As a SikhLEAD intern in DC, I have definitely gained a lot from attending the multitude of networking events, speaker series, and activities throughout the summer. Working on the Hill has given me great perspective on the law-making process and on how important communication and relationships are to get things done in Congress. One of the most significant things I have gained this summer, however, is the group of friends I’ve found in my fellow SikhLEAD interns.
With fellow interns Harjit and Mandeep at Teaism.
Coming to DC, I expected to gain a better understanding of current national policy and to challenge myself during my internship. Yet, although I knew I would be participating in the SikhLEAD program, I didn’t fully consider the opportunities that would come simply from the group of interns I would get to spend much of my time with. I’ve come to realize that, as important as the skills and knowledge I will gain in my internship is, there is also a great deal of value in learning from my peers. Within the leadership workshops that SALDEF created with Craig Bowman of Common Ground Consulting, our group quickly bonded. I saw the similarities we shared in cultural and family values, and yet the great differences in our interests, goals, and experiences. Throughout our many adventures together, I’ve been able to see a passion in each of my fellow interns that has truly motivated me to make the most of my own abilities and resources. I have also come to realize that a good group of friends is essential in order to fully enjoy the summer internship experience. The SikhLEAD program provided me with a built-in network of welcoming people whose eagerness to explore every opportunity that the city provided pushed me to take each chance I had to talk to new people, see new sights, and, of course, try new foods. Moreover, by engaging in thoughtful discussions (and respectful arguments) with my fellow interns, I have been able to build on my knowledge and open up my perspective. Part of the “DC Intern” experience is having these conversations with people from all walks of life. This is true not only for my SikhLEAD internship class, but also for my coworkers where I am interning and for the people I meet at networking events and other social or intellectual gatherings. Every person I have met here is just as zealous as I am in their beliefs and their desire to shape policy in ways that betters our society. Being surrounded by such passion is truly inspiring – and although differences of opinion might exist, such disagreement allows for healthy debate and has made me both question and strengthen my convictions. My favorite memory of this summer so far involves SikhLEAD interns. Waking up a little late on a Saturday after a long week, I visited a fellow intern to eat lunch. Another intern joined us, and the three of us decided to go on a hike. It was hot and humid, and I was definitely not dressed in outdoor gear, but I went along – and being able to smell the fresh air and enjoy nature with my two new friends was amazing. On the way back from this journey, we sang Christmas carols and ‘90s pop songs, and soon after we joined the rest of our group for a movie night. I felt like I was with a new family, one that would keep me safe and bring me joy while I was so far from my home nearly 3000 miles away. Being a part of the legislative process through my work this summer has been very rewarding, and I will always remember the excitement of watching our nation’s policy debates firsthand. This thrill, however, is paired with the memories of spending time with these new friends I’ve made. Each of these are aspects of my internship experience that have made my summer what it is. I know that the people I have met a little over a month ago are people I will keep in touch with for a long, long while. –Henna Trewn
