Gradual change can be hard to recognize.
There’s the bit about putting a frog into a pot of water and
slowly turning up the heat before it notices, the innovation in technology that
makes mobile phones and laptops smaller and smaller with time, and the growth
of ombre hairstyles. Much like slowly changing seasons and quietly rising
temperature averages, the process of internal change I’ve experienced as part
of the Washington, D.C. Summer Study Program is one of steady growth and
gradual skill-building, often going unnoticed. As I reflect back on the ten
weeks I’ve spent in the heart of the nation’s capitol, I realize the chasm I’ve
crossed to get to the level of understanding research, development as a student
and “political scientist,” and personal growth that I’ve seen in myself.
As an intern, the change I’ve realized in the
preliminary beginnings of my professional life has immensely amplified my
research skills. Before engrossing myself in the fast-paced information stream
in D.C., I touted my research skills, but soon realized that research is all
about getting information that is sometimes difficult to obtain. At what first could have been a menial task of
compiling spreadsheets about costs for different federal programs
and collecting news clips, I discovered the importance of the work I was doing
in relation to the final reports we’d publish. By the end of 10 weeks, I found
my efforts more meaningful and appreciated the tasks I’d been asked to take on.
The trust my supervisors placed in me enhanced my understanding the relevance
of my work, and my importance to the contributions the organization is making. The importance
of writing as a part of professional development has been ingrained into my
head, with report after report published with my assistance.
The slow changes and realizations I’ve had as a student go
beyond the reinforced benefits of simply learning outside the classroom. As I
have had to learn climate history on the fly,
been pushed to comprehend the elements of President Obama’s newly
released Climate Action Plan, and navigated the hierarchy of a think tank, I’ve
increasingly been taking learning into my own hands. From the seminars to other
informational interviews I’ve taken the opportunity to be part of, I’ve
gathered a perception of how much I don’t know. I’ve also been fortunate to
learn from experts at work and elsewhere, getting a brief “Electric Utilities
101” lesson and listening to senior fellows refer to terms I’ve only read about
in a political science textbook.
From the perspective of a political scientist (if I can
count myself worthy of such a title), I’ve never considered myself any sort of
an expert, and still wouldn’t. Nonetheless, practicing elements of political
science first-hand by doing research and writing at a think tank that is
influencing public policy, all the while living down the street from where
Supreme Court cases have been decided and as a constituent trying to lobby my
members of Congress, I’ve witnessed firsthand the theories I’d only previously
read about, been stuck by the bureaucratic “red tape” that I didn’t understand,
and seen phenomena like filibusters first understood from a distance. Having
now observed gridlock in a committee hearing, then having navigated red tape to
compile research information, I have taken through a lens all of the summer
course readings and past class lectures that described these exact elements of
political science. Reflecting on my previous understanding to my real-world one
and filling in the gaps has enabled me to feel much more knowledgeable about
the intersection of politics and the science of it all.
Of course, all of this great, practical education would be
all for naught if it didn’t stick with me as I leave D.C. for a final year at
CSB/SJU. The gradual developments I’ve experienced as part of our living
community have seen all of us become accustomed to listening well to different
viewpoints, establishing dialogue on well-founded information, fostering a
sense of independence, while highlighting the immense importance of developing
together. The constant reflection we’ve engaged in as we look back at our
internships, our relationships, our late night snaking in the kitchen, and our
D.C. level experiences has united us not only as a network, but as humans
looking to make the world a better place (it literally cannot get more cheesy).
I slowly have learned to take advantage
of open doors, and started saying yes to happy hours, forums, debates, and
policy lunches, when I once would have said no. I’ve depended on myself to get
home on the Metro without a smartphone. I have been forced to be intentional
about who I communicate with and when, and truly been able to rely on myself as
my own resource. I’ve grown to appreciate political celebrities for their
policies and not their position. Most importantly, I’ve learned that this is a
great place to make a change. It just takes a while.
