Have you ever imagined what it would be like to stuff your suitcases full and move to the Capitol of our country? Wondering what it would be like to move 1400 miles away and to work in the buildings and walk the halls of our government officials?
Well I wondered. Being raised on a farm and ranch I wanted to become an agricultural lobbyist. Having this dream, I needed to know the reality of D.C. There I was, a nineteen-year-old junior at Texas A&M filing out an application that could show me the reality of our government. November of 2019, I received an email from Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program (ANRP) starting with “Congratulations Logan.” Fast forward to January 14th I started my first day in Congressman Michael Clouds office.
Here I learned:
- How a bill is actually created and passed.
- C. is a SMALL WORLD
- Always leave a little early when taking the metro places, you never know when it’s going to get stuck on the tracks.
- Twin size beds are not for me
This internship was an experience of a lifetime. I had the opportunity to sit in on hearings with the Secretary of Agriculture, Sonny Purdue, walk the same halls as of our decision makers, assist in research for our legislative staff when it came to bills they were working on, and many other experiences. All the curiosity I had before getting this opportunity turned to answers as well as opened more areas of interest for myself. In the halls of Longworth, I discovered I did not want to move to D.C. to pursue a career as an agricultural Lobbyist, but I also realized how passionate I am when it comes to international trade and commodity groups. I learned to never be afraid to step out of your comfort zone to learn something new. Moving and working as an intern in D.C. was one of the most challenging as well as rewarding experiences I have had yet.
Take the time to find something you are passionate about. Ask yourself, “how could I step out of my comfort zone and grow as an individual?” When you find that answer, go find all the answers to everything you are curious about. Find the biggest suitcase possible and never let an opportunity pass you by.
Logan Goudeau
Office of Congressman Michael Cloud
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020
