One of the greatest parts about this internship is meeting people. Networking comes easier to some than others, so here is a guide on how to network from a fellow intern who used to have a hard time with it. 

How to Network:

1. Be Social: The first step in networking is to get out of your comfort zone and talk to people. It is a good idea to have a few ice-breaker questions lined up in your head beforehand. 

2. Be Sincere: Whatever you are saying, make sure you mean it. You never know when someone you just met will remember what you said later in life, so whatever you say, make sure you are sincere with yourself and them. 

3. Be Humble: Sometimes, it’s easy to get too comfortable with someone you are networking with, which may come off as rude; remember to be humble. 

4. Be Committed: When you network with people, make sure that they know you are committed. Make sure they feel like giving you their time is worth the investment. 

5. Be Sure to Follow Up: If you want someone to remember your conversation, follow up with an email or text and thank them for their time.

Niko Nemanic
Office of Congressman August Pfluger
Summer 2022 | Washington, D.C.

Before my internship, I had never been to D.C. I wanted to ensure that I made the most out of my time here, so I made a checklist of things I wanted to do and see. At first, it seemed daunting. How would I ever be able to go to all the museums and see all of the things that I had hoped for when I am working full time? Here is some advice for those who want to explore as much as possible. 

1. Wake up early!

The best way to make the most of your time is to do as much as possible on the weekends. While it is tempting to sleep in on your days off, starting earlier gives you more time to visit museums and other places before they close. Most museums are open from 9 to 5. 

      2. Make a list!

While I am not a type A person who enjoys planning every detail out, I think this is the best way to tackle your D.C. bucket list. Each week, I try to figure out what I want to do each evening. On the weekends, I have a more planned-out itinerary detailing all of the activities I want to do. 

     3. Hang out with friends!

A lot of people want to indulge in the history and culture of D.C., so ask a roommate or friend to join you on adventures. You can make lifelong memories and better develop your friendships through these activities. 

Katelyn Klawinsky
Office of Congressman Jake Ellzey
Summer 2022 | Washington, D.C.

Are you an outdoors lover who’s on the fence about moving to the city? This post is for you! As someone who was in your shoes, I’m here to share my tips for how to get out in nature while you’re in D.C.

What do you think about when someone mentions Washington, D.C.? Probably not the great outdoors. I know I didn’t, and I certainly didn’t expect to see a nature trail here either. I love spending time in nature, so before I arrived, I mentally braced for Mount Vernon to be the closest I got to that (on an unrelated note, I do highly recommend visiting Mount Vernon – best view of the Potomac you’ll find). Consider this post a short guide to some of the best ways to experience nature while in D.C.

My absolute favorite is Great Falls National Park (pictured). It is in McLean, Virginia, just 15 miles outside of town. It’s only accessible via car, unfortunately, but it’s absolutely worth it. I hiked almost 7 miles while I was there and still didn’t cover all the trails. There’s a lot of variety in the types of trails too – outdoor junkies like me would love the River Trail, where there are a lot of places to do some rock climbing. The view of the falls is close to the entrance and is ADA accessible so that everyone can enjoy it. Connected to the north side of the park is Riverbend State Park, which features similar trails along the river.

Another cool way to get outside is to rent the Capital Bikeshare bikes and bike the Potomac! I did an hour and a half ride, and it only cost $5.70 – easily one of the cheapest things to do in the city. Plus, you get to decide where you want to go, and there are racks all over the city to return the bikes to, so you can tailor your trip.

If you are on the fence about going to the city just because of the lack of nature, don’t worry! There are plenty more options outside of these to get you out there. Where will you go next?

Erin Kavanagh
Office of Congressman Kevin Brady
Summer 2022 | Washington, D.C.

A new place, new people, and new experiences come with moving to a new city. Being in practically the most famous city in the United States for ten weeks is just as exciting as it seems. But are we considered ‘locals’ now? We are not just visiting… but we’re also only living here for ten weeks out of the entire year. So what does that make the 24 transplanted Aggies residing in Washington, D.C., this summer? Locals, or just more (thankfully not eighth grade) tourists trying to do and see everything before leaving again?

It’s not -that- hard.

I mean, come on, I know I’m not the only one who puts on my business casual outfit I bought only weeks (okay maybe days) before moving here and feels like I’m on top of the world and so much more ~local~ than those lost tourists (who I looked exactly like two weeks prior) trying to figure out the metro system (of which I still get lost on). 

Of course, you have to find all the hidden gems and be able to talk about them with your coworkers, or maybe just to impress another lost tourist when they ask for dinner recommendations. 

And absolutely avoid Georgetown (so no cupcakes?), find out how to get to Old Town (wherever that is), and find your favorite local (no Dutch Bros?) coffee shop to visit at least twice a week because this town runs on caffeine.

Finally, the Secret.

Being a local means you’re supposed to be able to get around without Google maps helping you out, right? Absolutely not, unless you want your 20-minute commute home to turn into a 2-hour commute after getting on the wrong metro. But, besides the point, D.C. is such a wonderful city and unlike anywhere I have ever been, let alone lived. The secret to ‘looking like a local’ is actually to not act like one. It’s important to embrace the tourist attractions, overpriced cupcakes, and swarms of eighth graders that seem to be around every corner. Without all of those, you truly would not get to experience the city in the way it is meant to be explored.

Grace Bennett
American Farm Bureau Federation
Summer 2022 | Washington, D.C.

Did you know that are more than 160 monuments and memorials in Washington, D.C? One of the best things about living and working in Washington, D.C., is how close you are to the different monuments and memorials. As well as how close the monuments and memorials are to each other. Below are my top monuments and memorials to visit while in Washington, D.C. 

1. The Washington Monument – Completed in 1885 at one time, this monument was the tallest building/structure in the world. Unfortunately, it lost that distinction a little over a year after it was completed. However, to this day, it is still the tallest freestanding stone structure in the world. It is also the tallest point in Washington, D.C. You can visit the top of the Washington Monument, and there you will have the best view of D.C. There is also a small museum at the top of the monument that tells a bit of the history of the monument’s construction.
2. The Lincoln Memorial – Completed in 1922, the Lincoln Memorial is both a local and tourist favorite. It is also where Martin Luther King Jr. gave his “I have a dream…” speech. Like other memorials and monuments in the National Mall, it is open 24/7. If you go behind the Lincoln memorial during sunset, you will see the best sunset in all of D.C. It is also the perfect place to have lunch and people watch. 
3. World War I Memorial – This memorial is different than the other ones above in that it is still being completed. However, it is still, in my opinion, one to visit. The memorial will feature a bronze sculpture that will show the story of the soldier and plaques that tell the history behind World War I. 

These are my favorite 3 memorials and monuments in Washington, D.C. However, there are plenty of other ones to visit as well. Which one will you see first? 

Tatum Hausman
House Committee on Agriculture
Washington, D.C. | Spring 2022

Leaving home to go to school is one of the biggest decisions and steps that we make in our lives. For most Aggies, including myself, the fear and anxiety that comes with being on your own are offset by a safety net of knowing we are still within a reasonable distance of any member of our family. But what do you do when you move to a new state with no family close by?

When I arrived in D.C, I was thrown way out of my comfort zone, moving in with 4 strangers in a state and city where I knew no one. I might as well have been on an island. I was already missing my bed, university, family, dogs, and friends.

Here are the 3 things I did to help combat homesickness while in D.C.

1. Establish and expand your social network. I have not always been the most extroverted person when it came to meeting new people, but I knew going into this program that building a social network would be the key to a successful transition. What I did was start small and focused on connecting with my roommates. After all, I would be seeing many of them, and we already have similar career interests and aspirations. My roommates and I quickly turned into a mini family, and we have helped each other grow our social networks within the program and out and have great adventures together.                                                                                                                                                                                                                        
2. Do the things that make you happy. Everyone has hobbies or activities that they truly enjoy, whether that is going to the bookstore every weekend for a new book, exercising, hiking, or bowling. I found that it is important to try to not lose those activities while in D.C. Almost anything you could do back home, you can find in D.C. as well. For me, this was simply going to the movie theater every so often when there was a new movie out and signing up for a gym membership at the local rock-climbing gym. This has made D.C. feel less like a foreign land and a little more like home.                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                         
3. Try as many new things as you can. A busy mind prevents a wandering mind. Trying new things in D.C. has been a great way to avoid homesickness. Some have been simple, like going with my roommates to a new Chinese restaurant. Others have required some effort outside my comfort zone, such as going to explore a new part of town by myself. There are so many things to do in D.C. and surrounding areas, and you could do something new almost every weekend. For me, my favorite new things have been the Smithsonian museums and a day trip my roommates and I took to Philadelphia to see Independence Hall.

Anyone could take my lessons that are laid out above as a sort of templet, but everyone is a little different. I urge anyone moving to D.C. to take some time to reflect and think about what methods do and don’t work for you. It is also easy to get overwhelmed when you first get to the city, and even I could feel myself getting “paralysis by analysis.” So, it is also important to be decisive and take things one step at a time.

Taylor Mitchell
Office of Congressman Michael Cloud
Washington, D.C. | Fall 2021

Moving to a new city can be a rough transition for many, especially those experiencing ‘city life’ for the first time. However, one thing that I have found to ease the transition and helps alleviate stress/anxiety is to stay active! This of which may seem intimidating to do, seeing as you may be unfamiliar with the area. However, here are a few safe and fun activities you could do to stay active in D.C.

1.)   Utilize the gym available at the Buchanan

I am a strong believer that a little physical activity every day can really impact your mental and physical health in a positive way. Therefore, I highly encourage everyone to take advantage of the gym available just a few floors away from your room.

2.)   Go sightseeing 

After getting to D.C., it is extremely tempting to immediately go out and visit national monuments and museums located around the city. Therefore, it is highly encouraged to purchase your first SmarTrip card and start counting your steps. Walking around to the various monuments like the Lincoln Memorial and Washington Monument can be so interesting and fun that you don’t realize you are technically exercising as much as you truly are. For example, when visiting these exact places, my roommates and I walked 26,000 steps without realizing it.

3.)   Go on a hike

Another activity that is fun to do in your spare time and acts as a great cardio workout is hiking! There are many trails in and around the city, and some that can be reached if you have car access. For example, the Appalachian Trail is about an hour away from our apartment and is a great source of fresh air and scenic views!

4.)   Go on a run 

Lastly, go on a run! I know running doesn’t seem to be the most fun type of physical activity to participate in, but the views you are capable of experiencing make it worth it. For example, the Mt. Vernon trail is located down the street from the Buchanan, and it leads you along the Potomac and to the Jefferson Memorial. It is a decent run, however, there is nothing like seeing the Jefferson Memorial and Washington Monument lit up amongst such a peaceful silence. (early morning runs)

 

Victoria Izaguirre
Office of Congressman Randy Weber
Washington, D.C. | Fall 2021

 

 

Are you ever tired of concrete surroundings? Do you enjoy getting in touch with nature but feel disconnected? The great outdoors of the Shenandoah Valley, Appalachian Mountains, and Potomac riverside are calling, and you must go!

Nature can feel like a far-away concept when you’re constantly surrounded by the sounds of a metro station and walking in the shadows of a D.C. Highrise. In reality, the D.C. area is surrounded on all sides by some of the most breathtaking state and national parks that provide all levels of hiking, biking, and rock-climbing opportunities.

If you’re an avid hiker looking for The View, McAfee Knob is a challenging, 8-mile round-trip hike up to the top of Catawba Mountain in Virginia. A highlight of the Appalachian Trail, McAfee Knob provides a stunning 270-degree panoramic view of the valley below. USA Today called it one of the most spectacular hikes in the U.S.

If you’re more in the mood for a nice, moderate hike, the Annapolis Rock Trail is the one for you. A 2.5 mile in and out, the trail leads to exciting boulder edges perfect for a snack at the top. This is also a prime spot to see plumes of fall foliage! The Billy Goat Trail and Great Falls Overlook Trail are also great options in the moderate category and bring you up close and personal with the Potomac River.

For easiest accessibility, check out the Mount Vernon Hiking and Biking trail! Running all the way from Theodore Roosevelt Island to Mount Vernon, the 18-mile hike or bike ride is a paved trail full of beautiful views and places to rest and takes you right up to the front door of George Washington’s Estate. Be sure to plan a whole day for this adventure and drink plenty of water. In addition, many people use smaller sections of the trail to go for a walk, take a family bike ride, or visit Theodore Roosevelt Island.

While it’s important to experience the city in all of its glory, a little fresh air and a nice hike is a great way to refresh and relax. There are so many ways to experience nature, even when you live in D.C.! Take the time to get outside and experience all that nature has to offer.

Abby Huie
Office of Congressman Filemon Vela
Washington, D.C. | Fall 2021

 

Do you ever find yourself going on vacation and being the “boring” one who always wants to go home? If so, you might be a homebody. Regardless, you still like to travel and see new things, but you have a limited amount of time before you feel yourself itching to go back home. Unfortunately, this isn’t the case for those who love to be on the move 24/7 to experience everything a place has to offer. Exhausting, right? Well, have no fear! In my infinite wisdom, which I have gained after a whole three weeks of being in D.C., I have devised a fool-proof system to having fun outdoors as a homebody.

First, you know those exhausting, always-on-the-move folks I mentioned earlier? Yeah, you need to find some of them. In my case, my roommates have been wonderfully adventurous and on the move. Although I initially found it overwhelming trying to keep up with them, I soon realized that 1) I don’t always have to keep up with them and 2) if not for them, I wouldn’t know where to go or be motivated enough to explore. I am infinitely grateful that my roommates always include me in theirs plans but are understanding of when I need to go home to recharge. Also, there are no rules to going out. Just because they’ve already arrived somewhere, doesn’t mean I can’t join later or leave early. So, go find yourself some adventurers to guide and motivate you.

Secondly, know your limits. Going out with friends, experiencing new things, all of that is wonderful. I’ve had so many good experiences with my roommates. This being said, I know when I need to go home and when I can allow myself some more time outside. There is nothing wrong with leaving a little early, even if fear of missing out is real. I won’t lie. Initially, it was hard to go home because I felt like a killjoy, but my roommates were more than accommodating and knew that my need to be home had nothing to do with my levels of enjoyment while out with them. Explain yourself well, and I promise your adventurers will understand, too! If not, find new ones. I swear they are everywhere.

Lastly, set a schedule for yourself. Currently, I am typically good to go out on Saturday. Friday can be arranged, and Sunday is usually spent indoors. Now, this is, of course, flexible. In times where plans change, I usually go from a day schedule to an hours schedule. So, instead of having designated rest days, I have a designated number of hours where I need to be home. This gives me more flexibility. Whichever works best for you, express it with those around you. Then, plans can be made that accommodate you while also allowing everyone to explore.
So, there you have it! An ultimate guide to enjoying a new city as a homebody. Always remember, you have plenty of time to explore, and not all fun has to be had outdoors.

Katherine Olvera
National Farmers Union
Washington, D.C. | Fall 2021