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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From the moment I stepped off the plane, I knew D.C. would be a change of pace. Growing up in Louisiana, l got used to a slower, more casual lifestyle. There was no need to hurry or bust my butt to get somewhere. What’s the rush?
I found the rush here in D.C. People rushed past me on sidewalks, my southern saunter leaving me in the dust. Sirens and horns overlapped, flooding my senses as I frantically navigated the city grid. And, of course, I began my new role as an intern in Congress.
Moving to a new environment is a challenge in itself, but moving to a new city while immersing yourself in a new job and cohort? My introverted self quickly entered panic mode. I knew that Capitol Hill was a place where connections were everything. I’ve never been one to strike up a conversation with a stranger, nor have I reveled at the opportunity to network with people that I perceived as more professional than me. What if I said the wrong thing? What if I messed up? What if everyone hates me? Waves of imposter syndrome wrestled me to the ground for the first weeks of my internship.
Nevertheless, I entered this internship with a growth mindset. I have been given the opportunity to live and work in our nation’s Capital by an organization that prioritizes my success—my victory even—in a space that has historically deprioritized queer voices. With this in mind, I knew I should maximize my time here by pushing myself to make authentic connections with others.
My office was the perfect place to start. I quickly bonded with my fellow interns. We helped each other navigate new software, new hallways, and new conversations with constituents. Nothing is more comforting than knowing that you’re navigating new experiences together with your colleagues.
Along with my fellow interns, I reached out to the staffers in my office to connect. Congresswoman Crockett’s office has plenty of young, approachable staffers whoare willing to answer any and all questions that I had. “No question is a dumb question,” they repeatedly told us.
And I took that statement to heart: I asked my intern coordinators any questions that came up during my workday—especially the ones I thought were too dumb to ask. I swallowed my pride and embraced the discomfort of not knowing what to do. If I don’t learn the basics now, how am I supposed to grow? After all, an internship is an opportunity to learn, and I saw no reason to stifle that journey.
In addition to our Friday professional development, Victory provides plenty of opportunities to network outside the workday. This past week I attended the Political Appointee Pride Reception, a wonderful reception that celebrates Victory’s political appointees and the uptick in LGBTQ+ representation in politics. It was a privilege to be invited into that commemorative space. I met multiple kind, helpful professionals who demonstrated their willingness to help me succeed.
During my time in D.C., I’ve come to understand the importance of pushing myself through the awkwardness of conversation. While it may feel uncomfortable in the moment, every connection is an opportunity to learn, grow, and challenge yourself. And with only two months in D.C., what’s the rush?
