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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As I look back and reflect on my journey from the beginning of my internship to where I am now, I am struck by how far I have come despite the anxieties I still hold now. However, I don’t believe that I would have come this far if I had not built the habit of sharing my wins, instead of focusing solely on my struggles and losses throughout this time.
When I first stepped foot on Capitol Hill, I was riddled with anxiety and self-doubt. Every task felt daunting, every interaction fraught with the fear of failure, and every moment tinged with uncertainty. Yet, sharing wins doesn’t necessarily need to be huge or even leave some sort of long-lasting legacy on others. During my first week, I was extremely nervous all the time, with shaky hands, a trembling voice, and a lack of confidence; however, after the first time I went to the Capitol and back to my office without reading a single sign or asking anyone for directions––I could not rub the smile off my face. Once I got back, I told my staff assistant the second I returned, her smile and cheers stripped away a layer of my unrelenting self-doubt, letting more of my authentic self shine through.
Coming together during Friday programming at Victory also allowed me to exercise this newfound habit. Soon, the Victory team became a community I could consistently rely on to uplift my successes and mitigate my worries. The communal joy in sharing my own and listening to others’ achievements became something I carried with me as I navigated through the challenges of my internship. I realized that I wasn’t alone in my struggles. Instead of being met with judgment or criticism, I was met with support and encouragement. Whether it was a successful phone call with a constituent or a well-received special project completed.
Although, as a chronic overthinker, I will not lie that the weight of self-doubt still hung heavy on my shoulders––threatening to derail my confidence at every turn. Yet, the dread of uncertainty after every email sent, every task completed, that had once felt like a monumental feat, had waned much more quickly time and time again. I could finally fathom the idea that I was not an imposter among my more experienced peers, but a valued member of a team who was capable of making meaningful contributions.
Looking back now, I can’t help but marvel at how far I’ve come. What once seemed insurmountable obstacles are now markers of growth and progress. From drafting tweets, and developing a tracker for over $700 million in grant funding, to even working on a mark-up memo for the Congresswoman––I’ve taken on tasks I never thought possible. These opportunities would’ve likely not been obtainable if it were not for the self-assurance I gained from the support and encouragement of my peers after celebrating my wins.
As I prepare to leave Capitol Hill and embark on the next chapter of my journey, I step forward with more confidence, knowing that my wins are not just my own, but shared by a community that celebrates and uplifts each other. So a piece of advice to any future interns, or really anyone who comes across this blog post: while it is important to vent your struggles, share your wins as well so once this chapter of your life comes to an end, you can reflect on all your achievements with others and amaze yourself with all the obstacles you’ve overcome.
