Aung San Suu Kyi and the Congressional Gold Medal

By: Erika Norton

As I walked off the plane at the Reagan National Airport there was a different feeling in the air. It is that same feeling that you get when you travel or move to a new place to start that next adventure and here I was in our nation’s capitol ready for that next great adventure. I immediately fell in love with the city! All I can say is I love it! This opportunity has been amazing!

Living in Virginia and working on the Hill as an intern for Congressman Mike Simpson in Washington D.C. has brought me a new love and appreciation for the United States of America and for our founding fathers. It is amazing to think back through history and know that I am standing in the same spot as some of these amazing women and men. Every day I see the Washington memorial, I am able to explore the Capitol and during a run I ran past the White House! The opportunities to learn and grow seem endless with the many museums and events that are constantly going on. I also have the opportunity to network with people that are doing incredible things. The other night I was at a Congressional reception with around 40 people and I just happened to be standing next to Speaker of the House, John Boehner and he just happened to say hi to me.

One event that I will probably never forget is the day that Aung San Suu Kyi; Nobel Peace Prize winner and activist for democracy and human rights in Burma was awarded the Congressional Gold Medal. This medal is the highest award that Congress can give to someone. The ceremony took place inside the Capitol Rotunda and leaders such as; Harry Reid, Hilary Clinton, John McCain, Laura Bush, Mitch McConnell and Nancy Pelosi spoke before Aung San Suu Kyi delivered her eloquent speech and accepted her award.

During this internship I have been able to deepen my passion for education; especially higher education by attending hearings and briefings from this committee. Going to these types of things gave me the chance to talk with leaders in that field as well as find opportunities here in D.C. where I can volunteer to gain additional experience. There is so much that one can gain from an internship it can be so much more than just answering phones.

Senator Hatch... an Aggie at Heart?

By: Logan Smith

Having landed in this city just one month prior, I am amazed at the whirlwind of activity that has taken place. I just got back from a weekend trip to NYC and I am back at my desk researching different arguments regarding current welfare policy. My internship in DC is proving to be an adventure that is elevating my opportunities as well as my vision for what I can do with my post USU life.

One of my favorite moments came shortly after the Senate returned from its August recess. My fellow intern and I went over to listen to Senator Hatch give a speech on the Senate floor. While we made our way back to the office we wound up waiting for the next subway with Senator Hatch himself. We introduced ourselves and proceeded to discuss the topic of his speech during the ride. The Senator then asked me which school I had attended and after I mentioned I was an Aggie, the conversation switched to an in depth discussion of the great USU vs. Utah game as well as a discussion of the upcoming USU football season. Who knew that Senator Hatch was such an Aggie fan?

Other recent memories have come from being sent around the Capitol to attend briefings on tax reform, helping to prepare for the upcoming inauguration, researching and crafting potential strategy, as well as standing in for committee staffers when they can’t attend a press event or participate in a teleconference call.  It’s not uncommon for me to lean over to my coworker and discuss how awesome our experience in the committee is.

That leads me to my next point; I am not alone in this experience. Besides rubbing shoulders with Senators and other top policy advisers, I have also been able to greatly expand my personal network. I am surrounded by amazing interns from across the US who add to the quality of my experience by sharing their ideas and introducing me to even more people.

I am not completely sure where my internship in DC is going to take me, but if the previous month is any indicator then I know that whatever it is will be exciting and more than I would have ever imagined as I sat in Old Main contemplating life after graduation

Special Intern Privileges

By: Claire Ahlstrom

My first day on Capitol Hill was a star-studded event. I wasn't expecting too much for the day- I arrived and learned how to sort the mail, use the phones, etc. Beyond that, without a computer account or a security badge, there wasn't much I could do. The Capitol was mainly shut down for an event, but a fellow USU intern from another office and I decided that we would try and see if we could get in to the ceremony.

Temporary security badge in hand, Erika and I set off to the Capitol using the underground tunnel and subway system. Congress was awarding Aung San Suu Kyi with the Congressional Gold Medal- the highest medal of honor Congress can bestow upon a civilian. Aung San Suu Kyi is one of the world's most prominent former political prisoners, and now serves as the opposition leader in the Burmese Government. This trip was her first to the United States, and her medal ceremony was being held in the grand Rotunda of the Capitol Building.

We were turned away initially, told that we needed tickets to enter. We found an abandoned looking stairwell and decided to explore... and popped out in one of the antechamber entrances to the Rotunda. After nervously peering around to see if any angry security guards were en route to tackle us to the ground (and seeing none) we decided to stay just so we could listen, occasionally gathering up the courage to move a few steps closer. After about 5 minutes, a kindly old guide (we call them "the redcoats" because they wear very vibrantly red blazers) asked if we were interns. When we nodded yes, he motioned us over to his spot so we could catch a glimpse into the Rotunda.

I was practically dazed by the star power in the room in front of me. Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, Aung San Suu Kyi, Senator John McCain, Former First Lady Laura Bush, Speaker of the House John Boehner, Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid, Senate Minority Leader Mitch McConnell, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi... Politically, I don't even like half these people, but I was still in awe. They all spoke, and it was incredible.

This isn't a typical day working on the Hill. It can be slow, especially when Congress has recessed during election season. There are lots of more mundane days, answering phone calls, sorting mail and faxes, running errands, managing constituency case work and giving Capitol tours. However, this shows some a degree of the possibility that you always seem to feel working at the Capitol. It seems like almost anything can happen, and something almost always is. There are briefings on pertinent and fascinating topics- often accompanied by free food. Different groups come and give day long information fairs- again, also often accompanied by free food. Our office always has the news (or a Nationals baseball game) playing in the background. You can have lunch in a gazebo next to a fountain in the Botanical Gardens. Capitol Hill can make you feel like you have a pretty charmed life.

Getting to know the Founding Fathers, The Congress, and Shaq

By: Valerie Anderson

There is no place like Logan in the fall. The view from the top of Old Main Hill is unbeatable. The Aggie pride as thousands of students flood back to Logan to celebrate homecoming is almost tangible. From football games to bonfires, there is always something exciting going on. So it’s understandable that I was a little reluctant to leave my friends and move across the country for four months to intern in Washington, DC. Now that I’m here, I know it’s the greatest thing I could’ve done to add to my college experience!

First off, living in DC is incredible. Every morning on my commute to Capitol Hill, the metro comes above ground to cross the Potomac River, giving me a clear view of the world-recognized Washington monument. My work is within a few blocks of the U.S. Capitol, Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and multiple other historic buildings. Taking lunch breaks on the grass outside the Capitol never gets old.

While at work in Congressman Rob Bishop’s office, my duties range from answering telephones, responding to constituent mail, assisting the legislative assistants, and giving tours of the U.S. Capitol building. The hands-on experience I have gained from doing an internship has taught me more about the legislative process that I ever could’ve gained from simply reading textbooks. It’s an incredible feeling to know I’m walking the same halls as the Founding Fathers, rubbing shoulders with Members of Congress, and even meeting celebrities who come to the Capitol to lobby for certain issues. Last month, I met Shaquille O'Neal! Next week, Jennifer Garner is coming.

Aggie pride doesn’t end in Logan; it’s as strong as ever here in D.C. Utah State University owns a few apartments in Arlington, so I am able to live with fellow Aggies. The majority of the staff in my office graduated from USU, so we even have an occasional “Aggie apparel” day. Most importantly, my roommates and I have found a group of recent Aggie graduates who meet to watch the USU football games together (followed by True Aggie Nights).

I would encourage any student to do an internship in Washington DC. An internship is the perfect way to take your career path for a test drive. I have discovered new interests, learned new skills, and made connections with people that will have an enormous effect on my future career path.