Summer 2022 - Josh Comins

Walking down the West Wing Colonnade of the White House

Official White House Photo by Andrea Hanks

From the White House to the Biggest News Network

JOSHUA COMINS ’19 took a step of faith his senior year at Southeastern that placed him in the White House and provided him the unique opportunity to pray for then Vice President Mike Pence.

It was a summer day before going into his last two semesters at Southeastern when Josh decided to look for internship opportunities in Washington, D.C. “I always thought it would be cool to work in D.C. I came across the White House internship and applied that same day.”

Josh has always had a passion for political science and media relations, which is why he chose to major in communications. He said, “I decided on communications because I felt like it would provide me with more career opportunities after graduation.”

Josh shaking hands with President Kent Ingle at graduation

The White House Internship Program is highly competitive, with only a few dozen students selected each semester. The program provides students with opportunities to gain valuable professional experience and build leadership skills over a period of four months.

“It was a very lengthy application and vetting process. I emphasized my Christian beliefs and my passion to serve in the Trump administration,” Josh said.

Once Josh received news of his acceptance for the 2019 spring semester, he moved to D.C. and completed his last semester at SEU online. The Heritage Foundation provided Josh with an affordable place to live during his time in D.C., living with a network of peers on a similar journey. It was just a five-minute walk to Union Station, where Josh picked up the Red Line train each day to travel to the White House.

"Before I started the internship, I had told myself that if I ever had the opportunity to pray for the president or vice president, I would take it."

Standing in the East Room of the White House

Josh worked directly with the White House photographers in the Office of Management Administration, where his job was to document the presidency by taking pictures of the president and vice president.

Josh attended events on and off the White House grounds as a photographer. He was present for meetings with significant world leaders, including the prime ministers of Ireland and Australia, and the president and first lady of South Korea. Josh also traveled in the presidential motorcade and toured the Pentagon and the Supreme Court.

One of the most impactful experiences he had was with Vice President Mike Pence. After a photoshoot, Pence began speaking to the interns about servant leadership when Josh felt led to pray for the vice president.

Praying with Vice-President Mike Pence

Official White House Photo by Myles Cullen

“I put my hand up and said, ‘Mr. Vice President, can we say a prayer for you?’ He (Pence) said, ‘Absolutely.’ I walked up to him and asked if I could lay my hands on him.” Josh laid his hand on Pence’s shoulder and began to pray. “I prayed for him and his family, the First Family, the country and for wisdom.” After the prayer, Pence thanked Josh and hugged him.

Josh said, “That was probably the best prayer I have ever prayed in my life. Before I started the internship, I had told myself that if I ever had the opportunity to pray for the president or vice president, I would take it.”

The White House internship provided Josh an advantage when applying for jobs after graduation. He landed a job at Fox News in New York City in January of 2020 as a web video producer and is now an associate editor. In his position, he writes news articles, produces videos for the channel and publishes content on their social media.

“It was all leaps of faith and testing atmospheres where I just had to trust God,” said Josh.

Before the pandemic closed the city, Josh commuted from his home in New Jersey to his office in Midtown Manhattan.

At the White Hous

Official White House Photo by Adam Kelly

“I miss being in the office, but I love working for Fox,” said Josh. “I'm looking to grow myself in the company and see what opportunities lie ahead.”

Josh currently lives on the Jersey Shore. He enjoys spending time at the beach and attending sporting events. He aspires to continue his journey at Fox News as well as one day serve within the walls of the White House once more.