A day in the life of Michael Krewinghaus
Senatorial Intern
Senator John Ensign, (R-NV)
by Michael Krewinghaus ‘09

Photo courtesy of the
Architect of the Capitol

Since I have to be at work by 8:30, my mornings generally begin around 6:45 a.m. I have been living in the Cornerstone house in College Park, and the metro ride from here to the Capitol is about a half hour long. 

Generally, the first hour or so of work is occupied by various administrative tasks that need to be taken care of around the office.  These tasks range from answering the phone calls of constituents to sorting through and delivering mail and newspapers to the legislative aids and correspondents.  Occasionally, the other interns and I are allowed to sit in on the legislative meetings that happen every morning between the staff and the Senator.  In these meetings, the staff prepares the Senator for the day’s agenda.  Discussion usually is centered on prominent legislation considered to be voted on and the stance that other Senators are likely to take.  These meetings are used as a tool to ensure that the Senator is as prepared as he possibly can be for the work that lies ahead.

One of the more unique opportunities that I have been able to take part in my office is the “little brother” program that my intern coordinator has created.  Every intern is paired with either a legislative assistant or correspondent who serves as not only a resource of information but a sort of mentor in the office.  Often times, I will be given projects or research to complete by the LA that I am paired with.  I also have had the opportunity to attend Senate Committee hearings about various different topics and pieces of legislation.  These hearings deal with topics ranging from US foreign relations with Pakistan to ways in which consumers are able to be further protected against Spyware.  Having to write one to two page memos’ summarizing the discussion that took place and the stances of the members of the committee has been a great way for me to further develop my writing skills and become a more informed person concerning many of the major issues our country faces today.

I would have to say that one of the advantages of my living situation in College Park is that every Monday thru Thursday I return to the house to a home cooked dinner.  The idea of community is very much alive in the house, and the experience here has served as the other half of my internship. 

My time on the hill has certainly proved to be very valuable, but for me, just as valuable is the time I spend at the house and in the community meeting with people and learning about leadership in public service.  Through the house and other connections, I have had the opportunity to meet with men such as Colonel Oliver North and Ambassador Tony Hall. Ambassador Hall once fasted for 23 days in protest against the funding being taken from the committee that he served on as a Congressman which was responsible for giving aid to Africa.  I believe spending time with men such as Oliver North and Ambassador Hall and learning from their wisdom has really changed the way I think and has been a growing experience for me.

Overall, my internship this summer has been an amazing experience.  The time I have spent on the Hill and other experiences with the house have allowed me to have a very enjoyable summer.  I would like to thank the Roy B. Sears foundation for making it possible for me to be in our nation’s capital this summer.

Summer 2008