Week 3 in Washington

At what point in an internship can you say you’ve conquered the initial learning curve? My last week was dotted with a variety of mini-achievements; I managed to get through the week without slamming my arm in a metro door, getting lost in the web of tunnels underneath Capitol Hill, or arriving late to work because of massive security lines. A trifecta of progress, to be sure.

My office’s other three interns and I have gotten into a routine for handling mail, phone calls, and news.  Because we’ve become more efficient at getting things done, it’s left more time for fun activities such as congressional hearings, receptions, and speaking events.  We also get one weekday off every week, so that leaves even more time to see the DC sights.

Last week’s highlights were attending a reception for the 69th anniversary of Guam’s liberation (when US forces won back the island from the Japanese during WWII), attending a hearing on EPA regulations by the Energy and Commerce Committee, and visiting the National Art Gallery and the Museum of Natural History Smithsonian.  It was a good week for sure!  There's so much to do in this city.

Smithsonian Castle

South American Monkey

World's largest rodent - the capybara

Jaguar

  

Dancing on stage at the Guam Reception

Jazz in the Garden

Week 2 in Washington

"If you enjoy your job, it’s never really work"

Yes, I totally just butchered that quote, but y'all get the point. The second week in DC was even better than the first! Washington is a completely different city when Congress is in session.  Not only can we see more Representatives roaming the halls and tunnel system, but the work becomes more interesting and it’s neat to see legislation actively produced.  The staffers send me to Congressional briefings several times a week and use my summarized notes to help craft talking points for the Congressman.  It’s exciting to be part of the policy process firsthand.  I have always held a passion for following current events and it’s incredible that everyone surrounding me on the Hill shares this same interest.  Few careers are as influenced by news as those in politics, so it’s important that everyone be well-versed in trending topics.

People on the Hill are also incredibly friendly even though the work environment is the most fast-paced I have ever experienced.  There are few times during the week when I have nothing to do.  Some of my frequent tasks include answering phone calls and recording constituent opinions, giving tours of the US Capitol, and taking notes at Congressional briefings and hearings.  

My favorite part of work so far has been attending the briefings and hearings.  It’s entirely more cool to hear about US drone policy, energy exploration and production, and Chinese-US cybertheft directly from leading experts than through the censored lense of modern media. It’s also neat to be able to roam unescorted through the tunnels underneath the Capitol and the various office buildings to travel to/from briefings and hearings.   

Last weekend some friends and I took a spontaneous hiking trip to Shenandoah National Park in Virginia.  It was definitely one of the prettiest hikes I have ever taken - five miles alongside a rolling mountain stream that formed waterfalls at several points along the trail.

Now it’s time for week three!  Below are some of my favorite pictures so far.

Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing Room

Candid Office Pic

4th of July Fireworks Over the Washington Monument

Shenandoah National Park

Waterfall at Shenandoah

WWII Memorial with Washington Monument in Background

First Week in Washington, DC

My first week in DC has been a whirlwind of activity. The internship with Congressman Pete Olson (TX-22) started last Monday, July 1.  During the first day, the two other interns in my office and I spent the morning at US Capitol tour training.  During the afternoon, we got acquainted with the computer databases that handle constituent letters, email, and phone calls.  Wednesday was eventful because I got to give my first Capitol tour -- to eleven people. It went really well but there’s just so much history and detail about the Capitol to remember.  

The highlight of last week was getting to see the July 4th celebration in Washington, DC.  In the morning, I watched the Independence Day Parade from the steps of the National Archives.  After relaxing (and cooling down) a bit in the afternoon, I spent the evening watching the Capitol Fourth Concert on the west lawn of the US Capitol.  Some of the performers included Neil Diamond, John Williams, Barry Manilow, Jackie Evancho, and the National Symphony Orchestra.  After the concert, fireworks exploded over the top of the Washington Monument in one of the most spectacular shows I have ever seen. It was definitely one of the best 4th of July’s ever!

I expected the internship to be relatively slow-paced and involve a fair amount of the routine “grunt work” that provide interns job security - cleaning, making coffee, running errands, etc.  And I prepared myself for this -- and to do everything with a great attitude; afterall, living in DC for five weeks is a great opportunity and provides lots of time to explore the city!  Thankfully, all my work so far has been really exciting.  I have already started conducting energy policy research for my office in addition to helping handle correspondence on immigration, gun control, and the recent NSA leak.  This week I will attend my first Congressional Hearing, which happens to be on cybersecurity.  

One great benefit for DC interns is the wide variety of educational events the city offers, particularly in the evenings.  Last night one of the other office interns and I went to a lecture by former CIA Director James Woolsey.  He talked about the national security threats caused by US reliance on foreign fuels and the vulnerability of the current US electrical grids.  It was fascinating.  Today, Texas Senator Ted Cruz shared some of his policy goals and the recent immigration legislation in the Senate.  

Although working in the office has taken up the majority of my time since arriving, there are tons of sights to see in Washington, DC, and I’ve tried to hit up as many of those as possible.  So far there are a few Smithsonians, the Library of Congress, and most of the memorials checked off the list.  

Interning in DC has also made me sooo happy to be here with the Texas Tech program.  The University bought and renovated a building a couple blocks from the Capitol, and it’s fantastic.  Living literally right on the Hill saves so much commute time and money.

My first week on the job has been absolutely incredible, and I cannot wait for another four weeks of this internship!