Archives for March 2020

Do you have an unfilled promise you made to yourself while in college? During my undergraduate career, I always wanted to take on an internship at the Nation’s Capitol. However, just like most plans other opportunities become more readily available and change the trajectory of your path.  As I am finishing up my graduate program at Texas A&M, I am pleased to have taken on the opportunity to intern on the Hill. Every new experience comes with untapped knowledge and skills that can be acquired. Honing on past internship and work experiences from my undergrad has given me the ability to expand my role as an intern on the Hill to get the most out of my time. There is a self-fulfilling gratitude that comes from seeking a past opportunity that you let slip through your fingertips before. I encourage everyone who reads this to look back on the experiences you have always wanted to do and find a way to make them happen. What is the one commitment you wish you would have taken advantage of while in college?

Rebecca Barnett
Office of Congressman John Carter
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

The east coast is home to so many intriguing historic events. Washington DC is the heart of it all. Don’t be afraid to expand your curiosity outside the city and take a day or weekend trip to see what the surrounding areas have to offer!

Philadelphia: Only 2.5 hours away, it is home to the Liberty Bell, and, arguably more famous, the Rocky steps. Here you can take a bite of an original Philly cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks (cheese whiz is a must) or take a stroll around Britain House Square.

New York City: When can you ever say again that you are only a mere 4-hour drive away from New York. Take time to see the hustling city on a weekend. The city is filled with endless things to do: see the 9/11 Museum and World Trade Center Complex, visit the Rockefeller Center, step inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, ice skate in Bryant Park, get lost in Macy’s at Herald Square, get a view of the Statue of Liberty, or simply be dazzled by Times Square.

National Parks: There’s plenty of them. Shenandoah National Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Prince William Forest Park to name a few. If you miss the Texas peace and quiet, take a drive out of the city and explore the beautiful nature on this side of the nation.

“Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.” – Anthony Bourdain

Loryn McFall
Office of Congressman Randy Weber
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

As an incoming intern on Capitol Hill, I believed that being in the office, learning the ins-and-outs, was going to be the way to maximize my experience. Future interns be warned, take advantage of and go to every event and opportunity that comes your way.  From ‘Aggie Astronauts’ to puppy playtime, what will the Hill throw your way?

I am lucky enough to be in an office that welcomes interns with open arms and encourages us to make the most of our precious time in Washington. After being here for just over a month, I am learning all about the innerworkings of a congressional office, while also witnessing some of the more influential events of my lifetime. Events like:

• Sonny Perdue, the United States Secretary of Agriculture, introducing the USDA’s new ‘Innovation Initiative’
• Attending the Impeachment Trial of President Donald J. Trump
• Meeting Mike Fossum, Texas A&M’s “Aggie Astronaut”

These are simply some of the highlights of my time here so far, but what are not listed are the countless experiences that occur when you least expect them. Meeting one of your senators while giving a constituent tour, sharing an elevator with a member of congress (don’t even get me started on the elevators here), or joining the countless other interns on the hunt for a celebrity when they make an appearance in the Capitol.

Capitol Hill is a hodgepodge of politicians, celebrities, your everyday staffers, and interns from all over. Each day is unpredictable, but that is the beauty of it. You take each day as it comes, and hope that you have either your physical or mental camera at the ready.

Hannah Followill
Office of Congressman Filemon Vela
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

I was a deer in the headlights coming to D.C. with very little knowledge of the city or what I would be doing in my hosting office. I figured my internship would consist of getting coffee, making copies and taking notes on anything and everything. When my hosting office informed me that I would get to go with them to their annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee, I knew that I was getting the opportunity of a lifetime.

Packin’ it up: My first month with the National Turkey Federation was spent getting things ready to host over 500 people at a 4-day long convention. Everything from the food members would eat to getting a hold of guest speakers like Secretary Sonny Perdue rested on the small but mighty staff of nine at the National Turkey Federation. My day to day tasks included making the nametags, contacting restaurants, and working with my supervisors to make sure everything was shipped in a timely manner to meet us in Nashville!

Hot Turkey and Honky Tonk Highway: When I got to Nashville, it was nothing but go, go, go for 6 days straight. We were responsible for setting up the convention space to make it “team turkey friendly.” My favorite part of the entire convention was meeting the members. From producers, to processors, to allied members, I was meeting people that I had heard about even in my studies at Texas A&M. I had the opportunity to build relationships with major players in the turkey industry. On top of the workday side of convention, I was able to spend informal time with staff and members, my favorite being enjoying the famous Nashville Hot “turkey” on Broadway Street!

Networkin’ and Boot Scootin’: I knew before even arriving to Nashville that I would be given an irreplaceable opportunity to build my network with potential future employers. I always kept my business card on me and took every opportunity to get to meet new people, even when it meant boot scootin’ through receptions and stepping out of my comfort zone.

My time in D.C. has been a once in a lifetime opportunity but experiencing Nashville in a business setting was the experience that I never thought I would get. The conversations and advice I got from our members are irreplaceable and I have a completely different outlook on the turkey industry now that I’ve met the wonderful people who make it happen.

Leeandra Bobo
National Turkey Federation
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

“Every great dream begins with a dreamer. Always remember, within you is the strength, the patience, and the passion to reach for the stars, to change the world.” -Harriet Tubman

As an intern, you must constantly remind yourself why and what brought you to D.C., why you are working on the Hill, association, or lobbying group. It is easy to get sucked into the foggy layer of negative thoughts in the capitol city. When these thoughts start taking root in your mind, take a second and remind yourself why you chose to come here, and reflect on the lessons learned thus far and establish goals to guide the remainder of your stay.

The person leaving D.C. will not be the same as the one who landed. The time you spend in D.C. prepares you for life beyond politics and bureaucracy. You more than likely will not make a monumental change drastically altering the course of politics forever. However, you will leave equipped with tools to be an agent of change in your home, community, state, and beyond.

The most valuable piece of advice I can give you is to stay true to who you are, do not allow others to pressure you into believing or doing something you do not morally agree with, and take time for yourself. Whether that means jogging around town, walking on the treadmill, or sitting in bed with a book or watching Netflix. Your time here is valuable. However, you will be unable to take full advantage of it if you do not take care of yourself.

You once dreamed of working and living in D.C. and even if it does not live up to your expectations, treat it as a learning experience, make the most of it while you are here, and approach every day with a positive attitude.

McKenna Bush
House Committee on Agriculture – majority office
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020