As an intern in a congressman’s office, I am expected to always dress professionally. In my office, we wear business professional on “in-session days”, and business casual on “out-of-session” days. What I have learned, however, is that business attire slightly differs in Washington D.C. from common practice at Texas A&M and in many Texas workplaces.

One thing that you learn about Capitol Hill very quickly is that you walk everywhere. From the metro to your office, throughout the House and Senate office buildings and the Capitol, and to events hosted by various advocacy organizations, all staff, especially interns, should not be surprised if they exceed five miles traveled throughout their day. It would take a superhuman to go that far in high heels, so most people opt for commuter shoes for walking long distances. These are usually white or neutrally colored sneakers or tennis shoes that are switched for heels upon reaching the office or can be worn all day when out-of-session.

While boots may be commonplace business casual in Texas, the only pair of boots that I have seen here were worn by Senator Ted Cruz. People instead usually wear various styles of dress shoes. Also, open-toed shoes are not seen as professional in some offices, so it is important to have close-toed, semi-comfortable heels or flats.

Outside of shoes, business clothing differs some too. In-session attire fits under the Mays Business School definition of either business professional or business casual. Either a suit, a dress, or slacks and a nice shirt and blazer can be worn as long as it is formal and respectable. Jeans are also permitted out-of-session here with a nice blouse or blazer. Overall, everyone in the workplace should want to look their best, and it is important to know what the rules or expectations are for your respective office.

Taylor O’Brien
Office of Congressman Michael Cloud
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

When it comes to seeking adventure, Washington, D.C. may not be the first place that springs to mind. However, beneath the surface of this highly political and fast-paced city lies a treasure trove of captivating experiences waiting to be discovered. From outdoor escapades to hidden gems, Washington, D.C. offers a myriad of opportunities for adventure enthusiasts.

Outdoor Escapes:

Washington, D.C. host a surprising number of breathtaking natural wonders. Put on your hiking boots and explore the scenic trails and stunning views of Great Falls Park. Kayak the waters of the Potomac River and see the sights of Theodore Roosevelt Island. Go for a jog or bike Mount Vernon Trail, an 18-mile scenic route which follows the Potomac River. While not located in D.C., Shenandoah National Park is a short road trip away. Whether you prefer hiking, kayaking, biking, or simply taking in the views, there are endless options for nature enthusiasts.

Discover Hidden Gems:

D.C. is a city filled with secrets, just waiting to be uncovered. Step away from the tourist crowds and immerse yourself in the charm of Georgetown, with its beautiful architecture and historic streets, shops, and delicious food. Explore the city’s lesser-known museums and galleries, which showcase local artists and intriguing historical exhibits. Uncover hidden gardens and parks tucked away amidst the urban landscape, offering refuge from the hustle and bustle.

Culinary Adventures:

Food lovers, prepare yourself for Washington, D.C.’s exciting and vibrant food scene. Sample cuisine from food trucks and dine at iconic local restaurants around the city. Whether you’re craving exotic street food or eager to try some farm-to-table delicacies, Washington, D.C. has it all.

Far beyond its political reputation, Washington, D.C. is a city that leaves a lasting impression. wonderful place to explore and experience new things. From outdoor escapes to hidden gems, and culinary adventures this city has it all. Embrace your sense of curiosity and say “yes” to all the adventures that our nation’s capital has to offer.

Eden Lambert
National Council of Farmer Cooperatives
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

The biggest town I had ever lived in before this summer was Lubbock, so moving to the metropolis of the DMV (D.C.-Maryland-Virginia) was a little bit of a shock. After a month of living here, I think I’ve got it down. Here are 5 things I have learned in my first month of city living:

1. You can’t buy a lot of groceries at once. More importantly, you will have to lug your groceries to and from the Metro, then up to your apartment. Your shoulders will thank you if you try to limit how much you buy. You will likely be sharing a fridge with several roommates, so you have to be conscious of the amount of space you have in your fridge. If it is anything like our apartment, you won’t have that much space. I try to stick to two bags whenever I go grocery shopping, which is about one of the handheld baskets at the store. Two bags of groceries go a long way, and they can last you about a full week if you’re smart about what your purchase. Making smart purchases requires planning and thinking it out beforehand. I try to plan easy lunches that require minimal prep in the morning and can be repeated, and I try to plan for two to three dinners each week.
2. Even if you had a car, it is still sometimes faster (and cheaper) to use public transportation. I have always lived car-dependently back home. Here is a different story. While I did not bring my car up here this summer, I have a feeling I would not use my car very much if I did have it. The traffic here is usually backed up, so you spend a large chunk of time stuck in traffic. Parking is difficult to find in many areas, and you will likely have to walk for a little while after you park. It is also likely that you will have to pay to park, and your parking fees will likely be double or triple what a Metro fare would be. While the Metro sometimes feels inconvenient or untimely, it is a great resource. It is consistent and very accessible from almost anywhere in the DMV. The app is easy to use and allows you to track arrival times for trains. There are Metro stations all over D.C., so you can really get anywhere with the Metro. Utilize this resource. Besides, it can be a fun experience.
3. You should still be kind and polite to people, even if they aren’t kind or polite to you. It makes you stand out in a good way. You’re certainly not in Texas anymore, and people are a little less kind up here. It is far less common for someone to hold the door for you or pick something you dropped up for you, but that does not mean you shouldn’t continue to do those things. Just because someone doesn’t hold the door for you doesn’t mean you shouldn’t hold it for the person behind you. I believe it is always better to be kind and do that anyway. Compliment people in the elevator. Smile at a stranger on the street. It makes you feel better, and it’s a pretty high chance that it will make them feel good too.
4. It is surprisingly easy to make friends in D.C., but the key is saying yes to plans and going out of your way to meet people. I have never really had a problem with social anxiety, which is fortunate for me. I was slightly nervous that I would have a hard time making friends outside of my cohort since I’ve never lived in a big city. However, most of the people here, especially interns, are looking to make friends also. Many of them are here on their own or live with strangers. Since I’ve been here, I have tried to say yes to any plans that people presented me with, and I’ve tried to be intentional about inviting people from outside my cohort to do things. There are so many opportunities for interns to network and meet other interns, but you have to be open to the opportunities.
5. Make the most of your time in D.C. because it goes by quickly! I was apprehensive about this whole experience at first for many reasons (living in a city, a new job, etc.), but it has been a great experience. One of the things I was nervous about was having six roommates since I normally live alone, but I decided to lean into the experience and make the most of it. It has been a blast being surrounded by six great girls every day, and I am thankful for the time and memories we share. We have had so much fun hanging out together! Spend your Saturdays exploring the city, visiting museums and farmers markets, or checking out the local shopping. There’s so much to see and do in this city, so take any chance to do whatever you want in your free time!

Callie Hargrove
House Agriculture Committee – majority office
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

Have you ever wondered what its like to work at the National Association of Wheat Growers in Washington, D.C.? If so, let me be the one to answer that question for you, because this summer I had the unique opportunity to intern with NAWG through the Texas A&M University Agriculture and Natural Resource Policy Program. This program allowed me to become an intern to a company that is designed to be an expert in farm policy and more specifically the number one resource for wheat growers in Washington, D.C. If you wonder what its like to work with NAWG – I have one word: unpredictable. In the best way possible, my schedule is unpredictable, because my day could involve direct work with the board of directors or doing a write up about a new farm bill policy, or even assisting with a farm tour. This job is so unique due to the fact that every day has new challenges, or as I like to call them, opportunities.  A few fast facts to let you know some of what I’ve had the opportunity to do.

• Work on brand-new legislation with real potential to positively impact the farming sector.
• Learn from industry leaders.
• Work on complex and critical portions of the farm bill.

So, now that you know a little bit more about my internship with NAWG – I have a question for you. If you’ve had an internship at some point – what was your experience in that role like? Thanks for reading!

Ray Edwards
National Association of Wheat Growers
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

Grocery shopping: an easy, simple task, right? In a large metropolitan area like Washington, D.C., not so much. Living on the fifth floor of a large apartment complex and relying on public transportation makes what is usually a straightforward errand in Texas a somewhat complicated, inconvenient chore that takes planning days ahead of time. Not to mention the increased cost of living that plagues student budgets in the big city. Here’s what I have learned about stocking my pantry efficiently in Washington, D.C.

The first thing that comes to mind when discussing this topic is the wide variety of grocery stores in the area and choosing the right option depending on the occasion and one’s specific needs and budget. Of course, there is no HEB here, and Walmart stores are relatively scarce around my apartment and workplace. For reference, I work on Capitol Hill and live in Crystal City in Arlington, Virginia. Here is a breakdown of the best choices in grocery store with an emphasis on proximity to my apartment, Capitol Hill, and the walking distance between the store itself and a Metro station, based also on price and likelihood of food/product waste:

• Amazon Fresh: I highly recommend an initial move-in order from Amazon Fresh to get the basics for your pantry and household. It is delivered right to your door at a scheduled time and has a decent selection for basics. The delivery fee decreases as your order increases, and I like to combine orders with my roommates to split the cost of the fee. Personally, I prefer to choose my own produce and meat, so I typically do not use Amazon Fresh to purchase these goods.
• Harris Teeter: a basic grocery store with any basic goods you’ll need. It is located right outside the Pentagon City mall next door to the Target, which is one Metro stop away from Crystal City. They have a good selection of produce, a deli, and a pharmacy. Groceries here run a little more expensive than some of the other stores on this list. There is a bag fee for plastic bags from Harris Teeter, so I recommend bringing reusable shopping bags. Another downside to this location is that you have to walk through the mall to get to Harris Teeter, which can be a pain when carrying lots of bags and tempting when passing Auntie Anne’s and smelling fresh pretzels right after a long day of office work (I have fallen victim many times). The mall is connected to the Metro stop though, so the trek is not too far, but not as convenient as others on the list.
• Trader Joe’s: my personal favorite. They have the most unique and delicious specialty products for to-go and frozen meals and snacks, and fresh produce and meats. The prices are very reasonable, as well; I always leave paying less than I expected to. Some apartment favorites among my roommates and I are their dark chocolate peanut butter cups, Italian chicken sausage, Scandinavian Swimmers candy, and chicken soup dumplings. While they also charge for bags, Trader Joe’s uses large paper bags, so it’s more efficient than other stores, but I still recommend bringing reusable bags. My preferred location is in D.C.’s Eastern Market, which is one Metro stop east of the Capital South stop.
• Costco: classic wholesale store for items you need in bulk. While I haven’t visited Costco in my time in D.C., I know other interns that have shopped there for household basics to last the entirety of the summer. If you’re big on dry foods, buying rice, pasta, or beans in bulk would not be a bad idea. If you plan on running the dishwasher every night, dishwasher pods would be much cheaper to purchase once in bulk. It all depends on individual preference and use of products. Just keep in mind that everything you have left over at the end of the summer you will either have to throw away or take with you back to Texas.
• 7/11: a 503S favorite. Not the best for necessities, but great for late-night junk food runs and roommate bonding experience! We are partial to the fudge brownies and Big Gulp Slurpies, but there are plenty of options in this convenience store located less than a block from Crystal Plaza.

Rachael Detten
Office of Congressman Brian Babin
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

This is my best advice for making the most out of your time in Washington D.C., outside of work. Before coming, I was worried about making time for the things I enjoy and seeing new things on top of working full-time. I found out quickly after moving to D.C. that I was going to need to find activities during the week to break up the workdays. Here are my recommendations!

Be Active

There are many ways to stay active in the evenings after work or mornings before work. The apartment has a gym and yoga studio, which aren’t the fanciest in the world, but they get the job done. Personally, I signed up to run a half-marathon a week from today. This has forced me to get out in the evenings after work to take a jog, find new trails, and even run to the monuments. I’m not saying you have to do something as extreme as running a half-marathon may seem but do something! Mount Vernon trail has been a staple in doing this. I recommend Gravely Point. You can run, walk, or bike. it has a great view of the planes taking off over you!

Museums and Monuments

You’ll want to plan your museum trips as best as possible! Some close early, some close later, so I recommend deciding how to best fit the ones you’d like to see. Definitely make time for the National Zoo, it is free, and they have pandas! You may get off work early some days, or not have work, I recommend using that time to adventure museums instead of going home! Lastly, go see the monuments at night!

Dinner and TV

Our apartment has really enjoyed cooking and eating meals together. Some of us have also started TV show series. This has given us time together to do something relaxing & more restful than going out to do something. We also have an obsession with getting a sweet treat in the evenings. Whether it is Ice cream from Cold Stone and Chick-Fil-A or an apple pie from McDonalds, those trips hold some of my favorite memories. Whatever makes every day a little different, do it!

Emalee Burt
Office of Congressman Tony Gonzales
Washington, D.C. | summer 2023

Every morning, I wake up, pick out my favorite business professional outfit, and grab my trusty work bag, ready to head out and take on a day on Capitol Hill. Now you might be asking, “why is a bag an important part of your morning routine?” It is not the bag itself that is significant; it is the contents that tell a story and provide the functionality to navigate life in Washington, D.C.

1. Journal: I have enjoyed documenting my experiences throughout my internship by keeping a journal. Through keeping a journal, I have been able to document my growth as an intern and look back on the learning opportunities. I hope that this journal will assist me when adding to my resume and preparing for future job interviews. 
2. Badge: Your intern badge is a key that unlocks all of the great opportunities on Capitol Hill. It is also required to get through security and navigate through the Capitol! With your badge, you can explore areas of the Capitol that are not available for standard tours and attend hearings and briefings.
3. Umbrella: D.C. weather can be unpredictable, so it is important to bring along an umbrella to keep yourself (and your business professional clothes) dry!
4. Beauty Bag: It is always important to dress for success and “put your best foot forward.” Part of looking your best is feeling confident and put together. I like to keep hand sanitizer, bobby pins, hair elastics, a lint roller, and dental care items handy, so I can look and feel my best. 
5. Business Cards: Business cards are a gateway to networking in D.C. It is important to keep your ANRP Program-provided business cards with you at all times to exchange with all of the connections you will make during your time here!
6. Commuter shoes: You might be fretting about the morning commute in fear of the blisters that could occur from hiking to Capitol Hill in dress shoes. Never fear, the solution is simple: commuter shoes! These can be your trusty pair of tennis shoes, your fuzzy boots, or even flip-flops. Once you reach your destination, these shoes can be exchanged for your professional dress shoes. Commuter shoes are a great way to stay comfortable and blister-free on your morning trip to work! 

I hope this checklist helped determine what to pack in your work bag or add to your Amazon cart, to be best prepared for whatever the adventures of Washington, D.C. might bring you. What useful items will you choose to add to your bag?

Presley Wirebaugh
Office of Congressman Chip Roy
Spring 2023 | Washington, D.C

Living in Washington, D.C., means there’s always something to do! This city is fast-paced, with museums to explore, networking to be done, events to attend, people to meet, and reservations to make. It can get a little overwhelming if you try to do it all, but once you learn a healthy balance, you’ll be making memories and trying new things non-stop. Coming into this experience, I had big plans to see as much of the city as possible while getting the most out of my internship on the hill. After scrambling around the first few weeks, I learned it’s better to spread things out and plan ahead. Here are some tips to help you make the most of your time in the city…

1. Make a list of everything you want to do. Think museums, monuments, parks, shopping, restaurants, and parts of town. 
2. Figure out where each thing is located and how you can get there. You can access many places by taking the metro and walking, while for some, you’ll have to call an uber or take the bus.
3. Decide what to do and when! I realized lots of things are closer together than I originally thought so it might be more efficient to do two or three things in the same day if they’re all in the same part of town. This will save you money and time in the long run so you don’t have to pay for multiple ubers or metro rides to the same area.
4. Be flexible. Sometimes exhibits at museums are closed for renovations or for private events, or events sell out quickly. Things will not always work with your schedule, or plans will fall apart, so be willing to make adjustments when needed.
5. Don’t be afraid to do the same thing twice. You might love the place you visited and want to make plans to go back, and you should if it’s something you enjoyed. There’s no harm in repeating experiences if they bring you joy! One of the places I keep going back to is Old Town Alexandria. The area is so cute, and everyone is so nice!

Callie Nunan
Office of Congressman Randy Weber
Spring 2023 | Washington, D.C

Moving to D.C. for your internship is a big and scary thing, and I can say that honestly! But! It is also one of the most rewarding things I have ever done, and I am so thankful that I stepped out of my comfort zone to do it. Here are five preconceived notions I had before moving to D.C. and how they have been debunked after living here for two months!

It will be hard to get around places without a car

• I was really worried I would miss my car and being able to drive everywhere, but I do not miss it all that much. I am really grateful I do not have to commute in D.C. traffic every day to and from work. The metro is really user-friendly and is a much better form of transportation so far in my experience!

Everything will cost lots of money

• Don’t get me wrong, everything here is way more expensive than it is in Texas, BUT the good news is, there are lots of fun, inexpensive and free activities that you can do around the city. Most of the museums here are free, which is amazing, and can take up most of your weekends! My favorite free thing that I have done is go to the Smithsonian National Zoo!

It will be hard to make friends

• The A&M program is really great because you get to go through the same experience as 20 other people in the program. Moving to a whole new city really bonds you, and some of my best memories here are with people from my cohort!

I’ll get tired/bored of seeing the D.C. sights

• I thought that I would get tired of seeing the Capitol and memorials every day, but I can say for a fact that I do not. It will never get old to me that I am in one of the most historical places in the world with the most architecturally beautiful buildings. 

I’d miss Texas and feel homesick

• I definitely thought that I would feel homesick and miss Texas, but I can say that I don’t think about the Lonestar State as much as I thought I would. The D.C. life is just more my speed, and the culture is just something that you cannot get in Texas. I am in the process of hopefully getting a job and moving up here full time and saying goodbye to Texas! 

Emma Keiser
The Fertilizer Institute
Spring 2023 | Washington, D.C

Have you ever wondered what it is like to meet the person in charge of all of agriculture in the United States? I have, and I was able to meet the man. Tom Vilsack is the 32nd Secretary of Agriculture, and this is his second stint in the position. I had the opportunity, along with other interns, to meet him at the USDA headquarters. He came up to us, asked someone where they were from, and complimented their home state. Secretary Vilsack had a great sense of humor, even cracking jokes about football. This opportunity was once in a lifetime, and meeting the Secretary of Agriculture is something I will remember for the rest of my life.

Michael Starnes
National Farmers Union
Fall 2022 | Washington, D.C