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.
———————————–
Ten weeks. It seemed so much longer at the start, back when I had only just been introduced to my roommate and was still trying to figure out the metro system. Now I do not know how I will return to Cincinnati, not sure what I will do with my nights without Allison beside me making fun of movies. I actually got a consistent sleep schedule in Washington, D.C.- waking up at seven every day.
Most of all I got an incredible opportunity to find myself.
I did a lot in ten weeks, and they rushed by faster than I wanted. From Capitol tour training and office work to movie nights and cooking sessions I feel a sense of confidence that I have never had before. Being here with these people feels right.
At the start of this journey, I had a vague understanding of what I wanted to do with my future- advocacy work of some kind, likely in government or the non-profit sector. This internship gave me experiences I never could have hoped for. I learned that legislative work can be far more boring than anticipated. I found a whole new calling in communications and outside advocacy and I met people that supported me throughout this incredible venture. The Victory Congressional Internship gave me more than a leg up. I have no idea how long it would have taken me to find my path without Victory. I wonder sometimes if I would have pursued the wrong path and ended up disappointed and unfulfilled.
I can only be grateful for all I have learned here, both about potential careers as well as myself. As these last weeks come to an end and I slowly have to think about how I will possibly fit all my clothes in my luggage again, I have been spending time reflecting on all the people I have met. Allison keeps offering to let me move in with them, and while I have had to restrain myself from agreeing in order to finish school, it is just another example of what I will miss when I return. I left Cincinnati worried about distancing myself from my support system and taking such a big leap into the unknown. Now I have to come to terms with parting with an entirely new support system. One that, though we will all split up, I am sure to remain in contact with for years to come.
