Sunday, July 17, 2022
By:
Hello again, world! I unfortunately contracted covid after a long 2+ years of managing to evade it, and it very much sucked. But, now, I am back to work as normal - except that the Congressman currently has covid, so maybe not ~completely~ normal. In my 7 weeks on the Hill, I have determined that Congress isn't for me. But that's not a bad thing; indeed, it's quite the opposite, as knowing what you don't like is just as important as knowing what you do!
Now, this isn't to say that I haven't enjoyed this internship - I have, immensely. I thoroughly enjoy most of the work that I complete on the Hill and the wonderful opportunities that working there has given me. It's the atmosphere that I don't love, and the enormity of having to confront just about every societal issue, and having to handle what I believe to be common sense bills being shot down by single individuals, and having to reassure people that their voice is heard when I can't guarantee that, and other things that have solidified Congress as a place of employment to which I do not wish to return. The experiences that I have gotten, though - fantastic experiences unique to working on the Hill in a representative's office - are like a fever dream, and I will be forever grateful for them. I had the opportunity to attend a reception celebrating the release of JWST's first images, and in a small room in the Rayburn House Office Building, I had the opportunity to speak with some of the astrophysicists, engineers, and policymakers who made Webb happen. I had a great conversation with someone in an administrative role at Northrop Grumman in particular, and hope to develop a wonderful professional relationship with them.
This internship, so far, has been all that I could have hoped for and more. I am excited for our remaining three weeks! And especially this week. If all goes as planned, I will get to attend lectures by Senator Ben Cardin, my Senator from Maryland, Representative Jackie Speier, and Speaker Pelosi, and I'll be going on a tour of the White House this Friday. I have lunch with Representative Foster and the Congressional baseball game to look forward to in the coming weeks! And finally, my project is coming together! Til next time, which should be this coming week!
Katie Futrowsky