"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.
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| Energy and Commerce Committee Hearing Room |
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| Candid Office Pic |
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| 4th of July Fireworks Over the Washington Monument |
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| Shenandoah National Park |
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| Waterfall at Shenandoah |
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| WWII Memorial with Washington Monument in Background |
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