Two important things I learned:
I'm not actually quite as stupid as I thought (though still considerably ignorant). Conversely, a lot of people aren't actually as smart as they think. Some are. But then, they're just arrogant.
Things that are wrong are wrong. Things that sound right might be write, or rite, or wright instead.
Do I want to continue in the politics however? Ask me when it stops being all about politics.
On the bright side, listening to lobbyists can be entertaining. Sometimes, they even bring free food. However, if someone has their priorities in the wrong places, I'd rather tell them thanks and wave as they exit through the door than lie through my teeth. Civility should be possible among differing viewpoints without a plastered smile. Especially if one is just going to talk smack once the door closes anyways.
Although not incredibly intensive, reading constituent letters proved repeatedly enjoyable. Regularly, letters reminded me that laws have a real impact. Oftentimes they showed me equally valid, opposing opinions. Occasionally (ok, ok, frequently) they made me laugh while I decided if I should shred or frame them.
Overall, participating in the firefighter's Fire Ops 101 proved the highlight (Pensions- sure! How about a raise? Trip to Hawaii? Free ice cream for life?). Perhaps it is time for a career-track change.
For future interns who might be shoved in the direction of this blog, I'd advise taking advantage of the wide variety of opportunities available, beyond just embarrassingly failing to start a chain saw and getting knocked back by the power of a streaming fire hose. Take the legislative classes offered by the CAPITOL Institute. Attend hearings (interesting ones). Eat free ice cream at the occasional basement party. Investigate the intermittent mass of cardboard carrying, already-hoarse-but-still-chanting discontents. If I had to redo my summer, I know I might do more of that. I might also bring earplugs.
No comments:
Post a Comment