It’s been a quiet week in the office. The Senate has been out of session and will continue to
be for the rest of the month through the election, so my fellow interns and I make up the majority of the office staff actually working in the office. Out of session, we’re back to dressing casually, and I have to say I’m getting more and more used to wearing khakis, dress shirts, and sweaters. Being out of session naturally slows down the workload for all of us, which can be nice. I’ve heard the interns up front complaining about having nothing to do, but in the back I like the autonomy. I’ve taken to reading over federal reports on “Indian Affairs”. Beyond reviewing the Chehalis decision, I’ve been able to read about Carcieri v. Salazar (2009) and its impacts on federally recognized tribes. I even was able to get whole reports commissioned by Congress printed for my reading. In short, I was in wonk heaven. With my pen in hand, legal pad beside me, and new binder full of federal Indian policy analysis in front of me, I set myself out to learn. I didn’t have any particular purpose besides learning. As I’ve mentioned before, as a student and a young professional, I know I have a lot to learn if I hope to be the best advocate and representative I can be for Alaska Native and American Indian communities. That said, I relished the opportunity to learn more. If there’s one thing I’ve loved about my time with Sen. Sullivan’s office, it’s that I’ve been able to blend my personal interests with professional activities. With each thing I learn through my research, I’m better prepared to reply to constituent needs. All the while, I get to build out skills that may come in handy later. It’s a symbiotic relationship I am trying to take full advantage of, and is another thing I am really grateful for. And who knows, maybe one day I’ll be able to do something that is the subject of reports like these.
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Photo used under Creative Commons from Mike Juvrud