Just over two months remain in my semester in Georgetown. Where did all of that time go? I feel as though I was frantically running through the hallways of the Russell Senate Office Building just yesterday, in a panic because I could not find my office on the first day of work. This semester has been quite busy, incredibly enriching, and a complete rush.
If I had to sum up all of the things I have learned so far, I would simply say this: There is nothing like being here! This city is young and electric, an exciting place to be no matter what your interest or career. I have to pinch myself on my commute every morning when I pass the Lincoln Memorial and the Washington Monument, because I am in the center of it all. I read and hear news online that is happening all around me. Sometimes, especially at work, I am ahead of the news. For instance, I have assisted an aide by summarizing a brief and a few hours later, Politico covered an event in which my boss referenced that same brief. This opportunity to spend a semester away from Penn State has allowed me to experience a new university and atmosphere while remaining a Penn State undergrad, knowing I will return eventually and that my college experience at UP is not over yet! Studying in D.C. for a semester has actually allowed me to appreciate my time in the city more than if I had gone to school here for 4 years because I know I have only a short time to do and see everything I want.
I am interning for the United States Senate and to say that Congress’s image is a little tarnished right now would be generous. Although I am not anywhere near qualified by my 2 months as an intern to make any sweeping statements about the state of affairs in Congress, I would only say this: public service is truly a sacrifice, and I don’t think that it is appreciated. An image persists of Congress as a world of comfortable work, inattentiveness, and self-satisfaction. What is not often understood is that lawmakers sustain a workweek of 80+ hours, incessant travel, separation from family for weeks at a time, and a sincere work ethic that pervades the office, from the senator or congressman down to the intern.
I was told by one of my professors, Brad Blakeman, that holding a political office is an opportunity, not a career. I appreciate that distinction, but on the whole I disagree; public service is a vocation to which we are all called. It does not have to be, and will not be for most, a career working on Capitol Hill or in the White House. We have the capacity to serve, and as Liberal Arts students, we are asked to take an interest in serving our university, our communities, our states, or our countries with pride and honor. I firmly believe that Liberal Arts students can be service leaders of the University. The University was founded with the notion that financial capital would be invested to return a yield of scientific and agricultural knowledge. Now, with our greatly expanded mission, Penn State yields an even greater return of human capital in its graduates. We have the privilege granted by our education to improve our world. I have been following the Pennsylvania budget battle from DC, and I would only say that I hope Governor Corbett realizes what kind of return he gains from the finances invested in his state universities.