Spending a semester in Washington, D.C. was something I had expected to be exciting, but nothing could have prepared me for just how transformative it would be. As a Political Science and Economics major, I’ve always been interested in government, law, and how policy affects real people. Still, until I got the chance to live and work in D.C., much of that understanding was theoretical. This experience turned those textbook ideas into real-life action. I was proud to intern in the office of Congressman Nick LaLota, a representative from my home district in New York. From my very first day, I was immersed in the fast-paced world of Capitol Hill. Whether answering phone calls from constituents, attending briefings, writing memos, or assisting legislative staff with research, each task taught me something new about the legislative process.
Every day presented a fresh challenge just like stepping onto the wrestling mat. It required discipline, focus, and the ability to think on my feet. One of the most memorable moments from my internship was helping prepare materials for a hearing on military and veteran affairs, an issue close to Congressman LaLota’s heart as a Navy veteran. Seeing how much thought and strategy goes into advocating for constituents and shaping legislation gave me a new level of respect for public service.
Outside of the office, the SUNY Washington Internship Program made sure we didn’t just learn from our internships but also from the city itself. Each Friday, we had site visits and speaker events that ranged from exploring the FBI headquarters to sitting in a courtroom at the D.C. Superior Court. These experiences brought context to what we were seeing on the Hill and introduced us to professionals across diverse fields, from judges to journalists.
Living in Washington also meant exploring its neighborhoods, monuments, and museums. On weekends, I found myself walking through the National Mall at sunset, touring the Library of Congress, or meeting up with fellow interns for dinner in Chinatown. Of course, being away from home for five months wasn’t always easy, but the support from our program directors, Robert and Casey, made a huge difference. Their guidance, along with the friendships I made with other SUNY students, created a strong sense of community and plenty of good memories.
This semester didn’t just reinforce my desire to go to law school, it clarified why. I’ve seen how policy shapes people’s lives and how vital it is to have principled, driven individuals working behind the scenes. I know now that I want to be one of those people, whether through law, public service, or policy work. More than anything, this experience showed me that I belong in these rooms not someday, but soon.
The SUNY Washington Internship Program helped me grow personally and professionally in ways I couldn’t have imagined. It reminded me that stepping into unfamiliar territory is often where the biggest growth happens. As I return to campus for my final year at SUNY Oneonta, I do so with more confidence, clarity, and commitment than ever before. This wasn’t just a semester in D.C, it was a turning point.