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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Having had prior experience in the non-profit sector, I came to Washington, D.C. with a lot of questions about what a career in public service truly looks like. I knew that I wanted to pursue a career at the intersection of policy and social impact, but where exactly did I fit in? It seemed like there were an infinite number of pathways I could take, each with their own prerequisites and caveats. So, prior to starting on the Hill, I wanted to approach the summer with two goals in mind: find my place in the changemaking landscape and expand my network of impact-driven individuals.
After six weeks on the Hill, I can confidently say that while I’ve definitely expanded my network, I’m still on a journey to define my unique role within the broader policy ecosystem. It’s not for a lack of invaluable experiences; from speaking with advocates for ending youth homelessness to researching the intricacies of Section 8 public housing, every day has offered a new opportunity to learn and grow. I’ve been challenged in the best possible ways, pushing myself to think critically and contribute meaningfully. Instead, it’s that public service is not a linear path. There is no one way to go about creating change, and that realization has both grounded and empowered me.
As I near my final two weeks as a Victory Congressional Intern, I’m filled with immense gratitude for the network of support and guidance I’ve found on and off the Hill. Whether it’s from my desk buddy, senior staff, or other young professionals in DC’s policy and advocacy space, I’ve learned so many valuable lessons and felt inspired by their unwavering commitment to making a difference. And while I still am not fully clear on where I want my final destination to be, I know that my next endeavor will move me one step closer on this journey.
