Crucial Conversations

I've just started reading a fascinating book for my City Management class called "Crucial Conversations: Tools for Talking when the Stakes are High." I'm only a few chapters in, but I'm already thoroughly enjoying it and learning a lot about ways to effectively communicate when strong emotions, high stakes and opposing opinions take over conversations.

This quote by Martin Luther King, Jr. was shared by the authors at the beginning of the second chapter:

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

I love this. Too often I am silent about things that matter simply because I am scared about being disliked or I feel inadequate on a certain subject. The truth is, being silent can sometimes wear a person down. It's so much easier to have an open dialogue and be honest and open with others. From my experience, doing this causes much less heartache and disappointment down the road. 

So, don't be silent. TALK ABOUT THINGS THAT MATTER. 

I definitely recommend this book. Perhaps we can work on being better communicators together? 

Still Thinking About DC...

Surprise, surprise. I'm still thinking about how awesome my summer was. In fact, if I could turn back time, I would. I am already contemplating how I can save enough money to take a trip back there over spring break (anyone want to join?).

Today, I thought I'd share a blog post that I wrote for the Leavitt Center about my experience. Enjoy. 

Perspectives and Possibilities: What I’ve Learned as a Congressional Intern

I have sat staring at this blank page for weeks now...trying to figure out how to portray this summer in Washington, DC into a few paragraphs. I am currently working my last week as a summer intern in Congressman Jim Matheson’s office (Utah’s 4th District) in Washington, DC. There’s an electrifying atmosphere on The Hill and I’ve loved being a part of it. I have to remind myself every day that “no, Bailey...it’s not a dream, you really do work in the U.S. Capitol Building!” Sometimes I was simply an observer, other times I played a (small)  part, but either way, it was absolutely fascinating to learn about the process, the politics, and the issues.

Looking back, much of what I’ve learned during my internship falls into two areas: Perspectives and Possibilities. I’ll attempt to share a little of both below--

Perspectives:

• People. One of the main duties of my internship was answering all incoming phone calls to the office. This allowed me to talk to many constituents about issues they were concerned about and ensure those concerns or comments were passed along to the congressman. This experience taught me that there are many different perspectives and ideas about how the issues of our nation should be handled, and (even if they’re yelling at you), it’s important for people’s perspectives to be acknowledged.

• Knowledge is power. I set a goal at the beginning of my internship to leave feeling more educated about political issues. Now that I’m almost done, I think the best part of this internship has been the fact that there was always something new  to learn.  Even on a slower day in the office, there were newspapers to read, briefings/hearings to attend, letters to help draft, or co-workers to talk to. I’m definitely leaving with some new perspectives and ideas and a much better education on the issues.

• Politics. Our friends in the Leavitt Center teach us that politics are everywhere and a part of just about everything. They’re right. I’ve heard so many students say “it would be fun to do a congressional internship, but I don’t like politics.” Believe me, you don’t have to like politics to benefit from an internship. For example, my roommate just graduated in elementary education and is headed back to Utah to set up her fifth grade classroom and prepare to teach her students about American History and Government. My co-worker is heading to medical school next year and has spent the summer attending as many briefings about health and medicine as possible. There really is something in DC for everyone interested in an internship (lobbying, non-profits, museums, government agencies, congress, communications, etc.) and when you understand politics, you will have a better perspective for the “real world”.

Possibilities:

• Jobs. Like I said before, there is something for everyone in DC. That means there are more possibilities for jobs than I ever imagined. It’s been fun to observe different roles not only in the house and senate, but throughout the city. It’s helped me expand my horizons and realize there are opportunities out there for what I may want to do in the future.

• Ideas. At SUU, I work in student government (a job I love). Obviously it’s on a MUCH smaller level, but it’s amazing how many great ideas I’ve had for SUUSA from being here in Washington and working here in the House of Representatives. As student leaders, we have to reach out to our constituents in similar ways to how the Congressman reaches out to his. I’m excited to come back and implement some of these ideas!

• DC Life. I LOVE WASHINGTON, DC. Really. I absolutely love it. There is so much to do and see and it never gets old. Some of my favorites have been: riding bikes around the monuments, the American History Museum, Arlington Cemetery, the myriad of cupcake shops (confession: I think I tried 7 different places while I was here...I love cupcakes. A lot.), the 4th of July (the best fireworks I’ve ever seen)...and the list goes on forever.  

If you’ve thought about doing an internship through the Leavitt Center, DO IT. The perspectives I’ve gained and the possibilities my eyes have been opened to in DC have made this experience one I won’t soon forget.