H. William Tieckelmann, 51, describes himself as an "aging anti-war hippie," just like President Clinton. And just like the president, he's working at the White House.
Mr. Tieckelmann is one of 200 interns from across the nation working at the Executive Mansion this semester. He is the third Anne Arundel Community College student chosen in two years.
With his face lighting up like a child with a new toy, he described his internship as being much different from the "on the sidelines job" he thought it would be. He has never had to answer the phones or make photocopies. He even has his own office in the documents room.
Four days a week, he works as a proofreader and editor in the Office of National Drug Control Policy. His latest assignment includes updating the drug control budget for a congressional hearing.
The best thing about the White House is "being put in a place with all the information I could ever want right at my fingertips," Mr. Tieckelmann said.
During his first day on the job, the other interns, college students 30 years his junior, gave the tall, graying man curious looks, but he took it all in stride.
"I don't even notice my age," he said with a chuckle. "I can relate to kids because I never had kids, so I never grew up."
Mr. Tieckelmann, who is in his final year at the community college studying economics and political science, turned down a paid Maryland General Assembly internship for his unpaid position at the White House. He said the knowledge and experience he is gaining is more important than monetary rewards.
Frank Alduino, associate history professor at the community college, and Fran Kasinos, cooperative education specialist, coordinate the school's internship program and sought out Mr. Tieckelmann.
"When you sit down with Bill, it becomes immediately apparent that this is an exceptionally bright student you're sitting with," said Mr. Alduino, who also chairs the college's political science department.
The White House internship is competitive and has a rigorous application process. Applicants must submit two letters of recommendation, a writing sample and a transcript.
While there are no criteria for grade point averages, the intern committee looks for well-rounded students who can write well and are involved in extracurricular and community activities. Sometimes, students interview with departments where they're interested in working.
Mr. Tieckelmann said he always loved politics and economics, but did not pursue a career in either field. Then came the recession of 1989. Business plummeted at his small Rhode Island housing restoration firm. His income dropped from $20 an hour to $6.25 an hour at temporary jobs.
His wife, Donna Rose, a computer consultant, used her skills to find a job in Washington. About three years ago, the couple moved to Annapolis. She works and pays the bills, while he attends community college on Monday and works at the White House the rest of the week.
Hectic life
The couple's lifestyle has become so hectic they only see each other for 15 minutes in the morning. Sometimes they'll bump into each other on Washington's subway. But Ms. Rose, 48, said she and her husband don't mind the sacrifice.
"We're more delirious that we're both doing things we've always wanted to do," she said.
In his free time, Mr. Tieckelmann paints, fixes up boats, runs in marathons and competes in swim meets. He and his brother, Bob, 43, have an athletic rivalry that dates to their childhood. Free time is rare in Mr. Tieckelmann's life. He is a Washington correspondent for his college newspaper, president of the college Conservative Club and a member of the Library Committee.
Outside school, he is a member of the Maryland Committee for Responsible Corrections Policy, a local think tank organization, and serves on the board of directors for Maryland Justice Policy Institute Inc. He also writes for the institute's newsletter, Just Line.
"He's outspoken. He'll say what he thinks about things. He doesn't get pushed into a mold," said Frank Dunbaugh, an Annapolis lawyer and editor of Just Line.
Mr. Tieckelmann said he's "always been a generalist" and "never been able to focus on one thing." "The Bell Curve," "The Autobiography of Malcolm X" and a book on Chinese herbs are among the volumes stacked on his bookshelves.
Wide range
His wife said his wide range of interests first attracted her. "He knew a little bit about almost everything," she said.
The couple met at Brown University in Providence, R.I., where Mr. Tieckelmann was studying for a fine arts degree and his future wife was working as a bartender.
Mr. Tieckelmann hopes to continue his education at the University of Maryland College Park or the Johns Hopkins University. He doesn't know if he wants to become a politician.
"I only have one good suit, and I'm afraid I'll get my sleeves all slimy rubbing elbows with those people," he said.
Ms. Rose said her husband has always written letters to Congress and that his entry into the Washington political world shows that if "you want something bad enough, you will arrive at what you want to do."