A lot of people have this idea of Washington D.C. in their heads of a cramped, smelly, overpopulated city where everybody is a politician just trying to get ahead. For some specific places or situations, those things can be true, but to cast that judgment on the city, as a whole, is narrow-minded and just not fair. The experience that I have been fortunate enough to have in D.C. is far from the swampy horror stories that I had been told leading up to my internship.

D.C. is not hard to navigate. I will be transparent, the first week or two, I had zero idea where I was going or how to get there. However, once I explored the city just a little bit, things started making a lot more sense. The metro that runs through the city is honestly all you need to get around (except for the bus getting to Georgetown) and once you get familiar with the different stops, you won’t even need google maps.

D.C. is not all politicians. Before my internship, I used to wonder “Why be in D.C. if you are not in politics?” but now I’ve realized that there are people here from (and I don’t mean to be cheesy) all walks of life. I have met some amazing people from non-profit groups, family-owned businesses, and locals who have lived here their whole lives. These are the people who create the culture here. They are the ones who make life fun!

D.C. is not that serious. I thought that from the moment I landed to the moment I left I was going to have to be buttoned-up, professional, and always “on the job.” That truly could not be farther from the truth. Even working in a congressional office, I never felt like I had to tamper my personality or “take it down a notch.” The people here are just normal people, and trying to play the part will only lead to burnout and a bad experience. Show your personality, meet new people, and enjoy it!

Listen to the advice and stories that people tell you before coming to D.C. but wait until you experience it to pass judgment on the city. The best way to do D.C. is with an open mind!

Cade Conrad
Office of Congressman Morgan Luttrell
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

Close your eyes and imagine your hometown. For some the images revolve around endless asphalt and dirt roads engulfed in fields and pastures. For others, a more urban scene floods the mind with its congested streets and hustle and bustle of its pedestrians. Despite both being so vastly different, they each share a similarity: a motor vehicle. There is about a greater than 90% probability that you, the reader of this blog, drive a car, truck, or SUV. It is one of man’s greatest inventions, fulfilling the human need to get from point A to point B as quickly as possible. You probably feel so strongly about your vehicle that you gave it a name and refer to the 4,000-pound hunk of mechanical and body parts as “she”.

Now imagine your lovely vehicle being stripped from you as you enter our nation’s capital: Washington, District of Columbia. Here you will find the way to easily (and cheaply, for all you Uber users out there) travel to and from Capitol Hill, across the Potomac from D.C. to Virginia, is the metro. Panic fills your body as you realize you must critically think about which train, even which station, to get on and off of to arrive safely at your destination. If you are wondering how ever to properly achieve this, you have come to the correct place. The guide to understanding how to navigate this system is outlined in these steps:

• Learn The Colors
  • The trains are differentiated by their respective colors, and there are two of each color (more on that on the next point). The colors are: blue, yellow, orange, silver, red, and green. Knowing which colors go to the station you want to get off on is the easiest way to quickly become a pro.
• Learn The Directions
  • In my previous point, I mentioned how there are two trains for each color. Those two trains go in opposite directions, and each is marked by the FINAL destination they reach in each direction. For example, the blue line trains are Largo Town Center (this one heads toward Capitol Hill) and Franconia Springfield (this one heads toward Ronald Reagan National Airports
• Google Maps Is Your Friend
  • Now that you know the colors and their directions, type the monument or museum you want to see into google and see which station it says to go to. Then, figure out the color you need to take and which direction, and you are all set!

Connor Chappell
The Fertilizer Institute
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

All roads lead to Rome, as the old saying goes. It’s true because destiny sent me to the heart of this Eternal City for three months in the summer to embark on an experience I’ll never forget. Not knowing what to expect, my internship at the United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) turned out to be an interesting combination of the ancient world charms and modern diplomacy. Join me as I take you on a journey through the captivating moments of my Roman summer, where history, culture, and my professional development came together in the most amazing way.

Over two millennia of history have left Rome with an abundance of ancient wonders for visitors to discover today. On weekends, I would visit the city’s historical sites, such as the Colosseum, the Roman Forum, and the Pantheon, to remind myself that I am not simply an intern, but a part of the legacy that this ancient city holds. The art and architecture of the city taught me to appreciate beauty that transcends time, revealing stories of civilizations, artists, and visionaries. The vibrant colors of the Roman city made me grateful for the opportunity to witness such magnificence. To top it all off, delicious gelato from a nearby gelateria, beautiful patisseries in small cafeterias, and freshly brewed Italian coffee that wafted down the cobblestone streets as I walked to work every day became my guilty pleasure, and I gladly indulged in different varieties every day. Aside from bakeries, Italy is a destination for delicious soul food. I loved every opportunity to experience authentic Italian cuisine and quickly found two new favorites: pasta alla-carbonara and Roman-style pizza.

My experience at FAO was an ideal balance of professionalism and a strong desire to see the world achieve food security. As an intern with the Committee on World Food Security (CFS), a forerunner in global food security negotiations, I was part of a team addressing some of the most serious issues on world food security. From attending several delegation sessions to studying new policies, each day brought new perspectives and a heightened sense of responsibility. Working with the CFS team, which focuses on a wide variety of issues in a collaborative environment, has left a long-lasting impression on me. As an intern, I had the privilege of being in a team with dedicated professionals, witnessing the dedication and effort required to make an impact on the global scale. It was amazing to see the power of diplomacy in establishing real connections and finding common ground for the greater good. Diplomacy is about more than just politics; it is about understanding, respect, and collaboration to accomplish positive change.

Rome, with its historic beauties, warm and lovely people, and modern vibrancy, captivated me in a way that only a few cities can.  As the summer in Rome comes to an end, I know that my experiences in Rome and at FAO will always have a special place in my heart. The internship introduced me to the richness of cultural interchange and the joy and satisfaction of being a part of a global effort.

With a newfound interest in diplomacy in agriculture and a treasure of memories, I wave goodbye to the Eternal City, knowing that the journey was just getting started. Whether it’s through the cobblestoned streets or the hallways of international organizations, I’m more motivated and encouraged to have a positive impact on the world, inspired from my Roman summer! Would you like to have a Roman summer as well?

Shikhadri Mahanta
Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Rome, Italy | summer 2023

Two months working full-time I’m sure seems like a long time, I know it did for me. Before I left, I remember thinking, “I have two whole months to reach out and network”. Let me be the first of many to tell you, time flies when you are extremely busy. And summers in D.C. are as busy as it comes. Whether you plan to fall in love with D.C. and live here forever, or decide it is not the life for you, it never hurts to branch out and network with career professionals. Here are some things that I have found worked for me on making sure I don’t leave D.C. empty handed.

1. Practice asking questions: I know this may seem strange, but this is my biggest piece of advice for anyone wanting to expand their network. I have met with dozens of people, who cut time out of their days to meet with an intern. The least I thought I could do was to prepare in-depth, thought-provoking questions so I am not completely wasting their time. People are eager to meet with you, but it is your job to come prepared and ready to contribute to the conversation.

2. Develop a list: I highly encourage before you begin, create a list of people or associations that you have a keen interest in learning more about. This will help you organize the contacts you get for future use, and you can keep track of all the people that you have had the opportunity to meet. I will also add, even if you don’t have a particular interest in the company that someone is working out, still reach out! You never know where that conversation will go, and it never hurts to learn more about a different industry!

3. Utilize being an intern: Like I briefly mentioned, being an intern does have some specific perks. People know what it is like to start out as an intern, and they want to help you out! Talk to your bosses about people they think might be good to know, and always run it by your bosses when you set up a meeting.

Washington is full of people from different walks of life, and each person you have the chance to meet can provide you with a unique perspective on how to succeed professionally, personally, and socially. Take that leap of courage, and you won’t regret it when your time comes to an end!

Alex Smith
USA Rice Federation
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

Within the first hour of being in Washington, D.C., I sat on the floor of my apartment bedroom, completely alone.

None of my roommates had arrived yet, and my bags were still packed, scattered around the room. I wondered how this summer would go living with six other girls, and thought of all ways we could make our little apartment in D.C. feel like home. Who knew the uniting factor of 503S would be a little gas station down the street. To make our house, or apartment, a home, we had to find common interest- leading us to none other than 7/11.

Reasons why 7/11 made our house a home:

1. The giggles
   • From Jade’s use of the nacho bar to me scrounging through the cabinets for more slushie cups, we had lots of giggles.
2. The candidness
   • After a long day of being in business professional clothes, nothing is better than looking like a tired college girl with your dad’s t shirt on once again.
3. The voyage
   • There’s nothing more powerful, unifying, and at times, terrifying, than seven working women making their way to a gas station.

What’s YOUR 7/11?

Annabel Klemm
Office of Congressman Nathaniel Moran
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

Have you ever wondered what it would be like to move across the world? If you are anything like me, you may have pondered this question before. Well, I decided to find out the answer by moving to Rome, Italy for three months for an internship with FAO.

Before this summer, I had never even been outside of the United States. This was an exciting opportunity for me to work for FAO, gain more experience in agricultural economics, and explore the world!

This summer I am interning for the Markets and Trade Division at the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations. I have really enjoyed this experience!

BUT… I have REALLY enjoyed exploring Italy!!! If you come to Italy, here is a guide on how to maximize your adventures while in Italy:

1. Start planning your adventures as soon as possible! The closer to your departure you plan, the more pricey it can be.
2. Take the train everywhere! The Roma Termini train station has trains that go to so many places across Italy everyday, so take advantage of this opportunity.
3. Download the Trenitalia app to buy your train tickets, so you don’t have to in person.
4. Wake up early! This maximizes the time you have to explore the places that you may travel to.
5. Beware of scams and pickpockets! This was the most frustrating thing about my time in Italy! There are many street vendors that will pester you and public transportation has lots of thieves!!!

I suggest going to: Venice, Florence, Cinque Terre, Pisa, Naples, Amalfi, Capri, Tivoli or Lake Como. I had great experiences exploring all of these places! Italy is such a beautiful country with so many places to explore, so take advantage of your time here! Step out of your comfort zone! Take some solo trips and invite your new friends to others.

Best of luck! Enjoy your time in Italy!!!

Katelyn Klawinsky
Food & Agriculture Organization of the United Nations
Rome, Italy | summer 2023

1. Always keep your business cards on you! This is truly a city of connections, and everyone has gotten to where they are through connections! Do not be afraid to attend networking events and pass out your business cards. Once you give your business cards and they give you yours, be sure to follow up, which leads me to….

2. Always follow-up! Once you make a connection and get a business card, be sure to follow-up! Just sending a quick follow-up email will form a connection. Although it feels a little awkward at first, starting the conversation is so important! Offering to buy someone coffee can start a lifelong friendship.

3. Don’t be afraid to ask questions! This is a town of interns and former interns! Almost every single person in this town has been in your position, so they welcome questions. Every person I have met in Washington D.C. has been so open to every question I have asked. They are more than willing to sit down for a coffee and have a chat.

4. Attend every networking you can! When I moved to Washington D.C., I found “forced” networking events awkward. Here in D.C., the networking events are not awkward. Everyone here attends networking events so often that they are so good at them so they do not feel forced.

Mackenzie Chapman
Texas A&M University System Federal Relations Office
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

Lots of museums but little time, this review will help identify which Smithsonian museums are an absolute must and which can be saved until next time.

The DC Area, combined with all the neighboring states is a massive place that takes multiple days to get through.  While some museums are just a block away, that is not the case for all of them.  The Institute makes up 19 museums and one zoo, all ranging from fossils to art to history.  Not only do the themes of each museum vary, but the size varies as well.  I am in no way claiming to be a master curator of the museums or know all niche details of every piece, but I believe I represent the average observer.  Someone who enjoys a little bit of everything in a vast variety of interests.

Best of the Smithsonian Institutes:

• Smithsonian National Zoological Park – A short metro ride away from the National Mall, it is a fun, family friendly activity. Bring your walking shoes because it is very hilly!  The zoos host a wide variety of animals from around the globe including panda bears, elephants, and red pandas.  They also opened a new Migratory Bird exhibit that is worth the visit.
• National Air and Space Museum’s Steven f. Udvar-Hazy Center – Located in Virginia, about an hour metro ride from DC, the hanger-turned-museum houses an amazing variety of planes, helicopters, and gliders. Notable pieces include the Discovery rocket, the Enola Gay, and the Air France Concorde, and a plane from the Blue Angels.  It has a good mix of readable material mixed with tons of planes to see.  The only reason it’s not top of the list is the time and distance commitment to visiting it.
• National Postal Museum – Across the street from Union Station, it is a wonderful museum with lots of history and interactive activities for the whole family to enjoy. The museum covers stamps, baseball, and the evolution of the postal service in a two-level building full of charm.  It was not crowded and had very helpful and knowledgeable staff to top off an amazing trip.

Save Until a Later Date:

• National Museum of Asian Art – The museum is not very big but it does have a lot artifacts. It ranked lower for me because it has a lot more statues, pottery, and physical pieces than painted/image art compared to other art museums in the area.  If you have time to stop in, the shrine area is worth the visit.
• National Air and Space Museum (DC Location) – While it is a good museum, it doesn’t compare to the scope of pure planes and space of the Udvar-Hazy Center (Virginia) museum. The lines are long because it’s currently under renovation and the museum is much more focused on space and the planets instead of just aviation.  The main attraction is the Wright Brother’s first plane, but if you only have time for one of the two Air & Space Museums, the Virginia one is more bang for your buck.

Honorable Mentions:

While neither of these museums are under the Smithsonian, thus they do have an admission fee, they are well worth the visit.

• National Building Museum – a two story building with a host of rotating exhibits. It houses a lot of unique topics related to architecture and buildings that help foster a new appreciation for the small details.
• Spy Museum – fully interactive museum experience unique to each visitor.  Not only is it full of cool spy gear, but it is a huge museum that covers under cover spy wear, the history of spies and current spy networks in effect today.  It’s a great museum for the whole family or a solo trip

Kasey Andrews
Office of Congressman Nathaniel Moran
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

Did you know there is an Aggie Ring in the Capitol?

Within the Capitol there is a room called Statuary Hall where many statues are located. Each state has donated two statues of influential residents of that state. Iowa donated the Norman Borlaug statue. Borlaug was an agronomist from Iowa who was given the name “Father of the Green Revolution.”

• Borlaug created wheat that was disease resistant through varieties of wheat.
• Borlaug saw the benefits in shorter and stronger stalks of wheat.
• Borlaug taught and conducted research at Texas A&M University.

It’s super interesting to know that Borlaug was such a vital part in preventing world hunger. He saved the lives of billions of people. His legacy lives on at Texas A&M and all around the world.

Joanna Zagrean
Office of Congressman August Pfluger
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

• Rachael: Strawberry Ice Cream with Brownie and Chocolate Sauce
  • With her strawberry blonde curls, she may seem like your average Hereford, TX girl, but Rachael is packing a punch…just like her surprise brownie swirl in her ice cream. Like brownies, Rachael is comforting and easy to enjoy and will always get you by with her dry sense of humor and love of Elvis.
• Dominique: Sweet Cream Ice Cream with Oreos and Chocolate Chips
  • Dominique AKA Dom is the sweetest person I have truly ever met and just like Cold Stone’s sweet cream ice cream, her smile and attitude is contagious. However, just like the surprise Oreo in her ice cream, Dom says things that surprise us all…like her dad being British.
• Taylor: Vanilla Ice Cream with Chocolate Chips and Strawberries
  • Though vanilla may seem boring at first, in my opinion, it is anything but that. Vanilla is a classic necessity just like Taylor.
• Annabelle: Chocolate Devotion
  • Annabelle is as loyal and devoted as they come just like her ice cream flavor of choice. Just like the smooth chocolate ice cream, Annabelle is smooth with making plans in an orderly fashion and keeping the group on schedule…and did I mention that she’s the best navigator.
• Callie:
  • Callie did not submit her ice cream flavor; however, she is as sweet as they come and I’m sure her order also is.
• Ellie was not present during the writing of this blog.

Jade Williams
Office of Congressman Pete Sessions
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023