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
