Intern Blog: Summer 2011

Each week the interns in my Washington, DC, office share some of their thoughts, experiences and impressions about their internship. On this page, you will find entries from the interns who are working in my office in the current semester.  To read entries from previous semesters, please visit the Intern Blog Archives.

 

August, 8, 2011

August Recess has officially begun. Many of the staffers are in Idaho for a State Work Period, and this will be my last blog post for my internship in the Office of Senator Mike Crapo.

 

I wrapped up my internship with three more great opportunities:  tours of the Pentagon, the Library of Congress and the Supreme Court. I had a wonderful summer with my fellow interns and I have learned so much!

 

I will head back to the University of Idaho for my senior year studying Public Relations and Business, graduate in May and see what opportunities come my way. The picture below is me with my fellow interns and vandals! We have all become so close and I know we will never forget our summer in DC.

I cannot say thank you enough to everyone I’ve met this summer and for all of the amazing opportunities I have had. GO VANDALS!

 

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls

August 4, 2011

This has been a week of tours.

I have been looking forward to this opportunity to see the memorials, Library of Congress, Pentagon, and Supreme Court for weeks now, and they were – in a word – monumental. There is so much marble! Such ornamentation! Plus, the symbolism behind every minute detail is borderline overwhelming. We interns have also discovered that having an entertaining and knowledgeable tour guide transforms a sight-seeing experience into the best kind of history lesson.

Chris, the U.S. National Park Service guide who showed our group around the Washington Monument and the Lincoln, Vietnam, Korean War, WWII, Jefferson and FDR memorials was a Civil War buff and had studied history throughout his college. He was able to tell us the stories behind not only the memorials, but about the men and events that they commemorate. The information he had about Thomas Jefferson was particularly interesting and new – I hadn’t realized that Jefferson was such a complex man. This tour was on a scorching day, but was completely enjoyable since Chris drove us around in a Park Service van. The Pentagon tour guide was another favorite. The Navy guide was incredibly gifted at walking backwards, and was very sincere in sharing the effect the 9/11 events had on the Pentagon staff.

We have gotten to go on all of these tours because it is now officially August recess, and a hush has fallen over Capitol Hill. The phones stopped ringing, the meetings have slowed down and there are hardly any people milling about in public areas anymore. To top it off, Koji and Garrett have already said their good-byes to the office staff and taken off for weddings or time with their families. Sam and I definitely couldn’t have asked for two better fellow interns, and their jokes will be missed until we see them back in Moscow. For now, though, it’s time to make the best of my last week in this city!

Valerie Pantone, University of Idaho, Shoshone

August, 2, 2011

Our time in DC is running out, but we are fitting in every possible thing! All of us interns were able to have a Department of Interior tour led by a fantastic Park Ranger last Friday.

The day-long tour included all places that I have been but I learned so much more on our VIP tour:

The Washington Monument

World War II Memorial

Lincoln Memorial

Korean War Memorial

Vietnam Memorial

Ronald Reagan Trade Center and Woodrow Wilson Commemorative Hall

Thomas Jefferson Memorial

Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial

We have almost accomplished all of the “touristy” things on the summer to-do list. Just a few including getting DC cupcakes in Georgetown, having my picture taken with Whoopi Goldberg in the Russell Rotunda, being very very lost and loving being an intern!

Today marked the day for the “big compromise.” We tried to watch the debt ceiling vote in the Senate Gallery but we were not the only people trying to participate in this historic moment. This has honestly been an unforgettable summer to spend in Washington. I have become much more interested and invested in the process and I couldn’t be more thankful for all I’ve learned and who I’ve met.

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls

 

July 25, 2011

Gang of five, six, seven, debt ceiling, budget, crisis, bipartisan, negotiations, CNN, MSNBC, FOX and many more are all words flying around Capitol Hill and in everyone’s minds. I am learning so much by being here, surrounded by the debt debates that seemed so far away when I was home in Idaho.

Last week I was able to tag along with Senator Crapo and his Press Secretary, Mandi Critchfield, for interviews about the “Gang of Six” deficit reduction plan with CNN and FOX News programs. Seeing the behind the scenes work that happens every day and being able to have a small part in that is just a unique opportunity.

Compiling news clips has become a more lengthy process with the increase in news coverage Sen. Crapo has been receiving with his involvement in the debt debate, especially regarding the “Gang of Six”.

Still enjoying the city... minus the blazing heat!

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls

July 20, 2011

After two months of internship experience, I can safely say that some of the most random work and leisure times have occurred in the last week. A few examples of that follow.

Three of us interns watched the final Harry Potter movie at the midnight premiere last week. The enthusiasm exhibited by the die-hard fans who were there was contagious... meaning we were all wide awake throughout the movie. The next day in the office we consumed a lot of coffee (or at least I did), but it was well worth it to witness that finale.

This job has been constantly entertaining, thought-provoking and dynamic. Recent opportunities to attend significant committee hearings have left me more aware and curious of a variety of issues. In the office, the phones rang almost non-stop yesterday as a result of the “Gang of Six” going public with their plan Tuesday. Intense focus and composure became second-nature as we collected vast numbers of messages regarding constituents’ opinions. Additionally, being able to recognize and joke with door guards and staff in other offices has made me feel much more comfortable in not only our office, but throughout the Senate office buildings. Mark, in the flag office, is especially kind and humorous.

One of the most remarkable events that I have witnessed here in DC was the Sunset Parade at the Marine Barracks. The band – the ‘President’s Own’ – and the Silent Drill team were impressive in their skill and precision, and the entire presentation was simply enjoyable. I was endeared to all of the Marines who were hosts for the event, as all of them were very friendly and open in showing off their facility.

As we head into the last three weeks of the internship, I am looking forward to continuing these exciting experiences of growth and education.

Valerie Pantone, University of Idaho, Shoshone

 

July 18, 2011

Hello again,

Not too much to report from this weekend. We enjoyed a lazy couple of days by the pool, actually enjoying the heat and the sun!

We did cross one more thing of the “Washington D.C. Bucket List,” a tour of the Washington Monument. We chose a sunset tour time and went up the 50 floors on an elevator to the observation level. Seeing DC from the highest point of the city is a must-do. It was nice to have our bearings and understand just what we were looking at and truly take in the beautiful Capitol Mall. We also learned some fun history about the Monument from the National Park Service Rangers.

Some things I didn’t know that you might find interesting:

  • The corner stone was laid on July 4, 1848, using the same trowel George Washington used to lay the cornerstone of the Capitol in 1793.
  • The walls are covered with white marble that was brought in from Maryland.
  • While the monument is hollow on the inside, the inner walls are set with 189 memorial stones that are carved and were presented by individuals, cities, states, societies and other countries.
  • The point at which construction was stopped in 1858 can be identified as the stones used above 152 feet have a darker tone of color when compared to the original ones.
  • The Washington Monument is surrounded by flagpoles, each flag representing a flag of the state.
  • The total cost of building the monument was $1,817,710.
  • The construction of the monument was completed 30 years after the death of its architect, Robert Mills.
  • The Monument is still the tallest, free standing stone structure in the world.

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls

July 13, 2011

Wow where has the time gone?! This week marks the beginning of the final month of my internship, and while I have learned a great deal to this point, I still find myself learning something new every day. This past week I was able to attend a Senate Finance Committee hearing on three pending free trade agreements. In this particular meeting there was a strong partisan divide regarding the renewal of an assistance program. One side argued strongly that the matters of legislation be separated; while the other postured that the assistance program and the FTA’s must be enacted simultaneously.  It was great to witness the wealth of knowledge expressed on both sides of the aisle. It was also intriguing to listen to the skilled rhetoric used by the Senators in their debate.

Outside of the professional setting, this week Garrett and I attended a reception that featured electric delivery trucks. We were fortunate enough to receive an explanation from the CEO on how the electric truck’s components work together and the business model that the company has been using. I was fascinated by the concepts being presented from Smith Electric Vehicles, and spurned towards the idea of a future in government affairs. All in all, this past week was filled with new experiences and continued learning—something that I’ve grown quite used to this summer.

Koji Moy, University of Idaho, Boise

July 12, 2011

Another successful weekend down…

 We heard the Dalai Lama speak, introduced by Whoopie Goldberg at a World Peace Rally on the Capitol Lawn early Saturday morning. This was a fun and cultural event to attend during my summer in DC. We attended a Vandal Alumni event at the Nats game vs. the Rockies and enjoyed meeting all of our fellow Vandals!! DC is in full “weather advisory” mode and I now understand what everyone was warning us about.

I think it’s safe to say all of the interns feel pretty comfortable, we are enjoying giving tours, learning from the Crapo staff and living the life of an intern. Today was another Idaho Constituent Coffee with Senator Crapo and it is so fun to see Idahoans coming to meet with him and hear him encouraging a grassroots type of involvement from all constituents.

As of today, I officially have one month left in DC. I hope by the time I leave there will be some resolution for the budget debates. I can honestly say this summer has been the best time to be in DC, “right in the action.”

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls

 

July 7, 2011

Celebrating Independence Day in our nation’s capital was phenomenal. I experienced it like any other tourist; chasing the parade to see the tail end, barbequing with some friends and making our way to the mall to enjoy the beautiful fireworks. There is nothing quite like the Washington Monument glowing in the background, the helmets at the Korean War Memorial lighting up and patriotic music coming from the Lincoln Memorial. Sharing that moment with thousands of people was an unforgettable experience.

I attended my first Washington Nationals baseball game and appreciated the first pitch from our First Lady Michelle Obama. Growing up in Idaho with no professional sports teams makes a National’s game a big deal!

I have made the intern transition at work and am not working primarily in the front office; learning a lot from constituent calls, helping with flag requests, giving more Capitol Tours and putting together the Welcome to Washington packets for our visiting Idahoans.

With a little over a month left I still have many things to accomplish during my summer!

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls

July 1, 2011

E Pluribus Unum

This week was my first “Constituent Coffee” with Senator Crapo. Every Tuesday morning Idahoans can come to the office and visit with the Senator for a half-hour to chat about their concerns. The few people that stopped by were worried about the way our nation is headed. They asked the Senator tough questions about how to put our nation on the right track towards fiscal responsibility. The Senator was very open and very grim about the state of our economy, and I believe he is one of the few people in our nation who has a grasp on ways we can fix the mess we have gotten ourselves into. As an intern, I don’t get a lot of face time with the Senator, but whenever I do get a chance to hear him speak I am honored to be working for him. I tackle small tasks here on Capitol Hill, from helping draft letters to constituents, to organizing the supply closet (I’m pretty sure that puppy hadn’t been cleaned since the cold war). I realize that I am just a little cog, but to be here in D.C. and be a PART of it all instead of just observing from afar is unreal. I have my fair share of days when I get frustrated with the way our political system is structured, but I take comfort in the fact that our senator is pursuing the course of action he feels is right. The beauty of our system is that no matter what side of the isle the representatives are on, they are all trying their best to lead our nation towards a better future.

Last night I was at the Lincoln Memorial. As I breathed in the warm night air, I wandered around the monument and came across a quote reminding me that even though our nation is fiercely divided, we can overcome any obstacle together.

“With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right, let us strive on to finish the work we are in, to bind up the nation's wounds.” –Abraham Lincoln-

Garrett Lamm, University of Idaho, Boise

June 30, 2011

Listening- actively, analytically, and objectively listening- is currently at the forefront of my ‘lessons learned’ list as a Capitol Hill intern. Even though I do tend to talk more than I should, I have practiced listening in many different forms throughout this experience. The most engaging and focused moments are when Senator Crapo is speaking, whether that is in Constituent Coffee on Tuesday mornings or on a television interview. His words simply carry a lot of weight. There is also the very analytical listening that committee hearings require. Frequently, it seems that the introductions, questions, and statements that those events include are sugar-coated or have ulterior meanings. Of course, in the office we play whatever else is on Fox News much of the time, so the ability to selectively listen has come in handy, too.

The credit for my attentiveness to the importance of listening goes to a kind older gentleman who I met on my initial flight to DC. While we were discussing my internship, I asked him what he would try to accomplish in my position, and his answer was simply to learn by listening. Thank goodness for the people you meet on planes, right?

In other news, this upcoming weekend is Independence Day weekend. Although I don’t know exactly what to expect of the festivities, I can tell you that us interns are EXCITED. Fireworks, a day off, and a few visiting friends will be here soon.

Valerie Pantone, University of Idaho, Shoshone

June 29, 2011

This past Thursday, after waiting in line for over two hours, I was able to attend a Senate Foreign Relations Committee hearing alongside fellow interns Sam and Garrett. The subject of the hearing was to evaluate the goals and progress related to our presence in Afghanistan and Pakistan. To add to the intrigue of the topics at hand, Secretary of State Hilary Clinton prepared testimony which was delivered in response to opening remarks from committee chairman John Kerry (D-MA). The room was lined with media personnel, staff members, interns, (et al.) all watching our nation’s leaders address one of the most pressing issues facing our country.

Needless to say, the event was surreal. Witnessing the dialogue between our nation’s leaders on a topic that has divided our nation was an once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. My favorite question of the hearing came from Senator Risch (R-ID) when he asked Secretary Clinton about Afghanistan’s plans to financially support their own security forces. In the end, the committee asked critical questions, and Secretary Clinton answered them pragmatically and candidly (for the most part).

If nothing else, this hearing showed me the level of respect that our leaders uphold for one another. I remain fascinated by the ability to direct questions in such polished and temperate language. Finally, I was pleased to see that while the Senators were delivering pointed questions, they never failed to uphold a professional demeanor.

Koji Moy, University of Idaho, Boise

June 28, 2011

I have officially been in DC for a month! Learning something new every day!

I have been fortunate to have my mom in town all last week and my dad and sister joined us this weekend. We explored DC in true tourist fashion. Enjoying all the recommended restaurants, renting “red bikes” to see ALL the memorials, melting in the heat and ending everyday with aching feet. We had tickets for the annual BBQ Battle and the Mule Drawn Canal Boat Ride in Georgetown.  We spent hours at the Smithsonian Castle, American History Museum and the Air and Space Museum. We enjoyed the Botanic Gardens, Arlington and I put my intern skills to work to give them a Capitol Tour.

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls.

June 23, 2011

This blog post is entitled ‘Receptions’… if you are considering an internship on Capitol Hill, pay attention. Here on the Hill, groups of people- charitable groups and other organizations- host these wonderful events. Why are they wonderful? There is free food- usually of above-average quality, sometimes superb- and a variety of free beverages.  Additionally, for people whose interest is easily piqued (like me), receptions provide speakers, handouts, and networking opportunities for a wide variety of topics.

Receptions occur almost daily, and oftentimes there is a variety from which you can choose. Here are a few tips regarding these events that I have picked up.

  • Do research! There are websites where these events are listed, and some even provide tips as to what the best receptions are. For example, ‘widely attended’ events mean that it is vital to show up early. The Taco Bell reception was described to me as: “You better get there like half an hour before it starts. Otherwise, you’ll be stuck in an angry mosh pit of people diving for tacos.”
  • The House-side receptions are worth the walk. There’s more variety (in food and topics) and there are more of them. Lunch receptions have to be planned early, though.
  • Interns have the opportunity to make their office incredibly appreciative of them by delivering popular reception items back to the office. Preparation for this is key- bring bags and or boxes for carrying significant quantities of tacos, ice cream, etc back to the office.

Valerie Pantone, University of Idaho, Shoshone

 

June 22, 2011

This past week has flown by. The highlight was giving a capitol tour to a group of eighth-graders from Coeur d’Alene, and running into Senator John McCain underneath the Senate Gallery. I take it for granted that I live and work right under the Capitol dome, but every time I step under the rotunda I am reminded of how lucky I am. In the office, I have done more research assignments recently, anything from getting information on a federal appointee to recent legislative action. Helping draft responses to concerns or opinions of Idaho constituents has given me s insight about the strengths and weaknesses of the communication channel between constituents and Senator Crapo as well. Another great thing about being an intern is the access to all the speakers and presenters in DC. I attended a panel about Medicare reform, another about government funded university research, and another about the economic crisis. The titans of business and government give great lectures and are always happy to answer questions. Looking forward to the coming weeks, and the 4th of July on the Hill!

Garrett Lamm, University of Idaho, Boise

June 21, 2011

Just when you feel like you are getting used to living in this sauna, the volatile Capitol Hill weather delivers a week of blue skies and sunshine, mixed with grey clouds, rain and thunderstorms.  In fact, this past week I probably had a better chance of solving the nation’s debt crisis than predicting the day-to-day weather conditions.  As a result of the unpredictable weather, I decided to take an alternative route to work—through the underground tunnels.  To gain a better picture of the feat itself, the journey from the Hart Senate Building to the Cannon House Building (which is very close to my residence) passes under five government buildings, four city blocks, and through two security checkpoints.  While learning the correct route through the buildings proved to be frustrating at times, I definitely gained more respect for the architects that were able to interconnect the buildings in such an efficient way.  In addition, I was very grateful for the amount of help and kindness I was shown from various staffers as I stopped to ask them to guide me on the right paths.

This past week I also found myself in an adventure outside of work as I traveled to Congressional CC to watch the 2011 US Open—my first PGA Tour Major Championship.  To sum up the experience into three words, I was awestruck, speechless and exhausted.  That is, I was awestruck at the sight of the world’s best golfers that I had grown up watching on television. I was speechless at the sight of Rory McIlroy walking down the 18th fairway en route to his first major victory.  And I was exhausted after two days of walking up and down the hilly landscape.

Once again, DC has provided me with a truly unforgettable experience. I will never forget watching McIlroy hoist the US Open trophy, and I can only hope that I will not forget the journey through the underground tunnels for the remainder of my stay in DC.

Koji Moy, University of Idaho, Boise.

June 20, 2011

With the summer days getting hotter it’s time to explore more indoors.  We are trying to hit all of the “must see” museums and galleries in D.C. after work and in the upcoming weekends.  I am really excited that all of us interns have a tour of the Department of Interior coming in July.  Our tour will include the: The Washington Monument,  Jefferson Memorial, FDR Memorial, World War II Memorial, Lincoln Memorial , Veterans Memorial, Korean War Memorial and Arlington Cemetery.  We are working on getting tours of the Supreme Court, the Pentagon and the Library of Congress.  I’ve said it before, but I really am learning so much this summer.

The best part is sharing what I am learning with my family and friends.  My mom is in town this week for the American Bar Association and Federal Judiciary Center’s Teacher Institute.  My sister and dad will be here Friday, so I will get to show them what living in D.C. is like so far and some of my favorite places.

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls

June 14, 2011

Today I was given the opportunity to give a tour of the capitol building to 10 middle-schoolers from the Coeur D’Alene area. I was particularly relieved to give my inaugural capitol tour to this group because I knew that my audience would be considerably more forgiving of any mishaps along the way. Coupled with the relaxed demeanor of the constituents, my performance was also bolstered by the commanding presence of the Capitol Building and its relics. In fact, I often found that my own expressions matched the astonishment on the faces of the students as I guided them from station to station along the tour. As the tour concluded, I was pleased that my missteps during the tour were minor, and that my audience was appreciative upon leaving the capitol.

As another week has come and gone, I have again been met with new challenges and experiences. Whether it be delivering a tour, reformatting request forms in the scheduling office, or consulting with more constituents, I have enjoyed taking on the increased responsibility in the office and look forward to the new challenges ahead.

Koji Moy, University of Idaho, Boise

June 13, 2011

Living and working on the hill is giving me just a small glimpse into what actually happens in Washington, D.C.  Everything from budgets to political scandals… it is fun to be in the place of action. So many “tourists” come to our nation’s capitol to appreciate the historical significance of every building, monument, garden and road sign. I am experiencing the day to day, fast paced city life (much different than the way I grew up) which makes my appreciation for the district even greater.

Attending government trainings, becoming an official Capitol tour guide and feeling like my role in the office matters is such a unique experience. My fellow interns and I have already learned so much about the inner workings of a Senate office and I now see that it really takes every staffer to make everyday happen.

Senator Crapo participates in a really fun program with the Library of Congress. Each week we (the interns) go to the Library of Congress to pick out surplus children’s books to send to the state offices. Two of the elementary schools in Idaho Falls will be receiving a donation of books handpicked by us.

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls

June 10, 2011

Being an intern in D.C. is unique largely because of the variety of opportunities and experiences that are available--even expected--to you. For instance, this morning Garrett (a fellow intern) and I went on a tour of the White House, where I was filled with awe and inspiration for my future… then I returned to the office and watered the plants. The value of humility and positivity is a lesson that will be continuously taught throughout this internship, as demonstrated by this morning’s schedule. Enjoying this lesson- being humble in moments of opportunity and positive through daily tasks- and others is an exciting mission.

This office makes me love being from a small town in Idaho because conversations become “oh, you know her? I used to babysit their kids!” and “he teaches in that tiny town by Shoshone…” “Dietrich?” The entertainment and familiarity that these connections create have been reassuring in this ‘concrete jungle’ and keep me excited to come to work every day. The ever-changing amount of capitol tours, co-worker stories, humorous bets, and office work doesn’t hurt, either.  

Valerie Pantone, University of Idaho, Shoshone

June 9, 2011

Today marked the end of the second week that I have been here in Washington, D.C., and I think it is safe to say that I still feel the same mix of awe and enthusiasm as I did the first day I walked into the Dirksen Senate Building. In the short period of time that I have been living here, I have really been focusing on becoming more acquainted with my surroundings. While I still have been getting lost from time to time, I do feel that I have finally begun to gain my bearings around the Senate Buildings.

Thankfully, the Senate has been in a period of recess for the majority of the two weeks I have spent here. This has allowed me more time to analyze my duties and responsibilities as the scheduling intern. So far, I have really enjoyed dissecting the process involved in determining the senator’s daily schedule as it has proven to be far more complex that what I had anticipated.  One highlight that I’ve enjoyed working in the office was when I was given the opportunity to attend a college summit and hear speeches from Paul Ryan, Allan West, Michele Bauchmann, et al. To listen to these political figures firsthand was truly an unforgettable experience.

In closing, my work in the office has just begun. In the coming weeks I hope to continue to provide quality service to the office wherever needed. In addition, I eagerly anticipate the personal development and learning that will take place from working in the senate office setting. Finally, I am excited to continue crossing paths with the nation’s top political figures while seeing the amazing attractions in Washington D.C.

Koji Moy, University of Idaho, Boise

June 8, 2011

My first week and a half in Washington DC has been an adventure, to say the least. I was homeless for 5 days, sleeping at the Holiday Inn, reading Craigslist ads until my eyes were blood-shot, and going around to sketchy parts of D.C. in hopes of finding a cheap place to rent with my buddy Peter (who is interning with Congressman Labrador this summer). I did zero apartment searching before I arrived, so my lack of preparation caught up with me. We finally took a decently sized apartment in College Park, Maryland, and a 45 minute commute door-to-door every morning. Shortly thereafter, Pete and I got a chilling reality check about the neighborhood we had just moved to. The headline of a morning paper read, “BLOODY SPREE! 4 dead in Prince George County murder spree!” So my advice to any future interns: finding affordable housing isn’t easy, but if you are up for the challenge, it is possible. The cheaper the place, the dodgier the neighborhood, the longer the commute. But it is possible.

This summer started off better than I could have dreamed and I am integrating myself slowly to Senator Crapo’s office. I will be working in the legislative shop for the next 10 weeks, hopefully researching policy issues and drafting letters. Since we have been in recess for a bit, my job title has shifted to “shredder,” but as soon as things pick back up again I should be helping out the Legislative Assistants a lot more. So far, I have helped write congratulatory letters to Boy Scouts for having received their Eagle Scout rank, answer phones to respond to constituents opinions, and do odd-job deliveries around the underground rat tunnels beneath Capitol Hill. These tunnels connect the three Senate Office buildings, the three House Office buildings, and the Capitol itself. This allows us to navigate underground and avoid the summer humidity. I am trained to give Capitol tours and tell people about the rich history of the building and the city. It is an overwhelming feeling to stand in rooms where the founders of America sat and debated the structure of our government, where Congresses have authorized wars, where civil rights legislation was fought over and passed, and where great orators and politicians are writing history every vote they cast. A few days ago the interns also got to visit the East Wing of the White House, and the same feeling of awe gripped us as we wandered through the halls.

Garrett Lamm, University of Idaho, Boise

June 7, 2011

My fellow interns and I just completed the emergency training that allows our office to securely provide tours of the Capitol building. Each time I set foot in the Rotunda or describe the symbolism that is evident throughout the art and architecture, I am reminded of the principles on which this country was built and operates today.  It is impossible to ignore the power of citizens and states when they are ever-present in the statues that are scattered through the Capitol and in the people that I have met here.  Everyone here has a different story, and I have been awed by the passion behind them this past week.

Between the constant stream of national and state news and answering constituent phone calls, life in the front office- where I have been working- remains dynamic and informative. Additionally, the opportunity to attend the first committee hearing about the 2012 Farm Bill was very relevant to my interests and college major. This variety of experiences is already one of my favorite aspects of the internship.

Valerie Pantone, University of Idaho, Shoshone.

June 3, 2011

Two weeks in and my major bucket list item for my summer has been crossed off…I shook President Obama’s hand and hugged our First Lady Michelle after the Wreath Laying Ceremony at Arlington National Cemetery! Everything about this place has symbolism and makes me that much more patriotic everyday.  Spending Memorial Day in DC and attending the 22nd Annual Concert on the Capitol Lawn was incredible!

As for the office, all of the interns are finally settling in living on the hill, figuring out the metro and surviving the heat. Fortunately for me, I knew all of the other DC interns from school so we have become fast friends.  I have been defending my Idaho pride now that I am far from home but learning more about news in Idaho as the Press Intern which means I read the news, compile summaries and send it to the staff here in DC and in Senator Crapo’s regional offices. I know I will learn so much from my summer in DC in and out of the office. I really like all of the DC staffers, definitely people to admire and learn from.Until next time,

Samantha Storms, University of Idaho, Idaho Falls

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Last updated 01/20/2011
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