This summer, I had the opportunity to perform a job shadow on Capitol Hill as an intern in the office of Ohio Senator Jon Husted. During my internship, I gained a much clearer understanding of how the federal government operates on a daily basis and how closely it is connected to the lives of everyday Americans. During my job shadow, I learned just how accessible and fast-paced the government is and the extent to which it is shaped by the voices of constituents.
One of the first things that surprised me was how open the government buildings were to the public. On just my second day, I witnessed a group of protesters moving through the halls of a Senate building, shouting as police followed closely behind. I was shocked by how openly this action unfolded in a government building I had always thought of as tightly restricted. In addition to demonstrations, individuals regularly came to the front desk of Senator Husted’s office to share their beliefs, hand out pamphlets, and promote events that their organizations had planned. During my job shadow, these moments showed me just how easy it is for citizens to actively engage with their government.
Although I was born and raised in Washington, D.C., I had never fully understood how the American government worked. I moved to London at the end of third grade and did not take an American history course until AP U.S. History in my junior year. Even though my dad was very involved in government and often tried to explain it to me, I never fully grasped its importance. That changed quickly once I began answering phone calls from Ohio constituents. A large part of my internship involved taking calls every few minutes from individuals eager to share their concerns, frustrations, and personal stories. Hearing directly from constituents about issues affecting their families and communities was eye-opening, and it became clear how much people rely on their elected officials to listen to them and advocate on their behalf.
Beyond phone calls, I spent hours tracking voicemails and sorting through digital mail sent to the office. Logging each concern made me more aware of the wide range of issues facing Ohio residents and how different legislative bills directly impacted their daily lives. A lot of the logging and categorization of these emails and voice mails was very tedious and time consuming but it was so interesting to learn about each person’s story and the work gave me a deeper appreciation for the behind-the-scenes effort required to ensure that every voice is acknowledged.
I also learned how interconnected every role on Capitol Hill truly is. The amount of coordination required to move the Senator from one meeting to another, or from a briefing to a vote, was remarkable. Each person in the office played an essential role, reinforcing the idea that government functions through collaboration.
One of the most rewarding parts of my internship was learning how to give Capitol tours. I became familiar with the Capitol subway system and underground tunnels and studied a guidebook each night to learn the history behind the building’s artwork and rooms. Within a few days, I was confidently leading tours for Ohio constituents on my own. I especially enjoyed sharing small details, such as how many statues once held pipes that were later removed so the Capitol would not appear to promote smoking to children. Giving tours allowed me not only to share what I had learned, but also to connect with the people I was guiding. Along with answering phone calls, this became my favorite part of the internship.
During my time on Capitol Hill, I attended a talk by Senator Amy Klobuchar, observed activity on both the House and Senate floors, and watched the voting process on legislation. I also had the privilege of meeting Senator Husted and regularly encountering other senators during everyday moments, which made the Senate feel surprisingly personal.
In an interview I had with Mr. Caleb Plott, the Deputy Director of Operations for Senator Husted’s office, he described his job as “constantly changing” and carrying a certain sense of “thrill.” I found this to be an accurate reflection of life on the Hill. Everyone is always adjusting schedules, responding to constituents, and reacting to new political developments, which makes the environment both challenging and exciting.
Overall, my experience on Capitol Hill reshaped the way I view government. I left with a deep respect for the people who work behind the scenes and a greater appreciation for how closely connected elected officials are to the individuals they serve. Most importantly, this internship showed me the power of civic engagement and the importance of listening to every voice.
