From Dream to Reality
by: Matthew Zheng
Having started my internship with Representative Adam Schiff a few weeks later than most due to my university being on the quarter system, I was incredibly excited to hit the ground running with my remote work as one of Rep. Schiff’s Legislative Interns. Unfortunately, as I immediately learned upon opening my House-issued computer this past week, I would be caught in the throes of countless technical difficulties. The computer, the internet, and the software used in Rep. Schiff’s all glitched and lagged for me, each requiring their own unique solutions. It was a certain test of patience, one I found myself chuckling at throughout the week. As I learned last year when I campaigned for the Nevada Democrats, politics is not always very glamorous. Sometimes, as it was my first week in this internship, it just means troubleshooting.
Nonetheless, I found many opportunities to be inspired and re-motivated for the work in my internship and with Victory Institute more broadly. For example, we met with the LGBTQ+ Congressional Staff Association, an affinity organization. My heart was so moved by the stories of high-ranking congressional staffers who were LGBTQ+, which they shared at a virtual meeting for an LGBTQ-affinity organization based on the Hill. As silly as I might seem, I was moved almost to tears by how much we stand on the shoulders of our queer predecessors, and how far the Hill has come (at least in some places) in accepting people like us. I am also supremely inspired by the individuals in my own Congressional office. The staffers who work for Representative Schiff are powerhouses. Each has such a dizzying array of specialties and skillsets that I found myself to be overwhelmingly lacking. Yet I did not feel a sense of despair, but rather a profound recommitment within myself to achieve the level of excellence which they each exemplified.
Some elements of my work have been challenging already. One is the strong emphasis on networking, which every single mentor and advisor has described as one of the most important aspects of working on The Hill. I am a somewhat quieter person when it comes to meeting new people, particularly in professional environments. It will be a meaningful challenge for me to overcome my nervousness in this arena and learn to dive confidently into the relationship-building which is essential to success here. Another challenge has been a feeling of estrangement from many of the people around me. Of course, at Victory Institute programming with my fellow Victory Congressional Interns, I am at home around my fellow LGBTQ+ people and feel affirmed in seeing my own embodiments reflected by my peers and superiors. But I noted immediately upon entering my internship that I am one of the only visibly non-white people on staff, as well as the only person who publicly uses they/them pronouns.
All in all, this first week has upended any fantasies or delusions I had about what work on the Hill will be like. I’m excited for what is to come, with all my fingers crossed that the technical difficulties have been permanently resolved. And I’m hopeful for the rest of this wonderful summer experience.
We Are All In This Together
by: Leilani Fletcher
These past three weeks have been a whirlwind of an experience. Since the first day of my internship with Representative Ritchie Torres’ office, I have been immersed within the legislative field. I have drafted resolutions and “dear colleague” letters and researched constituents’ legislative priorities. Yet, the most gratifying aspect has been taking a moment to reflect on the work. Who knew I would be engaging in this legislative work supporting marginalized communities, particularly LGBTQ+ people, as a 20-year-old. Not me! It is truly the best feeling. However, although this internship has been incredible, my self-doubt still creeps in.
I have always struggled with imposter syndrome. I frequently find myself becoming overwhelmed by the irrational thoughts circulating in my brain. They tell me, “You’re not good enough,” “Why are you here,” “You do not deserve to be here.” These phrases appear in my head as I write emails, sit in meetings and engage in other tasks. Despite this difficult reality, my Victory mentors have reminded me that I am here to learn. I should not be an expert on these issues when my co-workers and supervisors have been in these spaces for years. Instead, this is an opportunity for me to grow as I enhance my interpersonal skills and expand my legislative knowledge. Reminding myself of these thoughts has been easier said than done. Nonetheless, each day I am challenging myself to be confident in my work and not question my judgment. I deserve to be here.
The other Victory Congressional Interns have helped me feel supported when these intrusive thoughts arise. Being in community with others who share my experience and are navigating this unusual virtual situation reminds me that these thoughts are more common than I realize. We all struggle with imposter syndrome and self-doubt in different ways. As a result, it is even more essential to talk with my fellow Victory interns instead of remaining in the echo chamber of my thoughts. They help me feel grounded and secure and remind me that, as the cast of High School Musical sings, we truly are “all in this together.”
With five weeks left of my internship, I am excited to build my self-confidence and deepen my relationships with the Victory interns. I am also looking forward to more Victory programming, where I can build relationships and hear about the work of influential leaders in D.C. Additionally, in Congressman Torres’ office, I plan to further understand the complexities of the legislative process and enhance my interpersonal and persuasive writing skills.
