Interning on Capitol Hill, Fall 2004, by Zach Ulrich

From MemoryArchive

Who: Zach Ulrich
What: Interning, Capitol Hill
When: Fall 2004
Where: Washington, DC

I remember fondly the wonderful times spent answering phones, writing memos (only to be edited and re-edited before leaving the office), and running to get office supplies for my wonderful Congressman! As a sophomore in college I learned a lot of valuable lessons working in the Longworth building, first that I never want to work on the Hill as a staffer again but second that I really would love to come back as a Congressman some day. I recall working to install a new computer one day when the Congressman walked in, with a newly trimmed suit and a subdued swagger about him -- though I'd met Congressmen before I realized that this was his element -- his arena -- and that struck me. The art that it takes to be a Member is truly magnificent, working behind the scenes to garner votes while maintaining public composure and consistency -- most despise politicians, but one has to offer a certain amount of respect as well.

I also realized that working on the Hill is straightforward: eat or be eaten. The games that are played these days are almost dumbfounding -- it's absolutely horrible the utter immaturity with which some Congressmen conduct their affairs. Yet, at the end of the day if an initiative is truly important things do get done, and after all that's what the game is about in the first place. Interning on Capitol Hill was quite an experience for me; I supposed in a way I was just a little bit more grist for the mill, but I learned a lot and do not regret the time one bit.

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External Links: Official Website of Capitol Hill