This year has been a time of ups, downs, and absolute craziness. Whether it was a global pandemic, wildfires in California, Oregon, and Washington, or the presidential election, nothing this year has been predictable or average. Despite the setbacks of 2020, my internship this fall semester with the House Committee on Agriculture has been nothing short of amazing!

My name is Anna Lad, and I’m a master’s student currently studying Science and Technology Journalism here at Texas A&M, after graduating in May ’20 with a Wildlife and Fisheries Sciences degree. However, this semester, I was able to be part of the Agriculture and Natural Resources Policy (ANRP) internship program as a virtual intern.

During the months I’ve interned virtually for the Ag Committee, I’ve learned a bevy of new things. However, I think these five are the ones that will stick with me for years to come!

1. Don’t be afraid to Ask Questions! – Washington D.C. is a networking community. Most tasks, assignments, and jobs are all passed on via word-of-mouth. Because I’m a virtual intern, I have to be more intentional. This semester, I’ve learned to email people I’ve never met and ask for a 15-minute Zoom coffee, something that was pretty daunting at first. I make sure to be more attentive in meetings and briefings as well as ask questions right away. In non-Covid times, I could just swing by a person’s desk. Now, I make sure to cover all my bases or else the email chains get way too long!
2. Keep a Record of People You Meet – There are a lot of people in Washington D.C. You want to remember as many as possible – not because ‘she who networks the most wins’, but because most people are genuine fountains of knowledge and advice. If you have a terrible memory, like me – or even if you don’t – an address book or excel sheet is a great idea. In mine, I list everyone I’ve “met” with in virtual meetings, what we talked about, and when. That way, I can thank them for their time, follow up later, and keep tabs on my assignments. To be honest, it’s just great to put faces to names. The rapidly changing nature of the House this fall only makes it even more crucial to get to know everyone.
3. It’s OK if you get COVID-19! My supervisor and my coworkers were so understanding when I came down with coronavirus midway through October. Luckily, I had a mild case and was only out for a few days. Because I was virtual, I could return to the work-from-home life while my quarantine was still in effect.
4. Set up an Office Schedule & Area – It’s so important to be able to manage your time wisely, especially if you have a lot going on! I’m in an interesting spot because I’m interning part-time for the House Agriculture Committee, while starting grad school full time here at Texas A&M. I had to come up with some effective organization solutions really quickly. That included:

• • Time blocking my days for school and my internship
  • Doing ANRP work only at my desk (except when it’s nice outside!)
  • Reading up on background information in my spare time

5. Dress Up for Work – We’re all familiar with the pajama pants + dress shirt combination. That doesn’t mean it’s a good one, however. Putting on business casual clothes for my virtual meetings and projects helped me to get in the professional mindset. I’m not saying jacket and heels, but it was definitely a beneficial mental shift to prepare beforehand. Since virtual interns can’t commute to work, I think we miss out on the transition to that mindset. I’ve found that maintaining business casual clothes helps me get ready for working.

These are just a few of the lessons I’ve learned in the last few months in my internship with the House Committee on Agriculture.

What have your experiences working or interning during this pandemic taught you? What advice would you give to other students?

Anna Lad
House Committee on Agriculture
Washington, D.C. | fall 2020

If you were to tell me at the beginning of my freshman year in college that I would be interning in a congressional office after graduation, I would tell you that would absolutely never happen… BUT now you’re reading my ANRP blog post.

Fall 2016 was my first semester at Texas A&M, and the year I became registered to vote. In high school, I was oblivious to anything related to government, but starting college opened my eyes into the world of policy. I think it’s important the readers know that I graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Nutrition and plan to go to Dental School within the next couple of years. I thrived in STEM classes so I was not excited that I would have to take two political science classes in college. While taking these classes I was able to appreciate government and did a lot of personal growing up and realized that everyone is affected by government policies, and that you should care about what our political leaders are working on. After hearing about the ANRP Internship program I thought applying for it would be my next step in understanding the whole process of how things happen in Washington DC.

While being up here I was able to experience how a congressional office works, even in the midst of a pandemic. I also learned that congressional offices work continuously to improving their community and the lives of their constituents. It was also very memorable to be in our nation’s capital this past presidential election. Looking back at 2016, I regret not voting because that is the only thing we as citizens can do, especially as a woman it’s important that we practice this right that was given to us. I’m very hopeful for the future and can’t wait to continue falling in love with policy.

Zenaida Alamiz
Office of Congressman Filemon Vela
Washington, D.C. | fall 2020

2020 is a year in American history like 1941 and 1776 that although people at the time did not want due to major interruptions in normal life, generations afterward still study to learn how the people of the time overcame such great obstacles. Back in February when I applied for ANRP, I would not have wanted the current situation; however, one day l want to look back and remember the unique opportunities this strange time brought me and how I used them to better myself as a person. Below are three things I have learned that have allowed me to maximize my extremely unique ANRP experience.

1. There is always a silver lining – I find it important to view my DC experience as unique, and not worse or limited. The COVID era has brought changes, but not every change is necessarily bad. As a congressional intern one opportunity I have taken full advantage of is having unlimited access to the US Capitol. In particular, while normally the rotunda is a bustling, noisy place with the suspension of tours I often just sit on the benches, with the whole area literally to myself, and read in the quiet or admire the beautiful artwork that graces the entire dome.
2. Use the extra free time well – With no visitors to the office much of my job as an intern has been taken away, but with less work comes more free time. With that time, I have toured the National Mall, visited Baltimore, National Park areas, and even read books I had put off. Bottom line, I use every day to its fullest, even if it is not what I thought it would be.
3. Take advantage of every opportunity – Even during these strange times, I still choose to take advantage of the opportunities that have not been closed. Last weekend the annual White House garden tour, though modified, was still put on and so I grabbed a few of my roommates and went. What an amazing experience too, walking through the historic Rose Garden, seeing through the windows of the Oval Office, and taking up-close pictures of the White House. It was every history nerd’s dream!

I realize we are all facing many of the same challenges in this strange time, but I have learned to not just look to the future but seize every opportunity offered today.

James Hodges
Office of Congressman Jodey Arrington
Washington, D.C. | fall 2020

I am an introvert through and through. A few weeks ago I moved to a city I had never been to before, became roommates with two girls I had never met, started a new job, and I have done all of this in the middle of a pandemic. Since I have been here, I have walked like 100 miles, had about 1,000 Zoom meetings, and met 21 new people. As an introvert, it was an extremely overwhelming situation. However, I would not trade it for the world! Even though I have only been here for two weeks, I have made great friends, learned so much, and am already making plans to move here! If I could give any advice to my fellow introverts, it would include the following:

• Take meeting new people one day at a time! Start with your roommates and go from there.
• Bring any game you could possibly think of! This is a great way to break the ice and takes the pressure off of you. Our cohort has game nights almost every night.
• Playing sports is always a fun and easy way to get to know a larger group of people.
• Don’t worry about! At the end of the day, everyone is in the same boat as you. Just be yourself!

I was surprised at how quickly I was able to make friends. We have already explored D.C., visited a national park, and have had multiple game nights/sports outings. I am so excited for the opportunity to get to know everyone better over the rest of the semester!

Mackenzie Jeter
National Farmers Union
Washington, D.C. | fall 2020

Due to increasing COVID-19 concerns, this establishment is temporarily closed or not operating in its normal capacity until further notice.

These seem to be words that have become far too familiar to us and the rest of the world over these last few months. With most of our country being in a state of slow reopening, most of the everyday things and activities we’ve become so accustomed to have been limited or scaled back to some degree. But that doesn’t mean we can’t make the most of the situation by striving to find the little silver linings that are still all around us. Through this internship we have a unique opportunity to be living in the heart of our nation’s capital and only have but a few months to take advantage of it. Even though not everything here is fully open and operational just yet, I still plan to make my time here a great adventure. So here is some of my advice of how I have been able to make the most of a socially distant district.

1. Find some fun outdoor spaces and explore!

We happen to have an Aggie cohort that loves to be active and outside, so one of the first daytrips we took outside of the city was visiting Shenandoah National Park. This park is roughly a two-and-a-half-hour drive into northern Virginia and it was worth every second of the journey. We went on a gorgeous scenic hike to the highest peak in the national park and it was a beautiful escape into nature and it was very breathtaking to see such a pretty part of this side of the country. Any chance you can get to get out and see new parts of the area, I highly encourage it! There is so much more places to explore and see around us than you think!

2. Do you research and make some reservations!

Whether it be restaurants in the area that are starting to have their dining rooms open up again or museums and exhibits that have limited occupational capacities, there are still plenty of places to go visit during these unprecedented times. When I say do your research, look into what is and isn’t open around the city and make reservations ahead of time to secure a time to go venture with your friends and enjoy what the DMV area still has to offer!

3. Make the National Mall your favorite picnic location!

One of DC’s constants during this pandemic has been the National Mall stretch. Thanks to it being completely outdoors and having plenty of room to be socially distant, one of the capital’s monumental staples is still free and available for the public to see and enjoy. This nearly two mile park is home to many of our nation’s most famous monuments, mixed in with a few reflection pools and lots of stretches of grass which are the perfect set up for a picnic or a day off from work. One of my favorite things that we have done since being here is we had a just girl’s day where we made a charcuterie board and ate it right under the Washington Monument. Talk about a one-of-a-kind view. It’s the simple things like that lead to the best of days and memories made with friends!

4. Get outside your comfort zone and make new friends and connections!

One of the neatest parts of the ANRP/PPIP programs is that you get to live with other Aggies. Moving to an entirely different city halfway across the country can definitely be intimidating so it’s such a great comfort to be surrounded by other Aggies that are facing the same transition as you, it’s like already having a built in support system. As easy as it is to just hang out with the friends from the A&M cohort, I challenge you to still get outside of your comfort zone and get to know new people in and around the area. Whether that be other Aggies that are outside the cohort on the hill, or some of your fellow interns in your office, take advantage of every opportunity to network and make a new friend. You never know where that relationship or interaction may take you later in life, especially if you make your way back to DC later down the road.

5. Take advantage of the Metro not being crowded!

This is one of the only things I think we can truly thank COVID-19 for. With most people and companies choosing to telework in the city until the end of the calendar year, that makes DC’s famous public transportation system far less crowded than normal. This makes for peaceful and easy commutes to and from work and less impacted peak travel times. Also who doesn’t love having the assurance of always being able to find a seat while riding the Metro.

6. *BONUS* For those that are working on the hill in person, use that intern badge to its fullest potential!

The Capitol, House, and Senate buildings may be closed to the public but if you happen to be fortunate enough to be working in person in one of them, explore! Take that extra walk back from lunch and see the unseen parts of our nation’s capital, ask your supervisor to give you a tour of where you work. This may be one of the only times in your life where you will have this type of opportunity and access to see these neat places where history is quite literally made every day. Show off that intern badge and enjoy the ride and the perks that come along with it!

At the end of the day, this internship is completely what you make of it so why not make the best of it! Sure, COVID-19 has certainly altered some of the normalcy that would traditionally come along with this program but that doesn’t make this particular experience any less special. Take advantage of all that you can in the city but most of all enjoy yourself, embrace the journey, and make DC your home for the time being!

Macey Hammerstrom
House Committee on Agriculture – minority office
Washington, D.C. | fall 2020

When finding out my internship would start remotely, I was pretty bummed, but within a few days of working from home I realized it isn’t so bad. While I would prefer to go into the office, interact with my collogues, and get the full D.C. experience, commuting to the couch sure is a lot easier than using the Metro. Here are some ways I have embraced a remote internship.

1. Cohort Bonding – With these unfortunate times, it comes as no surprise that many of my fellow interns are also working via the Buchanan Apartments. We have found different ways to make working from our living rooms, a little more bearable. Sometimes we work outside enjoying this beautiful D.C. Weather or venture to each other’s apartments for a little change of scenery. We are spending a little more time together than expected, but I know great friendships will come of it.

 

2. Casual Work Attire – Probably one of the best perks of working remotely is being able to wear a much more relaxed wardrobe. For the occasional zoom meeting, I pull out the business professional clothes, but I bet my house shoes didn’t expect to get this much fame in the big city.

 

3. I’ll Never Go Hungry – This may not be the healthiest perk, but my kitchen is only a few steps away from my office. I always have my snacks available, and I never have to worry about finding something to eat while working because I’ll just whip something up in my apartment.

 

4. There is Still Plenty to Explore – Even though I don’t see much of D.C. during the workday, there is still so much to do and see when off the clock. Thankfully, D.C. is still functioning and us interns can explore the city and enjoy the sites. Whether it is a monument, a park, or a must try restaurant, it is exciting to take in all D.C. has to offer.

We are living in a pretty interesting time, where learning to adapt has become a part of our everyday lives. I am so grateful my internship was able to be adapted to a remote format. It is not completely ideal for what I expected out of my internship experience, but it has been nice to embrace the unique opportunity. How will you embrace your next unique challenge?

Michelle Sutton
National Association of Wheat Growers
Washington, D.C. | fall 2020

Before moving to Washington D.C. for six weeks, I had only visited once. Therefore, most of my expectations came from Elle Woods in “Legally Blonde.” While I might not be fighting for my dog’s mother to be released from a research lab (although, what a noble cause, am I right??), I am here to learn how policy comes to fruition. While there is a lot that Elle got right when it comes to life on The Hill, I’m here to clue you in on a few things she got wrong.

One of the biggest misconceptions about D.C. is that to be successful here you can only advance by being cutthroat, ruthless, and greedy. That thought could not be further from the truth. The movie portrays Elle working in a representative’s office for months on a bill, only to be undercut at the end, due to the congresswoman needing to please her campaign sponsors. After only one week of personally working on The Hill, it is easy to see how much the staff and representatives want to work together to try and pass good policies. This is not to be confused with everyone getting along perfectly, but I have been pleasantly surprised at the bi-partisanship I have seen after only five days in the office. Another interesting take on the matter is that jobs as a staffer in the House are not a typical nine-to-five position that someone gets to pay the bills. Frankly, these people could probably make more money somewhere else, but their passion about certain topics and belief that this is where they need to be make it such a special work dynamic. I think that the passion the people here have is something that truly embodies the American dream. I have learned there are so many people here that, like me, believe in something greater than themselves.

Another aspect Elle Woods seemingly forgets to mention is the cost of living in the D.C. area. I learned very quickly that grabbing a few things from the grocery store will add about $20 more than what I would spend in Texas. I suppose it is a good thing I’m used to living the broke college kid life! But seriously, I think one blonde to another Elle should have mentioned all the money I would have to shell out to eat. I mean, can’t a girl get an HEB on the East Coast??

The BIGGEST thing Elle left out is how she made herself look more glamorous by walking around The Hill all day without getting blisters the size of Alaska on her feet. On my first day, I even made sure to wear flats, but unfortunately, fell victim to the most stereotypical intern problem. Some would say that Elle Woods’ biggest accomplishment was passing Bruisers Bill, but if you ask me, it is the fact that she could make it even one day on The Hill in her sky-high pumps without getting blisters.

While some of the things on my list are negative, I do not want it to overshadow how much I absolutely love living and working in our nation’s capital. I can see why Elle Woods loved being here so much. After one week in the office, I am sure now more than ever that policy is where I want to take my career after college. This blonde with blistered feet and big dreams is excited to see where this experience will take her!

Harlea Hoelscher
House Committee on Agriculture – minority office
Washington, D.C. | summer 2020

Must-see museums are closed, access to government buildings is limited, famous restaurants have closed their doors, and the metro has modified operating hours. What do we do now?

Interns in the Nation’s Capital typically see the hustle and bustle of a town on a mission. Housing the nation’s elected officials, top military leaders, numerous special interest groups, policymakers, and policy enforcers, Washington D.C. is usually packed full of events and exciting places to see. The current pandemic poses some changes to this typical schedule. However, with a little insight, there is still much to take advantage of in the capital!

Be sure to strap on your mask, and let’s see D.C.!

1. Catch up on policy topics and the news

Whether it is watching the nightly news, tuning into your favorite podcast, reading the latest twitter post, or doing some background research, there is no better place to become more knowledgeable about current events and policy. If you are looking for more information, reach out to legislative assistants or other interns that can give you the up-to-date information on what is happening in the legislature. Pro tip! If you have friends in other congressional offices and special interest groups, it is a great conversation starter to see how their offices are approaching current policies or legislation.

2. Reach out to a mentor or make a new connection

Emails, phone calls, zoom meetings, or even a walk in a local park! Washington D.C. is centered around networking and exploring new professions. If there is someone in town that has an interesting job or is an expert in a subject that intrigues you, do not hesitate to reach out to them. Typically, these opportunities to connect with other professionals are centered around grabbing coffee, but socially distancing is calling for a bit of creativity. We are all living in an odd time, and they will be impressed to see the effort you put in to meeting them!

3. Read a book

With lots of beautiful parks and open spaces, picking up a book is never a bad idea. Even if you want to stay inside for a day, reading is a great way to relax and decrease your screen time.

4. Beach Day! But make it socially distant

Maryland and Virginia are both known for some beautiful coastlines. If you or a fellow intern have the means to drive, do a little exploring and take a day trip to the coast. I recommend, if you are looking for a quiet beach, check out Bethany Beach in Delaware. It is about a 2-hour drive, but the countryside is beautiful to see on your way there! Pro tip! Invite interns from other schools or offices. They are wanting to explore and have fun during their internship just as much as you!

5. Explore the Mall

Coronavirus, or not, exploring the National Mall is a must in D.C. With lots of open space, the National Mall allows you to see many of the historic buildings, monuments, and memorials that provide insight into American history. Evening walks down The Hill and night-time tours of the Washington Monument, World War II, Lincoln, Korean War, and Vietnam War Memorials are spectacular and humbling. But be careful! The metro only runs until 9:00 P.M.

6. Bonus! Happy Independence Day!

If you find yourself in Washington D.C. on the 4^th of July, the fireworks display on the National Mall is worth considering. In my opinion, they are spectacular! Be sure to arrive very early to get good seats away from other spectators. Also, a picnic blanket and cards (or dominos for our 42 friends, WHOOP!) are necessary for proper intern entertainment.

Let me leave you with these final words: Appreciate the time you have here and make the most of it! This is a situation unlike any other in recent history, and very few people will be able to say that they saw their government work under these conditions. It is different, but you are seeing history being made every single day. Stay safe and enjoy your time!

Shelby Lepley
Office of Congressman Kevin Brady
Washington, D.C. | summer 2020

In June I was fortunate to have the opportunity to work in my Congressman’s local district office, located in my hometown. In July I began working in the office in Washington, D.C. Since then I have learned about the different types of work that the offices of a member of Congress perform on a daily basis.

The Member usually has two to three offices in their district dedicated to helping constituents. Employees are usually referred to as constituent liaisons or caseworkers since they work directly with constituents, recording their concerns or making congressional inquiries on their behalf for cases involving federal agencies. The district director oversees the district operations and is the most direct link to the DC office.

The DC office is headed by the Chief of Staff. The communications director, scheduler, staff assistant, legislative assistants, legislative director, and of course interns work there as well. While a significant portion of time is still spent addressing constituent concerns through phone and mail, the main focus of the D.C. office is legislative policy. Legislation is created, researched, and evaluated in the Capitol.

A Representative’s job is ultimately to represent and lead the country on behalf of their constituents. They support their constituents on a more personal level by aiding in casework. They help people get their stimulus check, tax returns, or Social Security when system errors and red tape have backlogged their case. This makes a real impact in people’s lives on an individual basis. Yet, the representative also supports their constituents on a community level by passing policies supporting their interests. They can have a widespread positive impact by working to pass bills and lasting policies.

I have enjoyed experiencing the different offices of the House of Representatives and have seen how politicians can help people on both small and large scales.

Hannah Neighbors
Office of Congressman Randy Weber
Washington, D.C. | summer 2020

I love working on Capitol Hill but it definitely drains you. Everyone you work with is highly qualified for their job and you are constantly being judged for how you act, the way you talk, and
even how you dress on the hill. You need to find a hobby that you can do in the city. There are beautiful jogging and bike trails and of course sightseeing to do. But there’s also gyms, dance
classes, basketball teams you can sign up for, and the NBA stadium. Here are some ways to make your life enjoyable when “ The Hill” is to much for you:

1. Go out and do things by yourself or even ask a coworker to show you around.
2. Pick an activity that you never tried before. Let yourself grow with all the new experiences in D.C. because your time is short.
3. Be adventurous! Learn the quality of life.
4. Lastly, make sure you can find some alone time. The Hill gets hard and you might forget why the reason you signed up in the first place. I was always in shock that I was in Washington D.C., the Capital of the United States of America, working for a Congressman!

Preston Loggins
Office of Congressman Louie Gohmert
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020