Week Three

Greetings everyone,

So week three is in the books and it was family visit week. My parents and persevering grandma made it to D.C. to see me in action. We had a great time just hanging out, eating dinner, and of course I had to give them a tour of the Capitol.

Work was also really invigorating. I decided to up the ante and start brainstorming possible things I could do to test my influence in Congress. Suddenly I had a light bulb turn on. I was going to draft a piece of legislation to introduce to Congress. Unfortunately, attempt numero uno was unsuccessful as I proposed to the legislative director in the office a bill that would send American forces into Somalia and do something very similar to what we have found ourselves doing in the Middle East. So my controversial side was thwarted, but my ambition was still at an all time high. I got right back to the drawing board and, with the help of the Congressman's executive assistant, I tailored my efforts more towards a dual-partisanship bill. This time I kept my efforts in the vicinity of Somalia, but geared the focus of the bill on a less controversial topic: condemning the child conscription of Somalia soldiers/children in the South. This was an opportunity to put my research on Somalia for my IB extended essay, what at first seemed to be extraneous, to good use. Because I have really explored the last two decades of the region in nearly every major facet, being able to use my knowledge and research to influence our country's foreign policy seemed too surreal. But, as I wait for the legislative director to return back to the office on Monday, I have a good feeling that this proposed bill will be approved and I will be one step closer to making a real life impact in United States international relations.

On Thursday, I had an opportunity to get to know my Congressman at the intern going away ice cream party we had during after hours in the office. One of our interns is on the out, and the Congressman was a nice enough guy to give her the time of day. For an hour, I tuned in to hear him tell us some of his most cherished moments in politics and some of the most gut wrenching hilarious anecdotes. I certainly learned that the Congressman was a Renaissance-Esq politique. He was a man of integrity, humor, resilience, and leadership that has done him and those he surrounds himself with, well.

This week was an attempt to step up to the plate, take a swing, and hope for the best. And going into the weekend, I feel really upbeat. I am trying my best to make this internship count.

Thanks everyone for following me on this unforgettable journey!