Author: Abigail Lindsay, Junior Political Science and Economics Major

In May through July of this year, I was able to spend the summer in Washington, D.C. as an intern for the U.S. House of Representatives. I have wanted to complete this internship since my first time visiting Washington, D.C. as a junior in high school, so it was extremely special to be given this opportunity and to receive an Honors College Internship Grant, which assisted me with my travel and living expenses.

As a congressional intern, I wrote vote recommendations for House floor votes, drafted constituent response letters, compiled guidance documents for Judiciary Committee hearings, and researched various political, legal, and constitutional topics to provide information and recommendations to staff members. One of my favorite days in the office was when I assisted our legal aide in writing up some potential statements and questions for Congressman Mike Johnson to ask in an upcoming Judiciary Committee hearing. It involved some complex legal terms and concepts, so it was an awesome challenge to take on. During the hearing, the Congressman wound up asking one of my questions. It was satisfying to see that my work on that particular project was successful.

Interning on the Hill gave me so many invaluable experiences, and I was able to meet people from all over the country with whom I shared common interests and aspirations. I also received great advice on my future educational and career aspirations. Two of the staff members in our office previously attended law school, which is where I am hoping to wind up next year, and they shared their thoughts and tips with me as I began my application process. Our office was filled with staff members that come from a variety of career backgrounds, and I am so grateful to have received such fruitful membership from each one of them, and I am also pleased with the connections that I was able to make with my fellow interns from various colleges and hometowns. The Honors College helped me immensely in both my application and completion of this internship, and I am so thankful for the resources and guidance that it has provided to me throughout my journey of academic and career development.