Aurora Ortiz

Texas Native taking on the Capitol.

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Final Week: Was it all worth it?

Moving from my familiar hometown, a rural area in West Texas, to somewhere entirely new was a challenge. I took on this internship to further myself on my career path. It ranged from long, loud days surrounded by crowds of people to quiet, uneventful days with memorable moments scattered plentifully.

There we’re times when I just wished I was back home; then it changed to where I never wanted it to end. It has been a rollercoaster of feelings. Because I was busy and suffered from a small case of homesickness, I feel that at times I didn’t make the best of my experience outside of work. However, in the end, I feel that I finished things on a high note. Instead of going out every weekend, I concentrated on attending big events and made them memorable.

Change is scary, like I said before, but anything worth doing will come at a risk.  This was my first instance being so far away from those that I love.  It took time to find my stride, but I surrounded myself with amazing people. I know that this was the first of many memories for me in Washington, DC. I made connections that will help me in the future, enjoyed my adventure here on the Hill, and learned much about myself.

From where I started, I feel that I developed into a stronger person. Working in close quarters allowed me to get to know those in the office. I gained valuable knowledge from each them. Their guidance and supervision was more than I could have expected. I thank the entire office for playing a role in my professional development.

Working on the Hill made me realize that I enjoy politics past what I learned in the classroom. It seems almost surreal that I have spent a semester in our nation’s capital. This semester flew by so much faster than I anticipated.  I will miss DC, but I know I will be ecstatic to be back in Texas to graduate and start a new season. Being a first-generation college graduate, I’m so proud of where I am and excited to see what the future holds.

If asked would I do it all over again, my answer would be yes. This experience, though at some points it was tough, was a blessing and precursor to get to where I want to be.  As I transition from collegiate life into the adult world, I can say that I have never been more eager and nervous to start the next chapter in my life.

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Week Fourteen: How Washington can be an amazing place

Exploring

In DC you will be surrounded by Museums, Art Galleries and Historic Buildings. There are 20 Smithsonian museums in DC, and they are all free to enter. Another fun and free thing to do is to walk around the monuments along the National Mall. There are always big events held there ranging from the Cherry Blossom Festival to the 4th of July celebration. I suggest taking advantage of the DC bus tours. They have many drop-off locations and run in intervals of 15 minute pickup times. They’re a good way to see much of DC in a short period of time.  

Shopping

Union Station or Chinatown are two locations that have stores bunched together for quick and easy shopping. I recommend Chinatown. It’s home to clothing stores with professional attire in an area near two metros. Also, there are flea markets that happen every weekend year-round. The booths there have food, clothing, jewelry and knick-knacks. Each flea market is a fun place to go shopping for souvenirs for the family. Some booths even pass out free samples, which makes the flea markets a great place to snack and shop.

Eating and Nightlife

The Capitol, like the rest of the United States, is a melting pot of cultures. Delicious food can be found at every corner, whether it’s getting pizza on Capitol Hill at We the Pizza or getting some yummy Fried Rice in Chinatown. Food and fun are the best ways to really experience a city. H Street, Dupont Circle or Claredon in Arlington are all places with tons of restaurants, pubs, bars and clubs with an enjoyable atmosphere. With safe neighborhoods and metro stations located near by, having fun is made easy. Though make sure to check the time the metro stations close that day, or you may have to take a taxi home.

The Washington, DC, area is full of opportunities to develop yourself personally and professionally. The internship should be the number one priority, but it's important to make the most out of the entire experience. Being in America’s capital is exciting, because it’s an adventure with a new way of life. There are many things to do to fill in the time after the 9-6 work schedule. The tricky part is making the decisions on what to see first and what might get left out. Take advantage of the everything DC has to offer in the short time spent here.

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Week Thirteen: Being Texan in Washington, DC

Roll Call recently did a series on the Texas Congressional delegation that inspired this Lone Star State blog post. While in Washington,  “you don’t know what you have until it’s gone” will gain meaning. There are many Texans that have come here and left their stamp. At times, it may be difficult to find places that offer a true Texas experience. Don’t fret. Those places do exist. The locations provided below will make it feel like home.

  Buffalo Exchange

Looking to shop in a place that reminds you of home? Look no further than Buffalo Exchange it is an exchange store that has ties to many southern states. It’s one of the few places that sells genuine cowboy boots in the beltway area.

Hill Country Barbecue

Hill Country not only offers an authentic atmosphere, the barbecue they serve is amazing. They send their cooks down to Texas to learn how to cook true Texas barbecue. To top it all off, they are the only location that serves Blue Bell ice cream in the DC/NOVA area. Hill Country also is a place to “boot scootin’ boogie.” It’s a rare place that always plays country music.

Tortilla Coast

There are two amazing locations to get  Tex-Mex grub. Though it may not be exactly what is served in Texas, but it gets the job done. Not to mention, they have a stellar drink specials that are hard to pass up on. With options like delicious margaritas and Shiner Bock, it’s a great place to have fun. The few locations it makes for easy camaraderie.

Texan fellowship can also be found in the Texas State Society. They hold many events throughout the year that are very well planned. The small registration fee and occasional event fee are more than worth it.  

I have found that often times when meeting a fellow Texan an instant bond develops. There are several ways to get a little piece of Texas in DC, but don’t forget to try to experience everything that the nation’s capitol has to offer.

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Week Twelve: Staying Socially Updated

Social media can be dangerous if misused, but it can prove helpful in getting information as well. Here is a quick guide about who to follow and what social media platforms are used most often.

Twitter is one of the social media kings on the Hill. It’s a quick and easy way to distribute information. It makes for a quick flow of information with the character limit for posts. For someone on the Hill, Twitter can be an essential tool to functioning. All of the handles listed below are great sources to help stay updated on the Hill.

Both chambers have official Twitter accounts that post updates regarding legislation. The House Cloakroom and Senate Sergeant at Arms are a great way of knowing exactly what is happening on each chamber floor. The Cloakroom is very efficient in updating their Twitter every time something occurs on the House Floor. CSPAN and National Journal often provide hearing and briefing schedules. CSPAN usually posts a live-stream link when subcommittee hearings begin.

House side:

@HouseFloor

@RepCloakroom

@USHouseNews

Senate side:

@SenateFloor

@USSenateUpdate

@SenateNews

@SenateSAA

Both Chambers:

@nationaljournal

@CSPAN

Being aware of the latest White House updates is beneficial, too. Both CSPAN and WhiteHouse.gov provide a live streaming of the White House Press Briefings.  If there is no spare time to watch them following what the press corps releases after the briefings will highlight the highpoints of what was discussed. Following the Twitter handles below will also give an overview of what that administration is currently doing, like statements by the president or where the first lady visited.  

White house:

@WestWingReport

@PressSec

@whitehouse

@whpresscorps

The Supreme Court regularly tweets updates concerning recent court hearings and of when major cases will appear on the docket. Following Capitol Tours, especially for interns or staff assistants, is great to verify if there are any last minute changes to the regular tour route. Most times Twitter will be updated before an email is sent out to inform that changes have been made. They also share historical information that interns can use on their tours. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is something all should follow because they announce when government offices are closed due to weather or if there are emergencies. OPM also has an app that sends notifications of any closures or alerts in real time.

Other helpful handles:

@USSupremeCourt

@SCOTUSblog

@visitthecapitol

@USOPM

In terms of getting current news or party information, find what suits your interests and then like or follow their social media accounts. They are fairly simple to find with quick search.  Most news outlets, major party organizations and the aforementioned handles have a website, Facebook and Twitter page.

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Week Eleven: Learning and Leadership School

I went to a leadership school this past weekend. Prior to going, I was advised there could be amazing connections made there. I saw this at the leadership school, which aims to develop youth in the political system. It was  informative and fun that I knew the right answers to what was being discussed. I won many books because I put myself out there as a volunteer. I ended up leading my team to a crisis management simulation win and was named as one of the top graduates in my class.

Discussions consisted of a variety of topics ranging from the basics of politics to detailed work of a political campaign and what happens behind the scenes. Everything I studied in my collegiate experience has prepared me for my future. For example, my design classes were correct with script vs. block in terms of what is appealing to the eye.  Working on The Prairie as a Public Relations Consultant and Reporter taught me how to write effective press material and handle the press. My political and ethics classes gave me the tools to rely upon through a crisis, and I now know that in the press perception can sometimes become reality. At the leadership school,  I feel that I further cultivated the techniques that I had been using since my first campaign class.  It was, all in all, a refresher on the values that I have spent years learning.

It put things into perspective, in that most political organizations rely on volunteers to function at full capacity. A good volunteer structure makes for effective campaigns. The best volunteers are the young. This alone made me wish I had pushed myself to get involved in political campaign work at a much earlier age. We were told that being on a campaign leaves no time to do anything else, and it makes for a close-knit environment where those on the campaign trail rely on one another. It’s like a world all its own where people are uprooted and solely devote themselves to the campaign.

They pushed us to utilize a positive, yet critical, thought process. Showing us to believe a race can be won and that  building a team that covers each others weaknesses opens the door to a “winning” campaign. While establishing their intent that leaders don't last forever, their goal was to help us to grow into the gaps that happen over time. They made me feel prepared for a future in politics. I learned life lessons in those two days that I will keep in my thought process forever.

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Week Ten: The Environment of a Political Conference

Attending one of these conferences is eye opening. People get to meet many great guest speakers that are seen on the news media. The speeches made are to build up that specific party or speak to an issue that is sought to be addressed. Like people across party lines, not everyone is going to have the same beliefs within one side of the spectrum. I found it very intriguing to see the workings of one of these events since it was my first time ever attending a politically driven conference.

I enjoyed the atmosphere that it brought together many people of similarly minded ideals. I’d have to say my favorite speaker of the weekend was Governor Rick Perry who I had seen speak before at another event, but at this event he was on fire with his words. He was one of the few speakers throughout the conference to get a standing ovation through the middle to the end of his speech.  Being from Texas, it made me very proud to see our governor so well received. I learned that I might not ever get a photo with Rick Perry. I’ve made three separate attempts, and it looks like fate won’t let me have a good photo with the man.

Texas Governor Rick Perry

There were giveaways galore, groups all across the nation had set up booths at this event. They were passing out SWAG (stuff we all get) to promote their cause or candidate. These events are great for networking, make sure to have plenty of business cards on hand. It was a chance to meet new people and socialize with others within the same party. I found some of the most eccentric people in the main event area called the “HUB”.

“Rooster”

Irish Soldier Look-a-Like

The only thing I would change if I were to go again would be staying in the hotel and getting a ticket with premium access. Premium access members got automatic time with the guest speakers, and I would have loved to have gotten photos with many of them. The guest speakers I liked the most were people-oriented and stopped to take photos with many of the non-premium attendees. All in all, these events are what you make of them.

Rick Santorum

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Week Nine: Mom was right - Intern Do’s

Do learn.

An internship is invaluable. It’s vital to take advantage of each circumstance that could be a potential learning experience. This allows one to gain insight into the responsibilities of each staff member that may assist with determining a future career. Avoiding the mistakes listed in the previous post will facilitate one’s ability to capitalize on this endeavor.

Act professional.

Professionalism is key. The quality of professionalism is often determined by the capacity to effectively represent the office in a respectable manner. In part, this entails understanding that there is a separation between personal life and professional life. The value of work also reinforces one’s office reputation. Being able to digest constructive criticism with the determination to correct the addressed errors immediately with no future mishaps signifies an ability to adapt to expectations within that office. A high-caliber performance needing only minimal oversight is fundamental to making a significant contribution to the office, even if it is the work of an intern or of the supervisor.

Do things with a smile.

Even when asked to do something that seems like a boring task, keep a good attitude. Attitude speaks wonders to a person’s character. If it seems like someone has a bad attitude about completing a task, it only reflects that they aren’t willing to do it to the best of their ability. Keeping a smile will help to show that person’s willingness to complete the task. Honestly, people like other happy people and it makes the office a better work environment for all. It doesn't have to be a super fake happy, but just an appreciation to be working there.

Be prepared.

Always come to work prepared for anything. For girls, that might mean bring flats to work. There is a lot of walking and sometimes there's an urgency to get somewhere fast. Heels aren’t the quickest type of shoe. In addition, when given a task get all the information needed to complete it correctly. If told to go to a meeting or hearing, be attentive and ready to describe in detail what occurred. Staying prepared for any situation is vital.

Mom was right when she taught how well behaved children should act. The simple notion of how to be polite is one of the key characteristics that should be used on a daily basis. Our mothers prepared us how to behave with others. It’s true to say that mom was right about most things. Like how to “play” well with others; this recommendation has now transitioned to how to work well with others.

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Week Eight: Mom was right - Intern Don'ts

Don't let distractions take over.

In a bustling office, one’s attention is often sought by several elements simultaneously. The ability to remain mindful of what needs to be completed in the present is essential in any working environment. What may begin as reading an article to stay updated on current events should not span into scrolling through Facebook for any duration of time. There is a difference between one’s focus being momentarily diverted and being oblivious to the fact that substantial time was wasted on something that makes no significant contribution to the office.

Don’t be late.

Arriving to work late, or not at all, is a poor reflection upon that person and is inconsiderate of other co-workers. It tells the employer that their time is not respected and the opportunity to gain valuable experience is not appreciated. Internships are a foot in the door, and each juncture is an occasion to demonstrate commitment and professionalism.

Don’t look unprofessional.

The office is a professional setting, which should be considered when selecting work attire. The way one dresses dictates the first impression others will have of them. Appropriate apparel that is classy and simple is an essential step to establishing credibility. A common recommendation is to dress for the job you want, so it’s always better to be overdressed than under-dressed.

Don’t misuse social media, it never goes away. EVER.

Social media is a powerful tool and can be helpful — as well as hurtful. Use it with utmost caution. Anything on the internet never goes away. Don’t post things that will defame anyone, including yourself. Also, the media watches offices like a hawk. Even the interns are not hidden from the media’s eye. Be aware that any personal comments, tweets or pictures could be used against the office. It’s best to restrain oneself, rather than getting in deep waters with a silly comment.

Mom tried to prepare us for the struggles we might face, but she made sure that we were always responsible. Being alone shouldn’t separate us from the good values she instilled. It’s okay to have fun, but remember there's a different time and place for that.

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Week Seven: Quick Tips for Interns on the Hill

Know the basics.

Prior to beginning a congressional internship, it is good to refresh your knowledge of United States history and government. Many intern roles pertain to having a solid understanding of such material. Skimming through Wikipedia pages or playing games to test historical proficiency may assist with rejuvenating one’s mind. It’s better to have a wealth of knowledge than be known as the intern who cannot recall basics like the number of members serving in Congress. By the way, there are 100 Senators and 435 Representatives serving within the Congressional chambers.

Conduct research prior to day one.

Offices appreciate an intern who is prepared on day one with an understanding of the congressman’s stance on issues. Such information is easily accessible via the congressman’s congressional and campaign websites. Utilizing search engines to conduct research can be beneficial, but be sure to use credible sources because the internet houses an array of inconsistent and inaccurate content. In addition to being familiar with a specific member, having an understanding of current congressional actions and events is imperative.

Find a stance.

The statement, “If you don’t stand for something, you’ll fall for anything,” reigns true in Washington, D.C. Have beliefs, and stick to them. It is likely that someone will question those values, so it always helps to be educated on a topic so not to make any foolish statements. Be forewarned, anything an intern says in public can be attributed to the office that employs him or her.  

Be realistic.

Being offered the opportunity to intern in Washington, D.C., is quite thrilling. Having watched the political process through the television set, either depicted in a drama series, movie, or even on the nightly news, there are almost colossal expectations for everyday life in the nation’s capital. If that’s what an intern anticipates, he or she may be disappointed. Day-to-day duties of an internship entail office work, running errands, assisting with constituent calls, and giving tours. Don’t let that be discouraging. It’s an important role in serving our Republic. Everyone starts at the bottom and works their way up. There’s always an opening to get more involved in the process. It’s about taking initiative to step outside of your comfort zone in order to connect with other professionals. The internship experience may not be exactly what was envisioned, but it’s invaluable, nonetheless, and will undoubtedly lead to more in the long run.

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Week Six: Navigating the Capitol and Informative Tours

It’s easy to get lost roaming the Capitol and the House Office Buildings. Getting lost isn't something to be ashamed of, it helps to get more familiar with the surroundings. Risking getting lost is brave because locating an unknown destination can be an adventure. For example, Hill interns understand what flag duty means. I would have never discovered the short cut to the flag office if I didn’t take a chance to see where an elevator might take me.

Getting lost in the Capitol can be overwhelming.  People often expect interns to be unsure of where they are going. Asking questions is okay.  It is better to learn as an intern than when in a permanent position where it is expected to know where things are and how to navigate the Capitol.

Interns are given a crash course of where everything is and how to get from A to B. The fact that someone was chosen to be an intern on the Hill means it’s expected that if shown something once they will retain that information. Retaining everything from the first week is essential.  But, it is quite a challenge.

Interns in House and Senate offices are expected to conduct constituent tours. It is vital to remember all that is learned at the intern tour training, as well as the many items that are specifically modified for that House or Senate office. Tours should be exciting, informative and filled with fun knowledge. Most offices tailor their tours to their constituent base. A tour will not be the same every time, staying flexible will cause less stress. Going with the flow and reading the people on the tour are good habits to keep. There is so much information that it’s easy to customize the tour to suit the traveling audience.

Getting lost a couple times in the Capitol will happen, but always have a badge in case security officials ask for credentials. Learn the tour information and be able to describe it to constituents by heart. Remember that being here is an adventure, and every task outside the office is a journey in itself.

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Week Five: The Hollywood DC and What Actually Happens

The premiere of the Netflix series House of Cards has the media and people inside the Washington Beltway abuzz. This dramatic show depicts a heightened, cutthroat nature of DC. Like any television series, it adds depth that supersedes what actually happens in normal life. This is what makes the show so alluring. It draws in the audience with this fictitious version of reality. Most enjoy the show due to its nature of stretching the truth and making everyday events more exciting.

Some that watch the show with either political or media ties imagine themselves in those type of situations. It’s an escape from the actual nature of what goes on within the Capitol.

Most shows that depict Washington differ from one another. The West Wing is a show with a similar dynamic to House of Cards in that they both display the high speed pace on the Hill and in the White House. House of Cards takes a Machiavellian approach to describing the nature of Washington by following the colorful deceptions of the main character, Frank Underwood. The West Wing takes a different approach.  Rather than dramatizing what goes on in Washington, The West Wing idealized the workings of the White House and fashioned the characters as somewhat heroic figures. The West Wing took a more clean cut look at politics unlike House of Cards, which shows an immense cynical portrayal of the happenings on the Hill.

Both shows do a good job of showing the many layers that go on with negotiations in Washington. Nothing in Washington is usually clear-cut as good or bad, like The West Wing, nor is it as treacherous as House of Cards. They are exceptional pieces of entertainment, but in my opinion the real Washington falls somewhere in between the two. The media portrays Washington to be as blunderous as what is seen on VEEP, but we on the Hill have it semi-altogether.

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Met @governorperry today #dcaurora #tx2dc #capitoladventures

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Week Four: Networking and the Art of Small Talk

It’s not what you know, it’s who you know.  This certainly reigns true in Washington. Going to networking events can be somewhat daunting, especially in this world where the discussion of politics brings out the innate underlining of ones beliefs.  Events are held in hopes of acquiring a contact that could become beneficial in future. Connections, good or bad, affect the outcome of events and legislation.

Finding organizations that have similar ideals can push a person to thrive in the city. There are many members-only organizations that revolve around a certain political party, philosophy, gender, race, state or a combination of those factors. Becoming a part of these organizations is often based on connection. Having a concrete background to build off of makes the relationships within the network stronger. The process of finding a group that relates values-wise replicates one’s journey in college. Whether it’s for the purpose to make friends, find employment or get a contact, it’s imperative to success here.

Perfecting your introduction speech and having good questions that will lead to productive conversation are tools to keep on hand. You never know who you may meet in elevators or on the subway around the Hill. Even running into Members of Congress or notable people isn’t unusual. For one of them to strike up a conversation, even with an intern, is a regular occurrence.  It’s smart to be prepared and confident. That small conversation may lead into an opportunity on the Hill that might not have been advertised.

Though Washington, DC, is one of America's major cities, working on the Hill is like a small community where acquaintances can be found throughout many offices. All in all, this city is about getting to know others and developing those relationships. Common to gardening, what is planted will bear fruit if nurtured properly.

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Week Three: From Briefings to Trust

Briefings and hearings have the potential to be fascinating, especially when they are presented with the words “lunch provided.” A complimentary meal for an intern on a strict budget is a hard thing to pass. They are always informative and in exiting further knowledge is gained on the topic at hand. The information gathered could assist the office with an impending decision.

My first briefing was almost a spectacle, which granted a modest look into the extreme side of the Hill. This isn’t uncommon--the level of activity at a briefing or hearing can range from that of a circus with press, protesters, signs and cameras everywhere to the mundane effort of watching paint dry and fearing a little snooze may be in the cards.

Regardless, briefings and hearings can be both informal or formal with a report to the designated legislative staffer expected following the event. Most of the time, remaining attentive is crucial. There is legislative lingo thrown around the Hill and efforts to discern the TLA’s (three letter acronyms) can be tedious and frustrating. This can get any new intern lost at their first hearing or briefing. Time spent on the Hill determines general ability to use and understand the lingo. When writing a briefing memo it’s imperative to be detailed and concise.  Interns expected to represent the office in a positive, professional light and understand the content being relayed. We are also asked to share what we learn.

In addition to attending briefings, in the short time I have been here I have already learned that trust and credibility are a valuable currency on the Hill.  A person unable to be trusted makes it difficult for themselves to succeed because of the sensitive nature of many of the topics and the confidentiality required to deal with them. Petty issues can be blown up into much larger problems in the blink of an eye words should be measured carefully.  Still, it is Washington, DC stand up for what is right and ideals that you hold dear. That is why people come here in the first place. Just remember that being a smart listener is always better than being the loudest fool.

And finally, there is a personal observation. Keep a movable guard up until those treasured relationships with someone who has your back during tough situations comes around. Humans are creatures of habit and cling to others who are like minded. Who a person keeps company with can speak wonders to their character. Making friends has plenty of similarities to dating. Expect to come across frogs before encountering the charming ones that suit your requirements for a friend.

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Washington monument. #tx2dc #capitoladventures #dcaurora

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Snow on the hill #tx2dc #capitoladventures #dcaurora