By Josiah Rivette
Spending the summer working on Capitol Hill has been both a dream realized and a meaningful challenge. As I’m navigating office corridors filled with political history and walked through the National Mall in the warm D.C. sun, I’ve had time to reflect on what this experience represents to me, both professionally and personally.
There are three goals I set for myself this summer. First, I want to meet with political leaders, especially Black members of Congress who serve as a bridge between the civil rights era and are looking to mentor the next generation. Hearing from individuals who have navigated decades of change and progress would offer insight that cannot be learned from a textbook. These are the leaders who carry the legacy of the movement while shaping policy for the future, and I want to learn directly from their stories and their work.
Second, I am committed to building connections both upward and outward. I hope to network not only with senior staff and members of Congress, but also with other interns, fellows, and young professionals navigating similar paths. Peer networks can be just as powerful as mentorship when it comes to long-term growth, collaboration, and accountability. These relationships can evolve into lifelong partnerships in public service and civic leadership.
Third, I want to make the most of living in Washington by visiting the museums, historical landmarks, and public spaces that carry the weight of our country’s history. Already, visiting the Lincoln Memorial was a grounding experience. Standing at the foot of the monument and reading Lincoln’s second inaugural address reminded me why I am here. It helped me connect the work I do each day in the office to the broader vision of justice and unity that has always shaped American democracy.
These goals became even more personal today on June 10, when I was gifted a beautiful book titled Black Americans in Congress: 1877–2007. The person who gave it to me encouraged me not only to read it, but also to bring it with me when I meet Black members of Congress, to collect their signatures and, more importantly, their notes of encouragement. That idea resonated deeply. It reframed the book from a historical reference to a living document of legacy and mentorship. It became a symbol of how I am walking through this summer, learning from the past, engaging with the present, and shaping my future through every encounter.
Alongside these personal goals, I have been focusing on two key skills: communication and critical thinking. These are essential for working in a political environment, and this internship has provided me with opportunities to strengthen both. Whether I am summarizing legislation, drafting correspondence, or taking notes during meetings, I am constantly learning how to communicate clearly and concisely. Critical thinking has also been crucial, especially as I track how federal policy intersects with local concerns or analyze how different agencies and offices respond to emerging issues. These are skills I plan to take with me into law school, public policy, and beyond.
One quote that will stay with me throughout this experience comes from one of the walls of the Lincoln Memorial: “With malice toward none, with charity for all.” These words continue to shape how I think about service and leadership. They speak to the need for compassion in policymaking and the value of approaching disagreement with integrity. Visiting the memorial in person reminded me that the work we do in government must always be grounded in humility and humanity.
This summer has already deepened my understanding of public service and my own purpose in it. Whether I am learning from a senior legislator, connecting with a fellow intern, or collecting stories and signatures in the margins of a history book, I am reminded that I am part of something much larger than myself, and that every day here is a step forward in that journey.
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