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 sat on a comforting couch with my fellow staff and interns reflecting on my time not only in the office but also in DC; I somehow managed to recognize a lot of minute details during my emotional word vomit. I’m…..here. I’m here in Washington, D.C. interning for one of the most outspoken, progressive, and fearless members of Congress. I’m here, as a bisexual woman of color, originating from a small town in Missouri. On my long trail of trials and tribulations that closely resembles the gravel roads I was raised on, it was hard for me to accept the realization that I’m in the place I am now because of the experiences that have made me who I am today. Growing up in a rural area attending school with the same 90 people for 12 years, and then moving on to a PWI; I’ve constantly struggled with the fight to somehow make my voice loud enough to be heard, while also ensuring it’s clear enough for others to understand exactly the reason why I am here today. When you’ve exhausted your voice in the crowd of straight, white, privileged individuals; it’s hard to express the frustration and resentment you feel towards a society that openly rejects you.
I remember the day I received the email that I was accepted to LGBTQ+ Victory Institute’s Congressional Internship. Now, if I’m being completely honest, I wasn’t expecting to receive this email. I applied less than a week before the deadline after scrolling through Handshake at 3 am, debating whether I’d be staying at home working to fund my education or immersing myself in another internship that would potentially give me the experience that would help determine my future. Although I’m relatively financially stable now, growing up in a low-income family has conditioned me to constantly choose between work and experience; and many don’t recognize the privilege they have to not do so.
During my zoom interview, my cat somehow managed to walk across my computer screen twice, and I thought it was over. I shrugged, “I probably needed to stay home this summer anyway,” and continued on. Fast forward approximately a week, I was enjoying a sampling of appetizers with my closest friends after a grueling week of classes. As we groaned about our exams and ate our frustrations away, I felt the buzz of my phone notifying me of an email. I immediately checked, fearful that it was the inevitable “ASSIGNMENT GRADED: EXAM 3” notification (ugh…..), the first words I read were, in fact, not “Your professor has uploaded….” They were: Congratulations! Welcome to the Summer 2024 Victory Congressional Internship.
So now, here I am. Eight weeks later. Someone who was once scared to get Dunkin’ in the morning was effortlessly gliding through the tunnels between Rayburn and the Capitol. As I reflect on my time in DC, I’m grateful for the opportunity I was given to represent myself, however, I am also aware that I had the privilege to operate in a progressive office. I could feel the aura change the second I stepped outside the Office of Congresswoman Bush; decorated with the flags of “Black Lives Matter” and the Pride flag. I could feel stares as many interns gazed at my lashes, braids that go past my back, LGBTQ+ pin that I wear proudly on my chest. It became very clear, very quickly that despite the progress the many communities I am a part of had made to get ourselves into these spaces, dozens of individuals still do not want us here.
I’m gonna take a deep breath
Gonna hold my head up
Gonna put my shoulders back
And look you straight in the eye
I’m Here. A song from the Broadway adaptation of “A Color Purple,” that fully encompasses the meaning of being a fearless, strong, Black woman. I’m here. I’m here because while I may not be “meant” to be in this space, I’m here.
So to Logan, Ashley, Annie, Jordana, Bhavya, Adrian, Jack, Larissa, Luke, Camille, Jadyn, Tyler, Clare, Kylan, and Matteo; thank you. Thank you for giving me the opportunity to learn and grow as I learned more than I ever knew about my community while making amazing memories.
To the Office of Congresswoman Cori Bush; thank you for allowing me to showcase my abilities and advocate for the rights of the communities I’m in while giving me the space to come to you for support.
To Victory, thank you for granting me the pleasure of participating in this internship. As my first formal internship, I am honored to be in Washington D.C., representing multiple groups that didn’t have the opportunity to many years ago.
To those not in my cohort who I met along the way, thank you for taking my mind off of work and giving me an unforgettable experience in a city that I’ve grown to love.
And to myself, thank you. Thank you for applying to the internship a week before the deadline. Thank you for accepting the opportunity that would change the trajectory of your education and help you consider other career options. Thank you for having the courage and pride to outwardly express yourself in an otherwise stagnant environment. Remember, you’re here for a reason.
And, I’m, Here.
