OUT ON THE HILL is the official blog of the Victory Congressional Interns. Views expressed do not necessarily reflect those of LGBTQ+ Victory Institute. Learn more about the internship at victoryinstitute.org/vci.
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Upon my arrival in Washington, DC for the dauntingly novel and thrillingly unique experience of interning in Congress, one nagging phrase still could not escape my mind: “I miss my kids.”
No, I’m not a mother, but the 70+ kids I spent nearly every day with at the nonprofit I work at in Seattle had become such a critical piece of my life, my heart, and even my reason to push past the pessimism. Whatever the news cycle did to worsen the weather in my brain, I still had to show up for my students with the love and care of a warm sun. Doing as much as making them smile was enough to continue fueling that spark within me.
Yet, I always wished I could do more. Policy-based barriers constrained us at every corner. One student told me about how she feared her teachers finding out she’s queer, lest they tell her mother. Another told me how the school didn’t have the resources to provide the accommodations he needed. Another told me about his anger after hearing stories of ICE showing up to schools.
Ultimately, I always knew that along with the tireless effort of people working with their communities, real long-term reform also necessitates institutional change. Thus, I said a bittersweet goodbye to my students before their school year was even over to come to the Hill and see how I could be involved in this systemic side of my goal.
Of course, I cannot transform the education system during a two-month internship. I can, however, see for myself how people work towards doing so. During only my second week, the House Education and Workforce Committee held a hearing where the majority criticized the trans-inclusive policies of three district superintendents. I was able to witness, and even participate, in how the staff in my office crafted their effort to defend trans students and urge the Committee to do the same.
The Congressional process is slow, but every fight we put up helps to move the needle, change people’s minds, and show where our commitments lie. As I figure out where my career in policy takes me, I will never let go of the equally important work of showing up for the kids in my community. Whenever fighting for change, their lives and needs will always set the route for my efforts.
