Well, a week ago I arrived to our nation's capital with absolutely no idea what to expect. While I was riding into the city, I was fortunate enough to have Marine One fly across my path! From that point on, I knew that anything could happen while I was in D.C. As soon as I arrived, Gage Nicholas, another student intern from Florida Southern College, and his roommate invited me on a tour of the Capital Building: it was amazing!
Soon after, I decided to do some sight seeing during my first weekend. I started off with the National Air and Space Museum and then to the National Natural History Museum. With this being my fifth trip to Washington, I was already familiar with the basics of the city and had seen a majority of the museums. Still, I figured that it would be a great way to fill my off time. On Sunday and Monday, I went to a majority of the War Memorials: World War 2, Vietnam War, Korean War, etc. Anyone that has been to these memorials knows how moving they can be. The looks on some of the faces there were very emotional and completely moved me. However, one the biggest highlights of my first couple of days was the White House. No matter how many times I visit or who the current occupant is, it is immensely special knowing that the President of the United States is so close to me.
Then finally Tuesday came around! My first day of my internship! Fortunately, last week was District Week for Congress, so I was told that everything was less hectic compared to the D.C. work week. On my first day, the Staff Assistant gave me a tour of where I would be working and where I would have to deliver things in the future (mainly where I would have to deliver flags). Because an army base is in our district (FL-15), Congressman Posey gets a lot of requests for flags to be bought and flown over the Capital. It is my job to make sure that the constituent's flag is bought and flown. I also had the chance meet all of the staff that I will be working with including another intern that will be helping me out. After all of the introductions were made, I then got started answering phone calls and inputting constituent's data information into our system.
As the second day came around, management moved me to the front office. I was really surprised that I was given this great opportunity because I wasn’t the first intern to arrive. Since I’m in the front, it is my responsibility to greet and direct all of our visitors, sort mail, and help out the staff assistant in any way I can. The main task that Tim, the other intern, and myself have been undertaking is going through our data base of constituents and making sure all of their information is up to date. Needless to say, we are still working on that.
As the week progressed, I had the opportunity to help out Congressman Todd Akin's (MO-2) office in sending out mail to constituents. I had the chance to meet and talk with interns from California and New Jersey during that time, which was an awesome experience as well. That afternoon, we were able to fold and seal over 8,000 letters! And I’m proud to say I was the last intern "standing" in the office.
Thursday was mainly work relating to constituent data and answering phone calls. To my surprise, answering phone calls is one of the things I enjoy the most. It is the time when I get to personally talk and listen to our constituents, hear their concerns about our country, listen to how the federal government is effecting their lives, and what Congressman Posey can do to help them out. However, not every phone call is as pleasurable. Sometimes you have deeply unsatisfied constituents call in that are unhappy with the congressman and the federal government. But it is very important that I always think positive and make sure that these constituents know their voice is being heard and that Congressman Posey is doing everything in his power to put our country back on track.
I would have to say that Friday was the highlight of Washington so far. The staff assistant offered to walk me around the Capital Building to show me places I would need to go that he wanted me to see. To my astonishment, he surprised me by taking me to the House Floor! For me, it was a moving experience. The kind where you stand there in amazement without any words coming to mind to describe it; I was certainly speechless. For me to stand in a room where some of our most historic Presidents have given their State of the Union Addresses and where some of our country’s most historic votes have been cast was completely mind altering. I also had the chance to see the balcony where the President gives his inaugural address and is sworn in. Later that day, I was informed that I would be touring the White House on May 16th!
All in all, I would say that Washington D.C. is a place that has something new around the corner everyday. Whether it be learning that I am living right down the street from the Capital Hill Club or that I am simply living in Washington D.C! Nevertheless, I know to take advantage of every opportunity I have while interning here and that there are no "stupid" question.
You may have notice that I titled this blog E Pluribus Unum, which is translated to Out of many, one. While I have been here, this motto has had a great effect to me. It has reminded me that if you are Republican, Democrat, Independent, black, white, Hispanic, a plumber, a member of Congress, a mother, or even the President of the United States, at the end of the day, it does not matter because we are first and foremost citizens of the United States. To me, there can be no greater honor.
Thanks for reading. There are so many things I could keep going on and on about but I like to keep things short and sweet. If you guys have anything specific you want to hear about, don't hesitate to comment and I'll do my best to answer all of your questions.
God Bless the United States,
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