(l-r) Marshall, Frazier and Aitkens

An ordinary table lined with California State Constitution books near the entryway inside Asm. Jim Frazier’s Capitol office may not seem like anything special. But to Katina Aitkens, who has Down syndrome, it’s a table that proudly displays her work as a Capitol intern. A sign above the table reads “Stamped by Special Olympics Intern Katina Aitkens.” She was tasked with stamping a message inside every book cover. Aitkens, 22, completed a three-month internship that’s part of a program Frazier set up in partnership with the NorCal Special Olympics to give individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities an opportunity to learn how to work in an office setting. On Thursday, Frazier presented Aitkens with a certificate of recognition. “Thank you for all the hard work you provided in our office,” Frazier said to Aitkens. “The personality you brought was infectious; this is a hard job and you made everybody’s day better, and for that I thank you.” He also told her that she can put his name down as a reference on her resume when she’s ready to enter the workforce. Aitkens is currently taking courses at Cosumnes River College working toward earning an office assistant certificate. When asked what her next goal is, she said: “My dream is to work for the State and get paid.” Aitkens is the second person who has participated in Frazier’s internship program. Mark Marshall interned in his office earlier this year and is now working full time as a security officer in Sacramento. Marshall said he learned a lot about the legislative process during his internship, but valued the friendships he made the most. “The staff treated me as staff and not ‘oh, you’re just an intern,”‘ he said. “It was a family environment here.” Marshall and Aitkens are both athletes who compete in the Special Olympics. Marshall plays basketball, floor hockey, track and softball, while Aitkens plays basketball, softball and swims. Aitkens, who is praised by colleagues for having a positive attitude, enjoyed her time at the Capitol and thanked Frazier for believing in her. “I love this guy right here,” she said to Frazier. “He made all my dreams come true.” Contact: Andrew Bird, Andrew.Bird@asm.ca.gov.