"This Summer Cemented My Calling to Serve": a Reflection by Rida Kadri
By Rida Kadri
September 6, 2025
My Summer 2025 internship on Capitol Hill wasn’t your typical Hillternship. I spent nine weeks working for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Democrats, currently in the minority, but steadfast in their fight for transparency and accountability in our government. In that short time, I experienced the unusual situation of working under two bosses: an acting ranking member and, following a leadership election, a new one. Needless to say, it was an eventful summer.
When I arrived in Washington, I was still uncertain about what I wanted to do after graduation. I made the decision to graduate a year early, limiting that extra cushion of time to decide what comes next for me beyond the Raritan. After dabbling with the idea of law school or getting my Masters in Political Science, I wanted real-world experience to give me clarity – after all, there’s only so much Reddit can tell you. But my time on the Hill was hugely impactful, and I can certainly see myself aiming to make it back one day.
Being in the room with stakeholders fighting for our democracy was such a surreal experience that never lost its thrill. From staffing an eight-hour hearing on Sanctuary States alongside representatives like Alexandria Ocasio-Cortez and witnesses like Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, to taking attendance before Oversight Democrats successfully motioned to subpoena the Epstein files, my summer was truly life-changing.
Interacting with the members, sitting behind the dais or right next to them, and listening to them talk with such spirit and devotion had me in admiration. Their passion for speaking on contentious issues like DEI and ICE enforcement reminded me why public service matters. But my role models weren’t just the elected officials. The staff who built these hearings from the ground up left just as deep an impact on me. The Staff Assistant and Deputy Chief Clerk in my office took me under their wing, especially during my last five weeks when I was the only intern. They showed me the behind-the-scenes work that keeps Congress moving, shared their career journeys, and encouraged me to carve my own path. Their mentorship made the summer not just meaningful, but transformative.
We are living through stories that will one day be studied in history books. From topical issues such as immigration to the uncertainty of AI to cybersecurity, our democracy faces urgent challenges. Our country needs enthusiastic young adults engaged in public service now more than ever. From our small towns and local governments all the way to the halls of Congress, we need the rising generation to step up, grounded in values to push back against hatred and safeguard the constitutional principles at the heart of our democracy. America needs our hard work, perseverance, and dedication.
This summer cemented my calling to serve. Policy decisions made in Washington ripple into the lives of everyday Americans, and I want to keep fighting for them. During this internship, I learned to appreciate the unsung heroes of democracy: the counsels, clerks, and staffers working outside the public eye. While it’s easy to get frustrated watching injustices unfold on the news, it’s equally important to recognize the people working to address them. Oversight Democrats answered every concern from issues like Medicaid to Alligator Alcatraz, and they continue to advocate for those without a voice in government. My small hand in putting together binders of materials for members to use during hearings gave me a sense of purpose, and I am deeply grateful for the opportunity that allowed me to support and serve the people.
I leave this experience not only with gratitude, but with resolve. I now know that I want a career where I can put my energy, skills, and heart into giving back to our country.
I’m truly thankful to the Eagleton Institute of Politics and the Rutgers Democracy Lab for awarding and sponsoring my unforgettable summer in our nation’s capital.