Governor’s Office internship, scholarship shape Petallar’s aspirations for legal, service career

June 1, 2026

When Nathaniel Petallar reflects on his time at Columbus State University, it’s the hands-on experiences and mentorship that stand out most. Through his involvement on campus and support from faculty and staff, Petallar turned his interest in government into real-world experience, including an internship with the Office of the Governor of Georgia, where he served in constituent services.

In this role, he assisted the department in responding to concerns from residents across Georgia, often managing dozens to hundreds of cases in a single day. From medical to tax-related issues, each interaction requires both problem-solving and empathy.

“It’s not just about solving the issue,” he said. “It’s about making sure people feel heard and understand the process moving forward.”

The opportunity gave him a deeper understanding of how government works beyond the classroom.

“These decisions affect a lot of people, and they need to be taken seriously with care,” he said. “It showed me how much goes into the process beyond what you learn in the classroom.”

Petallar credits Columbus State with helping prepare him for that moment. Early on, he connected with the Center for Career Coaching, where career coaches encouraged him to build experience alongside his academics. That support pushed him to get involved across campus, serving as vice president of EPIC (the Ethnically Asian and Pacific Islanders Club), working as a project manager and peer career advisor for the Center for Career Coaching, participating in Model United Nations and much more.

Through Model UN, he represented France in the World Food Programme at a regional conference and later served in a leadership role supporting the International Court of Justice for CSU’s annual Model UN Conference, gaining valuable experience in research, public speaking and global policy.

Petallar (far left, holding the "France" sign) with Model UN adviser Raquel Aponte (center) and his fellow Model UN participants.

Mentorship also played a key role in his development. He credits instructors like Raquel Aponte, an education abroad coordinator in the Center for Global Engagement and Model UN adviser, for guiding him throughout his academic journey: “Having professors who truly care about you is very crucial. They’re not just there to teach information, but to help guide you through the process.”

Those combined experiences gave him a new sense of professionalism that he applied during his internship and will continue to apply throughout his career.

“Being in the governor’s office gave me a new sense of professionalism that I didn’t have before. Compared to a student assistant job on campus, the office was a more formal environment that taught me how to adapt my speech, especially when meeting so many senators and representatives for the state of Georgia.”

Petallar (second from left) in Midtown Atlanta with some of his fellow Governor's Office interns.

Petallar was also among the inaugural group of 27 Thayer Scholars who received a donor-funded scholarship to help cover some of his living expenses.

“As a student balancing academics, professional development and family responsibilities, receiving that level of support allowed me to fully focus on gaining hands-on experience in public service and government,” he said. “It is truly reassuring to know that Columbus State University has donors such as the Thayers who are willing to invest not only in my future but also in the continued growth of the students who also hope to seek similar opportunities.”

Before finding his path at Columbus State, Petallar’s journey looked different. He initially studied neuroscience at the University of Alabama at Birmingham with plans to attend medical school. After facing personal challenges, he returned home to Columbus and began rethinking his future.

“I’ve always had an interest in politics, service and government,” he said. “When I was really young, I would tell my family, ‘I want to be the president!’”

That early interest, combined with lessons learned through adversity, ultimately led him to pursue political science and fully commit to a new direction.

“I experienced a lot of setbacks before coming here, and it really built my character,” he said. “I realized I shouldn’t be a roadblock for myself.”

After graduating with his bachelor’s degree in political science, Petallar plans to continue gaining experience in public service before pursuing law school. Looking back, he sees his journey as proof of what’s possible with the right support system.

“Even in tough situations, your perspective can change everything and shape you for an even greater future than you thought,” he said. “Your environment also influences how you’ll develop as a person, so choose wisely.”

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Averi Morton of the Office of Strategic Communication + Marketing submitted this article for publication.

Main image: Nathan Petallar pictured in front of the Seal of the State of Georgia with Gov. Brian Kemp and First Lady Marty Kemp.

Media Contact:  Michael Tullier, APR