Ahna Hubnik/Staff Photographer Dustee Tucker, Andrews senior, will begin her career after graduatio working in the office of Sen. Kay Bailey Hutchison, R-Texas. [Click to enlarge]

"I had always dreamed of working in D.C., but I never thought it would happen so soon after graduation,” Tucker said. “I am just so excited, so honored and a little nervous all at the same time.”

Hutchison's office receives hundreds of applications every day, but offered two jobs to Tucker based upon her involvement at NT and her high grade-point average.

She will answer phones and take calls from Hutchison's constituents, mostly explaining the Senator's position and views on certain issues.

"The most important thing to remember when you go out for a job is to know what [the employer] is looking for," Tucker said.

"This job looked for how involved I was, my GPA and my experience. I’m a broadcast journalism major with a minor in communications, and I have had a lot of political science classes.

All that I have learned here has helped me get this job." Tucker attributes much of her success to what she has gained while at NT, and the people who have supported her.

“Dr. Pohl has been my personal mentor since he came here, and I have learned so much from him,” Tucker said.

“He really listens to people and cares about what they have to say. I hope in my future career that I can be the same way.”

Dr. Norval Pohl, NT president, said he looked up to Tucker as much as she looked up to him.

“After having worked so closely with Dustee, I have gained her sense of enthusiasm and joy of working with students,” Pohl said.

“She got me involved with students and made me realize I need to understand them. We are going to miss her after she leaves, but it’s like I always tell her. She may work in D.C., but she’ll always be a part of Mean Green.”

Tucker has been a part of several student organizations during her time at NT and has been an important part of their success.

“Dustee Tucker is a shining example of what an education at UNT can do for you,” Elizabeth With, assistant vice president for student development, said.

“She is going to be missed here, but I know new students come in who fill the shoes of those who have left. She’ll be hard to replace, though.”

The thought of moving to a new city is sometimes upsetting for Tucker, but she said she will keep her faith in God and focus on her goals in order to help her adjust.

“It’s like starting all over again in life, but I’m going to get out there and get to know a lot of people,” Tucker said.

“It will be difficult at first, but I’m looking forward to the challenge. God’s timing is perfect, and I have a lot of faith that everything will work out perfectly.”

Letting children follow their career paths is never easy, but Tucker’s parents said they feel an extra sense of caution.

“Dustee is our only child, and we are very, very nervous,” Bette Tucker, her mother, said. “We are very frightened and apprehensive because of what’s been happening in the world, but we respect her decision. We totally support her.”

Tucker said her goal is to become Hutchison’s communications director, meaning she wants to be in charge of press relations for the senator.

“Mrs. Hutchison is a strong individual who stands and fights for what she believes in,” Tucker said. “She is very passionate about what she believes, and I am the same way.

I want to do everything I can for her while gaining as much experience as possible.”

Tucker’s overall career goal is to someday return to Texas and represent people she feels the closest to. She wants to be active in politics as a Republican supporter, and said she knows that she will always stay close to her roots.

“I was born and raised in Texas, and these are the people I want to help most,” Tucker said.

“I want to make a difference, I want to help people, and the best way to help is through the political world.”

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