Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program
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A Day in the Life of One Intern

I’m from a small town where the rooster and the train are competing on a daily basis to be your alarm clock. Where you get up and fire off your pickup and head off to school, work, or down to the local café where all the men gather round for their morning coffee. Where driving into town takes longer than driving through it.

DC is nothing like hometown Texas. You’re still waking up at 6 a.m. but it’s the trash truck slamming the dumpster 14 stories below, or maybe it’s someone hollering on the sidewalk that’s waking you up. If you’re wanting to get anything done in the morning you better take that wake-up call and get to it. Living at the Buchanan requires one to be ever conscious of time spent getting ready as four guys are needing in the same bathroom you’re in, so if you wake up late you’re going to be in the kitchen using the reflection in the microwave door to style your hair and shave. If you aren’t in the lobby by 8:10am, you’re going to be missing the train and you’ll be late; however, take the time to say bye to Roosevelt at the front desk before heading to the metro.

Once you get to work you have to go through security. For me this was a constant battle with the metal detector because it would detect something even though I emptied my pockets. I’m pretty sure the morning shift security guards hate me. After getting into the office and starting the coffee, setting out the newspaper, and logging into your computer the phone calls start rolling in. Just remember to be patient, be calm, and be that young respectful child your mama raised. Get used to the regular callers. These are the ones who you start worrying about if they haven’t called by the afternoon because they would’ve normally called hours ago.

Afternoons may consist of a Capitol tour. If your tour ends early, use this time to take advantage of being an intern and explore parts of the Capitol that the general public can’t go to. Find the tomb below the crypt where Washington was going to be buried, find the tunnels that run beneath the Capitol connecting the House side to the Senate, or stand on the Speaker’s balcony for a few minutes. But the best part of the day has to be when you’ve gotten back to the office and your office dog is so excited to see you. Be sure to treat her and take her on a walk.

Once the day wraps up and you leave the office take advantage of this time again and head over to the Capitol or to the Library of Congress to explore these historic buildings. Take the metro on back to the Virginia unless you’ve got a reception to attend which are probably going to be held in some of the hardest to find rooms of the Capitol. Back at the Buchanan, join the roommates who are now your family away from home for evening fun whether that be a meal share, workout, or a movie night. Getting to bed at a reasonable hour is pretty much a joke as you’re laughing and making bonds with guys that are going to be some good friends for life, after all you’re all Aggies so you’re just strengthening your familial bond.

Garrett Lathem
Office of Congressman John Ratcliffe
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

Friends in All Places

Have you ever doubted the Aggie Network? It is a simple thing to do as it is hard to imagine an Aggie in almost every city and career field you can think of. However, it is real, and I have seen it first-hand in Washington, DC. The Aggie Network currently has 428,000 active former students, 62,000 undergrads, and more than 11,000 faculty and staff. That’s huge. In DC just for being a current student at Texas A&M I was invited to meet and talk to many inspiring and important people.

The first event I was invited to was a lively happy hour hosted by DC Aggies. DC Aggies is a fun social group made up of current and former students that now reside and work in and around the Capital. The club meets up and does fun events and activities about once a month. It is a wonderful opportunity to meet and get connected with people in all sorts of fields.

Another huge event was the annual Aggies on the Hill reception. This event was more formal then the happy hour and was hosted inside the U.S. Capitol. A lot of the same faces were in attendance, but there were also many prominent members of the Aggie Network and several others that flew in. Among those people where Michael K. Young, Colonel Michael Fossum, Congressman Bill Flores, and Congressman Will Hurd. It was such an exciting and cool experience to be able to interact with these individuals.

These events and meetings allowed me to have the opportunity to ask people I admired to go and grab coffee with me. On these coffee dates I had the opportunity to grow friendships and my professional knowledge by asking in-depth questions about individuals career journeys and aspirations. The one-on-one time was my personal favorite because it truly showed the Aggie Network, and how much people care about you and want to help you because you too bleed maroon.

Margaret Williams
National Association of Wheat Growers
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

Oh, the Things You’ll See

When they tell you there are a lot of things to do in the DC area they aren’t joking, you could spend years there and still have things to see. My internship was cut short because of COVID-19 and I regret the weekends I didn’t try to go do the things I wanted to see because I thought I had more time. Don’t get me wrong adjusting to your work schedule, navigating the city, and learning how-to live-in DC will be exhausting, but don’t take any time for granted. I suggest making plans days or weeks in advance and sticking to them. Plan out what you want to go see, when you are going, how you are going to get there, and what time you’ll be leaving, and most importantly stick to those plans! Now most of the Virginia and DC area is not up or open before 10 on the weekends (trust me I am an early riser and no one was out), so don’t be worried about having to get up at the crack of dawn. On some weekends you will want to just stay in bed and rest but I really do suggest going to do just one thing even if it is later in the day so you get to sleep in and don’t waste any time. If you run out of ideas ask your coworkers where you should go. Lastly, do not forget to take it all in, you are living in one of the oldest areas of the country and at times you will get numb to it all. As often as you can take a step back and let the awe of living in such a cool place hit you all over again.

Taylor Terry
Office of Congressman Kevin Brady
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

Relax, Recharge, and Reflect!

When working in D.C. whether you are working on the Hill, with a private office, or even one of the biggest departments of the U.S., it is hard to find things to do to escape from all the stress. Many of the jobs up there require long hours of work that is always challenging you to learn. In this case many individuals seem to forget about taking time for selfcare and relaxing. Now this does not mean just to sit at home in your PJ’s and do a facemask; there are a lot more ways to regroup and take care of yourself than that. I have found that the best thing for me to clear my mind and recharge for the upcoming week is going outside and exploring. There are many hidden treasures in D.C. that many people forget about such as the Potomac River, sitting at the monuments and watching the people walk by, or even sitting in the park by your apartment and reading a book. There are so many ways to get out in nature and relax. All you have to do is find a relaxing place, take a deep breath, and do whatever makes you happy.

Always remember to “Relax, Recharge, and Reflect”!

Katherine Fazzino
Office of Congressman Bill Flores
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

5 Places in D.C. that are D.eliC.ious

It’s time to talk about America’s favorite pastime…food, well maybe it isn’t every Americans favorite pastime but it sure is mine, lets dive in.

I have compiled and narrowed down a list of all the places I ate at while I was on my internship in Washington DC. After a long day at work on the hill or 20,000 steps around the National Mall, the best thing to have is a good meal. There were so many great places but only a select 5 made the list, I will be sure to add all the details of why certain ones made the cut and others didn’t.

  1. Ted’s Bulletin
  • First up, Ted’s, there just aren’t enough good things to say about this place, almost everything on the menu is a good choice, all the way down to the biscuits and gravy. Also not to mention they MAKE THEIR OWN POP TARTS. Yep, you read that. Homemade pop tarts, can’t beat ‘em. This is not an everyday place to eat, but the occasional treat is well worth it.
  1. Matchbox
  • Next on the menu is Matchbox, traditional American food, 10/10 recommend the sliders, medium rare, put the onions on the burger…you will not regret it. Not to mention the wood fired pizzas, top notch. I would be crazy to not mention the unlimited brunch, yes, unlimited. It’s just over $30 a person but you will not leave hungry, I was practically carted out of the restaurant…with the chair still attached. But I wouldn’t change a thing, it was well worth it. Order the cast iron cinnamon rolls.
  1. Grilled Cheese DC
  • Let’s talk alllllll things grilled cheese, oh yes, not a place for the lactose intolerant. The majority of their menu is variations of grilled cheeses, very yummy. Some call it grilled cheese but when you add chicken parmesan to a grilled cheese with homemade tomato soup, you would be crazy not to call it delicious. Also, how many people can say they have been to a grilled cheese bar, it’s a must.
  1. Lincoln’s Waffles
  • Classic case of never judge a book by its cover, this place seems sketchy from the outside but when you try the chicken, you will know why it made the list. Found right outside Ford’s Theatre, the entire restaurant can only hold about 30 people, but it is well worth it. The regular chicken and waffles are the way to go. They serve a thin waffle with crispy chicken wings.  Don’t knock it until you try it. I promise you will want to go back.
  1. Old Ebbitt Grill
  • A little on the expensive side but the brunch potatoes will make you want to go back every day. We had a morning full of walking and sightseeing, heard about this place and stopped in to see what it was about, let’s just say, after brunch we rented scooters…our bellies were filled. It is so great. I had trout, potatoes, and green beans. Riley ordered eggs benedict on an English muffin and potatoes. It might seem like I have mentioned the potatoes a lot, but I don’t think I could say enough about them. Get. the. potatoes.

Overall, this list could go on for days, I would love to chat about food, maybe over lunch? Seems fitting…100% recommend going to Washington DC to visit and learn all about our nation’s capital, I can’t wait to go back. If you ever find yourself hungry in DC, refer back to this list or give me a call. I would love to hear all the places you guys have been and recommend! Leave recs below!!

Sarah Scroggin
House Committee on Agriculture – minority office
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

The Secrets of D.C.

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:

  1. How a bill is actually created and passed.
  2. C. is a SMALL WORLD
  3. Always leave a little early when taking the metro places, you never know when it’s going to get stuck on the tracks.
  4. 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

Self-Fulfilling Work through Selfless Service

Do you have an unfilled promise you made to yourself while in college? During my undergraduate career, I always wanted to take on an internship at the Nation’s Capitol. However, just like most plans other opportunities become more readily available and change the trajectory of your path.  As I am finishing up my graduate program at Texas A&M, I am pleased to have taken on the opportunity to intern on the Hill. Every new experience comes with untapped knowledge and skills that can be acquired. Honing on past internship and work experiences from my undergrad has given me the ability to expand my role as an intern on the Hill to get the most out of my time. There is a self-fulfilling gratitude that comes from seeking a past opportunity that you let slip through your fingertips before. I encourage everyone who reads this to look back on the experiences you have always wanted to do and find a way to make them happen. What is the one commitment you wish you would have taken advantage of while in college?

Rebecca Barnett
Office of Congressman John Carter
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

Take Time to Explore beyond the Realm of D.C.

The east coast is home to so many intriguing historic events. Washington DC is the heart of it all. Don’t be afraid to expand your curiosity outside the city and take a day or weekend trip to see what the surrounding areas have to offer!

Philadelphia: Only 2.5 hours away, it is home to the Liberty Bell, and, arguably more famous, the Rocky steps. Here you can take a bite of an original Philly cheesesteak at Pat’s King of Steaks (cheese whiz is a must) or take a stroll around Britain House Square.

New York City: When can you ever say again that you are only a mere 4-hour drive away from New York. Take time to see the hustling city on a weekend. The city is filled with endless things to do: see the 9/11 Museum and World Trade Center Complex, visit the Rockefeller Center, step inside St. Patrick’s Cathedral, ice skate in Bryant Park, get lost in Macy’s at Herald Square, get a view of the Statue of Liberty, or simply be dazzled by Times Square.

National Parks: There’s plenty of them. Shenandoah National Park, Gettysburg National Military Park, and Prince William Forest Park to name a few. If you miss the Texas peace and quiet, take a drive out of the city and explore the beautiful nature on this side of the nation.

“Travel is about the gorgeous feeling of teetering in the unknown.” – Anthony Bourdain

Loryn McFall
Office of Congressman Randy Weber
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020

Ms. Followill Goes to Washington

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

Next Stop: Nashville!

I was a deer in the headlights coming to D.C. with very little knowledge of the city or what I would be doing in my hosting office. I figured my internship would consist of getting coffee, making copies and taking notes on anything and everything. When my hosting office informed me that I would get to go with them to their annual convention in Nashville, Tennessee, I knew that I was getting the opportunity of a lifetime.

Packin’ it up: My first month with the National Turkey Federation was spent getting things ready to host over 500 people at a 4-day long convention. Everything from the food members would eat to getting a hold of guest speakers like Secretary Sonny Perdue rested on the small but mighty staff of nine at the National Turkey Federation. My day to day tasks included making the nametags, contacting restaurants, and working with my supervisors to make sure everything was shipped in a timely manner to meet us in Nashville!

Hot Turkey and Honky Tonk Highway: When I got to Nashville, it was nothing but go, go, go for 6 days straight. We were responsible for setting up the convention space to make it “team turkey friendly.” My favorite part of the entire convention was meeting the members. From producers, to processors, to allied members, I was meeting people that I had heard about even in my studies at Texas A&M. I had the opportunity to build relationships with major players in the turkey industry. On top of the workday side of convention, I was able to spend informal time with staff and members, my favorite being enjoying the famous Nashville Hot “turkey” on Broadway Street!

Networkin’ and Boot Scootin’: I knew before even arriving to Nashville that I would be given an irreplaceable opportunity to build my network with potential future employers. I always kept my business card on me and took every opportunity to get to meet new people, even when it meant boot scootin’ through receptions and stepping out of my comfort zone.

My time in D.C. has been a once in a lifetime opportunity but experiencing Nashville in a business setting was the experience that I never thought I would get. The conversations and advice I got from our members are irreplaceable and I have a completely different outlook on the turkey industry now that I’ve met the wonderful people who make it happen.

Leeandra Bobo
National Turkey Federation
Washington, D.C. | spring 2020