The Nation's Capitol

One of my favorite summers was spent interning in Washington, D.C.  I worked for the Federal Election Commission.  It was quite an experience to say the least.  Let me attempt to explain a little bit about what the FEC does.  The FEC is responsible for enforcing the Federal Election Campaign Act of 1971 (the “Act”).  The Act is the statute the governs the financing of federal elections.  The duties of the FEC are to disclose campaign finance information, to enforce the provisions of the law such as contribution limits and prohibitions, and to oversee the public funding of Presidential elections.

The FEC has six Commissioners, three Republicans and three Democrats.  To become a Commissioner, you must be appointed by the President and confirmed by the Senate.  The Commissioners elect two members each year to act as Chairman and Vice Chairman.  All Commissioners serve full time and help enforce the Act. 

I worked for Commissioner Caroline Hunter, a Republican appointee.  When I showed up on my first day, I really had no idea what to expect.  I honestly couldn’t believe that I had an internship with a government agency.  The thought of working in the federal government was a little intimidating.  I felt official receiving my key to my office and intern badge and then finally taking an oath of office which was basically pledging my allegiance to the FEC.

One of the most exciting things about being in DC this summer was the Fourth of July. The Friday before the Fourth, the Chairman dismissed the staff early, so I decided it was time to do some touring.  I met some friends that had come in town for the Fourth celebration at U.S. Congressman Travis Childers’s office, and we took a tour of the U.S. Capitol.  It is one of the most remarkable buildings I have seen both inside and out.  It was so neat to see and learn about our historical growth as a democracy.

The United States Capitol

I wanted to take the chance to talk about the city of D.C., which was a huge part of my internship experience.  Since it was my first time to the city, I could only imagine how great it could be from what I had seen on TV and in numerous movies.  Pennsylvania Avenue was the most beautiful street I had ever seen, lined with exquisite buildings and museums.  I lived on the George Washington University campus which was close to the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and the Potomac River.  Running by the Potomac River was one of my favorite activities.   I couldn’t have asked for a better location with the Metro two blocks away, allowing me to easily travel the city.

Lincoln Memorial/Washington Monument   

There was always something new to do and see in D.C.  I had the chance to visit several museums and war memorial sites, but there was not enough time to do everything I wanted to do.  I think one of my favorite sights was the Changing of the Guards at Arlington Cemetary.  Before I left, I was lucky enough to get the opportunity to tour the White House.  After seeing this, it gave me such respect for our Armed Guards and pride in my country.  D.C. had without a doubt become one of my favorite cities in the country.  After living there, I realized that I would love to have the opportunity to work there for a couple years after college

Arlington Cemetery

The White House

Probably my favorite thing while in D.C. were going to the Washington Nationals game.  Being a huge baseball fan, I love everything about a MLB game.  It was a real treat to see Stephen Strasburg pitch who was picked first in the 2009 draft.  He also averages around a 97-MPH fast ball.  Pretty amazing to witness.

Another thing that I love about DC is the food.  One of my absolute favorite restaurants includes Founding Farmers.  They have an extensive menu that contains many natural products.  Some items that I would recommend include popcorn of the day, skillet corn bread, the 17 vegetable salad, the crab and shrimp rolls, plank salmon, crab cakes, the roasted butternut squash ravioli, slow-simmered chili, and the Farmer's meatloaf.

Another one of my favorites is Matchbox. It, of course, is a pizza place (my absolute favorite).  I love the atmosphere of Matchbox.  There are a couple of locations around D.C.  Of their appetizers, I would recommend the mini burgers.  They are a perfect bite size amount of delicious in your mouth.  Honestly, every pizza I have tried from there was phenomenally tasty.

I recommend going to D.C. at any chance you get.  There really is so much to do and see.  Such a beautiful and clean city.