Lessons From the Campaign Office

Interning for my Congressman over the Summer and a bit earlier in the spring has really taught me so much and has expanded my horizons more than I thought would happen. First of all, my mom actually suggested that I intern for them a while back but I was hesitant as I am with pretty much every new things I try out. So I sort of ignored it but then had the idea in the back of my head for a long time. Then, in the beginning of my Sophomore year at Wheaton North, my APUSH class was going over the formation of the US. We were going through things like the beliefs of the founding fathers, the Puritans, the Federalist-Antifederalist debates, and of all these things I had strong opinions that I would occasionally voice in class (Nicely of course). So as I was feeling fired up about those sort of political things, my mom again brought up the idea (As she would periodically) and this time I felt that maybe it would be a good idea. So I called the office about helping out and to make a long story short, a long process of phone tag and business finally landed me in an office seat staring in front of a computer in mid-March. The business of the day was calling people in the northern suburbs of Pittsburgh, as there was a special election there that a Republican had a good chance of winning (Plus the fact that Congressman Roskam is firmly entrenched in his district and is making an effort to help Republican challengers and those who need assistance). Realize at this point that calling people I don’t know and leaving messages scared me to death. I have and do enjoy public speaking, but not using the phone. I always felt unprepared and would stumble over my words and just feel stupid. However, this job was actually not so bad because it held a key: A script! I no longer had to fear feeling idiotic, I had exactly what I needed to say right in front of me. So I did that for a while until the election (The Republican lost ::Teardrop::). I would then continue to help out, doing whatever was asked, but after school, I was and have been able to throw in so much more time into it. I now am in the office pretty much 5 days of the week from 2-4 hours every day doing whatever needed. And that’s also key to the lessons I’ve learned. As an intern, I have done pretty much everything. I have called people, walked in parades, gone door to door, cut out newspaper clippings, sealed/mailed envelopes, done data entry, and  have been a wall for people to talk into. This has taught me a few new skills, made me know and appreciate my talents (And know the areas where I, uh, lack skill….), and has really shown me flexibility. Usually I know if it’s the week before a parade we’ll be making phone calls, but I don’t always know. It’s a great feeling to be able to do whatever someone asks you to do and try new things. I feel quite useful. I’ve also meet some awesome people there (Clue: They’re all in/done with college) who have imparted their AP, college choice, major choice, and life choice (that sounded bad…) wisdom onto me. I have learned quite a bit from them and can really appreciate my coworkers.

Another thing I have learned from interning is how apathetic people are about politics. When I go door to door, most of the people aren’t home, most of the people who are home don’t know/care, and the people who do just say something like “jobs”. Well who doesn’t want jobs? Are you saying that everyone else on this block who didn’t say they cared about jobs simply doesn’t care if they get laid off? I do understand thought that it can be more important to certain people. But anyway, it’s kind of infuriating to see all these people who when you see the ratings of the President, Congress, and the government in general, seem to think that something’s going wrong, but yet no one really seems to know anything. People talk about how they’re not into politics, but that’s what makes our nation run! People talk about how they don’t like it when the Democrats and Republicans don’t play nice and work together, seemingly failing to realize how impossible that normally is! This nation was founded upon citizen participation and input, and now most people don’t know or care. That’s completely wrong and needs to change…somehow…We need to facilitate this participatory attitude in the people of my generation. You’d think the “Government run” schools would do a good job, but that’s not the case. Oh well, if you all don’t care, more power and influence for me then…