It's a strict discipline that Edwin Consolvo of Suffolk brings to his studies as a master's student in English literature.

You'd expect nothing less from the 26-year-old, a 1995 Virginia Military Institute graduate. By summer's end he'll be able to add to his already impressive resume a stint in the Office of the State Secretary of Education as part of the Virginia Governor's Fellows Program.

The prestigious 17-year-old program aims to build understanding of the inner workings of Virginia government by giving a select crop of students summer jobs at state agencies. If all goes according to plan, the students will be attracted to jobs in public service or at least bring innovative and bold ideas into the workings of state government.

In addition to the office work, the internship will include trips to various state institutions to see how they operate, Consolvo said.

Already during his graduate school experience, Consolvo has served as a Virginia Senate intern and a substitute teacher in Suffolk Public Schools.

When he returns to Old Dominion in the fall, Consolvo will either be embarking on his final semester or looking to extend his academic career here through the following spring if a research assistant opportunity develops.