Courtney Templeton is now a rising senior at USC Aiken. In a real way, her travel and college experiences set a path that has led to a White House summer internship, which started on Tuesday.
During high school, international relations intrigued her as a path to do something that could help others. Templeton chose a political science major.
"I was interested in how countries can work together and make sure they have relationships with each other," she said. "I don't want to see a world war in my lifetime. I want to get involved in politics and have an influence in a positive way."
Last December, Templeton took advantage of an unexpected opportunity.
USCA graduate Kelvin Coleman, the commencement speaker, works with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security as the director of the Government Engagement Office of Cybersecurity and Communications.
Templeton and other political science majors were invited to meet Coleman for dinner. Coelman invited them to email him and if any of them traveled to Washington, D.C., and he would give them a tour, she said. Templeton did just that.
She learned about internships at the White House; she applied and later completed a series of interviews.
In an email to USCA Chancellor Dr. Sandra Jordan, Coleman noted the White House receives thousands of applications every year for a limited number of internships.
"Courtney's intellect, curiosity and welcoming personality impressed several key staffers in the White House and resulted in an offer," Coleman said. "Of course, a White House internship is among the most coveted in Washington, so Pacer Nation should be proud of one of its own representing USC Aiken."
As of Monday, Templeton had not yet learned what her duties will be during the six-week internship. In any case, she is excited about the opportunity to serve her country in such a way.
"I feel as though my work in helping the executive office of the president will be important," Templeton said in a press release. "I cannot wait to embark on this journey and hope the experience from this opportunity will help with my career goals of working for the government and living in the nation's capital."
Senior writer Rob Novit is the Aiken Standard's education reporter and has been with the newspaper since September 2001. He is a native of Walterboro and majored in journalism at the University of Georgia.