Life in DC has become one crazy ride… in many senses of the word. I still absolutely LOVE it here! I wish I would’ve posted last week; but ever since I began working on the Hill, I have had so much less spare time! Today was the first day in weeks that I got home before 6 p.m.
So, to pick up where my last update left off: My last week in the SFLA office was kind of sad, but fun. I really enjoyed working there every day. Wednesday (June 24) I worked on a lot of the same stuff in the office and it was also Rachana’s birthday (one of the SFLA interns) so we went out to dinner that evening. Thursday, the 25th we got to meet up with Congressman Spencer Bachus of Alabama. Due to Congress being in session that day, our meeting was interrupted twice because of voting. So, we talked briefly, got a picture and left. Friday after work, all of the SFLA interns went out to see The Stoning of Soraya M., from the producers of The Passion of the Christ. It was an extremely powerful film. The movie tells the story of Soraya M. and the injustice that took place. It is extremely relevant in light of recent events in Iran. I highly recommend seeing it. It was only playing in select theatres when we saw it, but I’m hoping it will be more widespread in the coming days. Also, while we were walking out of the movie… somewhat emotionally drained… we ran into former senator Rick Santorum! It was pretty cool – we talked to him a bit, got a picture and left. We later went to dinner and discussed the film… at least those of us who were able. It was a fairly hard film to watch and absorb.
On Saturday one of the SFLA staffers (Lucy) took us to Great Falls for an incredible hike. It was a beautiful day and we ended up running into other pro-life interns on our hike! We saw some interns from the National Right to Life and heard that there were also interns from another organization walking around. I guess it was just the day to hike. Sunday, the 28th was our day off – we just relaxed and…….. slept in! (Aaaamazing) Later that evening, Kate and I went to visit my friend, Rich, who lives just down the road from our host mom’s house. We had a fun game night and met some new people. It was a nice end to a very eventful weekend.
Monday the 29th was my last “official day” at the SFLA office. I was very sad, yet excited to start something new. Monday nights are now volunteer nights at the office and that night we stuffed envelopes while watching 22 Weeks, another extremely powerful film. This one was a short film – but very difficult to watch nonetheless. I advise caution with both movies that I have mentioned. They are good, but powerful. (It was quite a lot to take in within a few days time.)
Tuesday began my internship in Congressman Paul Broun’s office (of GA)! I was quite nervous, but the staffers are so great! Congress was not in session due to the holiday, so I eased into the swing of things. It probably was a bit less overwhelming than if they had been in session my first few days. But, I did get to go on a Capitol tour to learn about it, so that was exciting.
I got my intern badge on Wednesday and got to learn more about the office – sorting mail, answering phones, etc, etc. In the evening I had the privilege of going to listen to Grover Norquist, the President of Americans for Tax Reform. He was a very humorous and interesting speaker. I was very happy to learn so much about the organization.
Thursday was a lot of the same – learning more about the office and whatnot. Sadly, it was the last day of the other intern in the office, she was very nice and fun to work with. That night I went to go see the movie “Away We Go” with John Krasinski. It was a bit disappointing… I don’t normally like movies that are that crude. It had some good messages, but the crudeness kind of overpowered the message for me.
Friday we had the day off on the Hill due to the holiday, so many of the other SFLA interns went to the SFLA office to work for the day. Later that night we all went to Screen on the Green for a second time in Rosslyn. They play movies from the 80s and that night they played Top Gun. They also have a bean bag contest with 10 winners. I won! On my first try too, haha. It was kind of cool, I got a t-shirt with “I love the 80s” on it and the movie schedule on the back.
The 4th of July in Washington D.C. is incredible. Saturday morning we met with the other SFLA interns on the National Mall. The Smithsonian Folklife Festival is an annual thing that celebrates many different cultures on the 4th. After the festival, we watched the fireworks and enjoyed Independence Day in DC… quite an experience.
Sunday, once again was our day off to just relax and recuperate. Monday began my second week on the Hill. This time, I was the only intern in the office – so I was truly tested!
Tuesday we got a new intern. So, I got to help train him and ‘show him the ropes.’ It felt good to actually know what I was doing and be able to help someone else out. That evening I went to see a film called 33 minutes: Protecting America in the New Missile Age, another one that I highly recommend. After the film, there was a presentation and discussion. I recommend checking out the website to learn more about it.
Yesterday was my last day at the office this week. I got to visit the Capitol a few times, learn where some of the offices were and found myself giving directions to passers by… wasn’t sure when that day was going to come! In the evening I found out about a “small” (100+) gathering of interns for AIPAC’s Summer Seminar Series. I didn’t discover until I arrived that John McCain was to be there! It was interesting hearing him speak about Israel, Iran and other critical Middle East issues. The event was closed to the press.
Today I went to the Eagle Forum Collegians Leadership Summit. There were many congressional speakers and discussions. It was a full day of learning, no doubt! I enjoyed it a great deal, especially the discussion on nationalized healthcare. This is a big concern of mine that I hope to address in a future post. I have been doing extensive research on the topic and suggest that others do the same. Hopefully in the coming days I will put together some of what I have learned and pass that on to all of you. Tomorrow will be the second day of the summit and I am excited to see what I will learn!
The more I think about my time here in D.C., the more I believe that I could work here a year from now. I am going to stay open and take every possible opportunity! This internship has been so thrilling and such a learning experience. I can’t wait to see what is still yet to come. I hope all is well back home.
For Life!
Sheri
