It has been an incredible time so far at the Capitol these past few weeks. It is hard to believe that it has only been a month since I arrived in Austin and a few weeks of working in the Capitol. So much has happened that it feels, in a positive way, that I have been here for months. From the Governor’s Inauguration Ball (we saw Lady Antebellum and Pat Green!) to the little things like bonding with my office staff, there is never a dull moment here in Austin.
As far as the governmental side of things go, I am definitely being thrown into a new world and gaining hands on experience that is far greater than I could have imagined. My primary responsibilities include scheduling for the Senator, administrative duties around the office, and interacting with constituents and lobbyists–as I am the front face of the office. Scheduling can be difficult and consumes most of my day, but I feel important making sure the Senator’s schedule is in order and helping out my fellow team members so that we all can have a successful session. Due to these responsibilities taking all of my attention, I am not as heavily involved in the legislative process. However, being at the front desk, I overhear much conversation regarding different bills being introduced and drafted, topics of the various meetings the Senator is to be a part of, and my co-workers and I discuss a variety of controversial topics that are the main focus of our constituent calls. Wit h this being said, I do receive a more indirect introduction into our legislative process and feel this is a great way for me to learn more about our state government.
There is so much newness to this experience that I am glad that there is a large group of interns to experience it with. We have gone to receptions together, went out to movies, attended church together, experienced different Austin cuisine, and even had hang out nights at each other’s apartments. It is nice to come together as a group and be able to share experiences with each other and feel that we can relate.
I feel that this experience will only grow increasingly interesting, fun, maybe stressful, and new, but will serve each of us differently on our paths to success in the future.
Erin Carney
Senator Van Taylor
Spring 2015 Austin, Texas
