Monday, August 20, 2018
By:
Why has it taken me so long to upload my final blog post? I guess because I really can’t put into words how meaningful and unforgettable this summer has been. I could never fit all the momentous experiences I had into one blog post, but as I spent my final week reflecting on the summer and preparing for my final presentation, I thought about what are some of the most important things I learned. If I could do it all again, what do I wish I’d known, what would I change?
You don’t need to be an expert on day one
At the start of my internship I was so incredibly nervous. I didn’t know how I could possibly excel in the world of politics that is Capitol Hill. What I didn’t realize is that my time with The Society of Physics Students had been preparing me for this moment. Working on diversity and education programs had taught me how to stand up for what I believe in. Through outreach I learned how to communicate science to the public. By serving as an SPS officer I knew how to stay organized, be proactive, and work efficiently. Those in SPS and AIP who saw those things in me, even when I couldn’t see them for myself selected me for this position. The faith that the SPS and AIP Government Relations team had in me helped me get through my first week, until I could see for myself that I was ready for the job, not just to perform, but to learn and grow, as expected of an intern.
Put yourself out there
I spent too much of my undergraduate career declining invitations, ignoring texts and phone calls, and remaining isolated because I had too much work to do to focus on anything else. While I was in Washington D.C. for the summer to do a job, there was too much to experience to close myself off like I had done so many times before. It was really important to learn that this internship was about so much more than the job. Working in the House Science Committee office prepared me for my future, but spending time and exploring DC with my fellow interns made the summer unforgettable. Whether it was exploring the Library of Congress with Nathan, Amanda, and Mikayla, lying under the stars at the Lincoln Memorial Reflecting Pool with Daniel and Elon, or getting sushi after a long day at the zoo with Collin, Michael, and Brigette, my most memorable moments of the summer were spent with my new friends.
Use your time at your job to it’s fullest
No one is joking when they tell you on your first day that the summer will be gone before you know it. As it turns out, ten weeks is nothing, and disappears in the blink of an eye. While working in The House of Representatives, I gained so much more than learning how to write a memo. I learned how to engage with people from every background and standing. I made contacts for my future that I can learn from, as well as created lasting friendships. I had fun every step of the way. Life really is what you make it and if you go in ready to take initiative and dive in, you will receive the benefits as well.
Know yourself and be true to yourself
One of the highlights of my summer was that it allowed me to find my place in the world. Many of us graduate from college not sure if we’re going in the right direction and just hoping we’ve made the right choices. I know what I believe in, but didn’t know how that related to my stance as a physicist. Working as an AIP Mather Public Policy intern showed me that my career and beliefs don’t have to be at odds with one another. Working in policy showed me that as a physicist, I don’t have to sit back and let the decisions for my future and the future of science be decided for me. Change is such an important aspect of our lives, and the ability to stand up for and initiate the changes you believe in should never be disregarded. As undergraduates or recent grads, our future and the future of physics are in our hands. Something in the SPS mission has always stood out to me.
“SPS…exists to help students transform themselves into contributing members of the professional community”
This internship has undoubtedly prepared me to integrate into the professional physics community, but more importantly it has shown me that SPS prepares students to transform the professional physics community as well. Our wonderful organization has been preparing strong members and leaders of the community in order to shape the field of physics and uphold those values of SPS and AIP for an inclusive and diverse field of physics that values authentic science for the benefit of mankind.
These are only a few of the lessons I’ve taken away. As I said, it would be impossible to reconcile the entire summer into one post, and I feel the length of this blog getting away from me. I would like to conclude by stating that whatever the reason you have for reading this post, know that any student could be in my place. Every one of us has the power to step forth, shape our own path, and make a difference. I am eternally grateful to have been given the opportunity to represent SPS and physics student nationwide throughout this summer.
Acknowledgements
My inexpressible thanks to Dr. John Mather, without whose support through the John and Jane Mather Foundation for Science and the Arts this internship could not exist. “The aim of the program is to promote awareness of the policy process among young scientists by directly engaging them in the work that goes on in the federal government -- work that is today as exciting as in any time in the past” This is as true today as it was when announced in 2009.
To the SPS Team, Brad Conrad, Kerry Kidwell-Slak, James Merrick, Danielle Weiland, and everyone else in the SPS Office, thank you for your unwavering faith and support. Not only over the past ten weeks but also throughout the past several years while at The University of Maryland. SPS has been such a huge part of my life and I cannot imagine making it through to graduation without the support of my SPS community.
To Jennifer Greenamoyer and Bethany Johns with the AIP Government Relations Team, as cheesy as it sounds, meeting you both has been a life-changing experience. You are both such strong women fighting for what you believe in. I can only hope to follow in your footsteps and that you will be there with me along the way. Thank you for believing in me from day one.
Thank you to the House Science Committee Minority Office Staff for guiding me, teaching me, and supporting me throughout the summer. It was truly a pleasure and an honor to work with you and learn from you, and knowing that you all are fighting for science in Congress fills me with reassurance and happiness.
Finally, I can’t possibly convey what an impact my fellow interns had upon me this summer.
To Stephanie, I’m so grateful knowing that my SPS chapter is in good hands with you. I’m so pleased to have watched you grow over the past year. The physics community is better because you are a part of it.
To Daniel, thank you for making me laugh no matter my mood, for being so easy to talk to, and truly one of the easiest people to get along with I’ve ever met. I think some of my favorite times this summer were just lying on the apartment couches watching The Regular Show with you.
To Sam, I can’t imagine going through the excitement of Capital Hill without you as my cohort. From figuring out how to navigate Capitol life to frantically texting about the exciting things going on in our offices, I knew I could always count on you.
To Amanda, who is probably the coolest person I’ve ever met in my life, thank you for being a support and a confidante. You were truly made for SPS, and I hope you never lose your excitement and enthusiasm. Can’t wait to see you killing it on YouTube some day teaching the world physics through fun and exciting ways.
To Mikayla who is me in every way, I had so much fun with you this summer getting to know our endless similarities. Thank you for being such an amazing friend. Meeting some one so kind and thoughtful was a blessing, and I can’t wait to see you again. I’m so glad you are only one state away!
To Kristin, your poise and confidence is only something I can aspire to. I’ll always look at my phone and remember how you helped me keep it together after losing it, and ensured it made it back to me safely. You are such an awesome person.
To Nathan who is one of the most talented communicators I know, I will treasure our conversations. I was continually impressed this summer not only by the work you did, but the reasons you did it for. I can’t wait until we are reunited in DC, changing the world one step at a time.
To Michael, you are so creative and innovative. Your merging of art and science has been a delight to watch throughout the summer, but most memorable about you is your compassion and how much you care about those around you.
To Jesus, thank you for being such a kind and easygoing person. It was always a pleasure to talk, and I wish we had hung out more. I can only count on our paths crossing in the future. I know you will be going far in physics.
To Collin who is so silly, fun, and outgoing, getting to know you and seeing so many different facets of your positive personally was so fun this summer. You continually made me laugh and showed me to look on the bright side no matter what.
To Phoebe, for the past year you have impressed me with your work on the SPS National Council, but from this summer I will always remember you as one of the sweetest people I know. I’m so glad you have settled in the area and look forward to more experiences with you.
To Brigette, you can truly brighten any room you enter. You are such a sunny person, and whether it was discussing the habits of the epaulette shark or hearing more about your work at OSA, you are always such a pleasure to talk to.
To Krystina who is so calm and collected while being insurmountably busier than the rest of us, thank you for making time, whether it was to hang out for a movie or join me for an escape room, I loved getting to know you and hope our paths continue to cross while we stand up for physics education.
And to Elon, one of the funniest and coolest women I know, I don’t think they could have picked anyone better to show the world that there’s more to a career in physics that academia. Your positive attitude and unique view of life was a pleasure to watch unfold during this summer.
To all the 2018 SPS Summer Interns, thank you for making this summer truly the best of my life.
Sarah Monk