By Josiah Rivette
This summer, as an intern on Capitol Hill, I have been gathering insights through conversations, close observation, and reflection on the spaces I move through on a daily basis. I have had the opportunity to meet with both Congressman James Clyburn and Congressman Maxwell Frost. These meetings happened after I contacted their schedulers, introduced myself, and shared that I wanted to learn from their experiences. I approached each conversation not like a formal interview, but as a chance to listen and understand their journeys.
When I met with Congressman Clyburn, we spoke about his memoir Blessed Experiences, which he gifted me a copy of. He shared how growing up in South Carolina during segregation shaped not only his politics, but also his values. He spoke about getting arrested in protests, how his faith guided him, and how he always tried to make sure the path forward was a little clearer for those coming after him. One thing he said that stuck with me was, “Each generation has a duty to clear the path a little more for the one behind it.” That moment made me reflect on how the work I do should never be just about personal success. It should also be about opening doors for others, which I try to do every day.
My conversation with Congressman Frost focused more on his early start in organizing and how he sees politics as a tool to serve his community. He talked about growing up in Florida, getting involved after major tragedies like Sandy Hook, and realizing that real change starts with showing up. One line from him that stood out was, “You cannot represent people you do not spend time with.” That reminded me how important it is to be present, to listen, and to remain grounded in the real needs of the people you serve. It also helped me think about the kind of leader I want to become, which would be as someone who leads by being close to the people.
Outside of those conversations, I spend each day observing the pace and energy of a congressional office. I attend various briefings, watch staffers handle multiple tasks such as policy research and constituent services, and sit in on committee hearings the Congressman is a part of when I can. What has stood out most is how much of this work relies on trust and relationships, basically networking. You can have the best data in the world, but often it is the personal story or connection that moves something forward.
I have also started to notice how I can have an influence, even as an intern. When I bring up issues like youth voter access or community investment, I see others lean in. I have had staffers ask follow-up questions or bring up those points in later conversations. It reminds me that curiosity and care can lead to change, even in small ways. This was most rewarding when I had a meeting with Itzel Hernandez, a staffer to Leader Hakeem Jeffries.
Interviews and observations give different insights. Interviews feel personal. They show you someone’s motivations, how they got to where they are, and what drives them. Observations show how systems work. You see how decisions are made, what happens behind the scenes, and how policies are built piece by piece. Together, they help me understand the full picture of what it means to do this kind of work.
When I think about the community I am focused on, co-constructing knowledge means building solutions together. It means respecting lived experiences, listening to people’s realities, and not trying to solve problems in isolation. It is about making sure that the policy reflects the voices of the people it is meant to serve. If I want my work to matter, it has to be shaped with the community, not just about it.
This summer is teaching me that knowledge is not just something you find. It is something you build with others. That, to me, is where real impact begins, when I can learn from other and carry on their legacy and values.
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