Texas A&M College of Agriculture and Life Sciences
Agricultural and Natural Resources Policy Internship Program
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Environmental Conservation and Restoration in the D.C. Area

If you are looking for an exciting weekend activity or an opportunity to network, volunteering in the D.C. area is a great way to achieve that. During my internship, I participated in a habitat restoration effort at Kingman Island and Dawson Terrance Park hosted by the D.C. Master Naturalist Program and the Society of Conversation Biology. During these events, we removed invasive vegetation to promote and protect native wildlife.

Removing invasive species is important for environmental restoration because they can degrade native habitats and compete with the wildlife for food, water, shelter, and space. According to the U.S. Geological Survey (USGS) invasive species cause “more than 100 billion dollars in damage each year to the U.S. economy. Costly effects include crop decimation, clogging of water facilities and waterways, wildlife and human disease transmission, threats to fisheries, increased fire vulnerability, and adverse effects for ranchers and farmers” (USGS, 2022).

In order to mitigate these consequences, we worked to remove the following species:

Bush Honeysuckle

Bush honeysuckle is native to Eurasia but is widely planted as an ornamental shrub in the United States. It can easily grow out of control and rapidly spread. If exposed to wild areas, it can inhibit the growth of native trees, shrubs, and ground layer species. It does so by blocking out sunlight, secreting toxic exudates, and depleting the soil of moisture and nutrients. In addition to that, Bush honeysuckle has negative consequences on native birds because the berries have a net-zero nutritional content. When birds consume the berries, they gain no nutrition benefit but are sated. This can lead to decreased chick survival and starvation.

Running Bamboo

Running bamboo is used ornamentally and is native to Asia. It is a highly aggressive and fast-growing plant species. Bamboo can suffocate native vegetation, decrease tree density, damage property and deplete soil nutrients. It is incredibly challenging to control and get rid of once roots have been established.

English Ivy

English ivy is another common ornamental plant and is native to Eurasia. It is a climbing vine that covers and kills trees, cokes ground plants, and creates “ivy deserts” where nothing else can thrive. It promotes mosquito populations by providing an environment where puddles and wet soils can collect. English ivy can also carry and spread Bacterial Leaf Scorch, a plant pathogen detrimental to oaks, elms, and maples.

After these species have been fully removed at each location, native wildflowers, ground cover, and shrubs will take their place in the spring. I found this educational opportunity as a refreshing break from work and a great way to network with wildlife and environmental professionals.

If you are also looking for events that pertain to your field of interest or would like to network over an activity, an easy way to find events is to google search “events near me” or visit the Eventbrite website at: https://www.eventbrite.com/d/dc–washington/events/.

Shawnee Chavez
The Fertilizer Institute
spring 2022 | Washington, D.C.

7 Tips for a Congressional Intern

Have you ever wondered what it takes to be an intern on Capitol Hill? Through my time as a Congressional intern, I have picked up a few tips that will help you survive on the Hill.

#7 Dress to Impress

Make sure to dress appropriately. It’s always a good idea to dress business professional at first and just feel out your office. In my office, we dressed business professional when we were in session and business casual on out of session days. We were also allowed to wear nice jeans when we were out of session, but make sure that is appropriate in your office. When in doubt, throw on a blazer to up your look.

#6 Be On-Time

ALWAYS be on time! It looks very unprofessional if you are late to work frequently. In my experience, I was usually the first one at the office and had to wait in the hallway until one of my coworkers got there. It looks much better for you to be early and waiting rather than late and people waiting for you.

#5 Communicate with Your Supervisor

Tying back to my last point, if you are going to be late, make sure you communicate this to your supervisor. Your supervisor is there to make sure you have a successful internship experience, so you need to communicate with them what you hope to gain from your internship and what you hope to accomplish during your internship. Also don’t be afraid to ask questions if you don’t understand or need help.

#4 Confidentiality is KEY!

When interning in a Congressional office, you have to keep some information confidential. For example, if you have access to your Congressperson’s schedule, you shouldn’t share that with anyone! What is said in the office, should stay in the office most of the time. Its ok to share stories of your day with your roommates, but just keep certain information to yourself.

#3 Don’t Take Things Personally

This was one of the biggest things I had to learn. If a caller is rude to you, don’t take it personally. They probably aren’t really upset with you, but just with the situation in general. It is also important to know what your office’s protocol is for rude callers. In my office, I was allowed to tell the caller that I was going to put them on hold until they calmed down and most of the time they just hung up after that. If a caller ever makes you feel uncomfortable or starts making threats towards you or your Congressperson, make sure to notify your supervisor.

#2 Be Open to Learning New Things

Don’t close yourself off to opportunities just because you think it might not be interesting to you. Push yourself outside of your comfort zone. Don’t close yourself off to only one area of interest. Any time someone in your office asks you to help with something, say yes! You have nothing to lose by learning new skills.

#1 Put 110% Into Your Internship

The most important rule is to put your best effort into your internship experience. What you get out of the experience is dependent on what you put into it. Make sure to take every opportunity offered to you and seek out opportunities for yourself! If there is a hearing you want to go to or a meeting you want to attend, just ask! The worst they could say is no. This internship experience opens a world of opportunities to you so make the most of it! You don’t want to leave having any regrets that you didn’t get to do something

Mikayla Wrenn
Office of Congressman Louie Gohmert
spring 2022 | Washington, D.C.

A Guide to Living as a College Student in D.C.

When I learned that I got into the DC internship program, I was extremely excited and could not wait to live in the area for the semester. One thing I did not expect about moving up here, though, is what a culture shock it would be. The DMV area is such a young, truly urban and fast area, almost a complete 180 from Texas. Navigating life here, especially as a 19 year old college student, was such a new experience for me, but I learned my way around and how to have the best experience of my life during the internship. Here are some tips that I learned from my experience!

First, find like-minded people you can hang out with in the area! A great way to start this is trying to connect with your fellow interns from A&M. I was lucky to be paired with someone with a very similar lifestyle to me as my roommate, and I was able to find many other interns that I became fast friends with. Additionally, DC is all about meeting new people through other people! I found new friends from people my roommates were friends with or worked with, so it’s a great and easy way to find people to spend time within the area.

Next, stay on a budget! This is perhaps the most important lesson you can learn for DC. The area is so incredibly expensive, and much more costly than Texas for sure (or Atlanta, where I’m from). The more you can save on things like food and transportation, the more money you will have to have other experiences! There are two big things you can do to save money. Cook family meals with your roommates at home; by buying groceries in bulk, you can save so much money! Second: use the metro system! Uber and Lyft are so expensive in the area, and using public transportation is a much cheaper option to travel around the area.

Next, explore the area! I know that all the interns coming to DC are passionate about their policy interests and the internships they are going to, and that can make it very easy to fall into a work-only mindset. While it is very important to take full advantage of your internship and the experience you can gain for it, it’s also important to take time for yourself and do something fun. The DMV area has no shortage of attractions in addition to the famous sites in the area, and there is something for everyone to explore here.

Lastly, take a moment to relax! Recognize that you were chosen for this program because you are completely capable of handling the responsibilities and the tasks that come with both the internship and the living experience. It’s important for you to be proud of yourself for that, so take some time to think about it and enjoy what DC has in store for you!

Nitya Jella
Global Cold Chain Alliance
spring 2022 | Washington, D.C.

Museums to Visit in Washington, D.C.

Are you in a new workplace environment? Are you in a city over 1,000 miles away from home? Or are you adjusting to living in a new apartment and roommates? While living in Washington, D.C., I have certainly had to deal with these situations. Having dealt with these, I quickly learned that one of the best ways to relax and unwind is by visiting the local museums. Although walking between four to five miles, traversing security, and surviving the fluctuating weather does not sound like the ideal for relaxation, museum touring can be just the answer for your situational woes. Here are the top three museum locations I have had the opportunity to visit, explore, and learn:

The National Art Gallery

Established in 1937 from a generous donation of funds and exhibits from Andrew W. Mellon, the National Art Gallery is a beautiful collection of pieces spanning across centuries. This museum provides a perfect array of viewing locations, furniture, and refreshments for the optimal visit experience. My personal favorite pieces can be found in the Flemish and French exhibits!

Smithsonian Museum of Natural History

As an all-time, iconic location in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian Museum of Natural History is a must-see. From its towering fossils to its immersive mineral exhibits, this museum has something for everyone. I would recommend attending this museum with a friend! This will not only make the event feel more relaxed, having someone with another perspective with you will make every exhibit feel a bit deeper.

National Museum of African American History and Culture

The most visually striking and culturally impactful museum on the National Mall must be the National Museum of African American History and Culture. With a staggering six-floor design, one can spend an entire day at this museum. Due to its enormity, this museum has a wide array of materials and artifacts that relate to African American culture and the way in which it has influenced pop culture.

With this list of museums, you can make your visit to D.C., even more relaxing! The question is, which one will you visit first?

Jace Wilkey
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
spring 2022 | Washington, D.C.

Top Monuments to Visit in 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

3 Things You Can Do To Battle Homesickness

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

How to stay active in D.C!

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

 

 

A Nature Enthusiast’s Guide to the DMV Metroplex

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

 

How to Experience D.C. as a Homebody

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

Five Things That You Shouldn’t Worry About Coming to D.C., From a Once Very Anxious Intern 

     1.Living with 3 strangers can actually be one of the best things ever

If you’re like me, you never lived with a stranger. You moved in with a friend from high school freshman year, and everyone you’ve lived with since has been someone you knew. With this in mind, thinking of living with strangers was a little scary. It turns out, it’s So. Much. Fun. We not only get to adventure together, but we also get to learn and grow from each other as well. These girls are the best roomies I could ask for, so definitely trust Erin and Stephanie when they say they’re good at roommate matching.

     2.The metro is actually pretty simple

As scary as it seems, the metro is not hard at all. Ride it twice, and you’ll be good to go. You can use your maps app on your phone to figure out which lines to take to get to different places, and every train says where it’s going on the outside, so you know exactly what to look for. Honestly, it becomes kind of fun because you start feeling like a local. 😉

     3.You get into the groove fairly quickly 

Getting acclimated to my work environment was one of my biggest worries. After all, we’re only here for three months; it honestly didn’t seem like enough time. Two weeks in, and I feel so welcomed. Coworkers and supervisors know you’re an intern, so they expect questions, welcome them, and they really want to help you!

     4.EVERYTHING, even the mistakes, is a learning opportunity 

You are going to make mistakes. Some tiny, some not so tiny. Regardless, use them! They are amazing learning opportunities. A huge part of this experience is growing as a person and learning the hard way. So, don’t beat yourself up or be too hard on yourself because every mistake means you are growing and getting better!

     5.People are actually nice

The biggest shock of all to me was how nice people are here. Everyone warned me before moving to watch out for people and to have tough skin because D.C. is one of the scariest/ meanest places. That couldn’t be further from the truth. Strangers will help you if you’re lost, metro workers will help you if your card isn’t working, and your neighbors can turn into friends!

Emma Golightly
National Association of Wheat Growers
Washington, D.C. | Fall 2021