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By Caroline Tristani, Justice and Legal Thought College Park Scholar
It was rewarding to make connections between my responsibilities at the office with the coursework in Justice and Legal Thought. I was able to understand the larger inequalities that were impacting Congressman Hoyer’s constituents as I assisted them with filing casework for issues with unemployment, immigration status, Covid-relief, and much more.
During this semester, I interned with the Southern District Office of Congressman Hoyer located in White Plains, Maryland. Although this internship was conducted virtually, I still gained valuable experience in assisting constituents of Maryland’s 5th Congressional district, as well as citizens across the nation. I was primarily responsible for answering incoming calls at the office and transferring them to the appropriate staff members in a timely manner. For casework calls, my role was to help constituents file privacy release forms with our office in order to be connected with a constituent liaison. I then assisted the constituent liaisons with casework assignments while generating drafts for greetings and letters of support when needed. For legislative calls, my role was to communicate the support, or disapproval, citizens had about legislation that was being voted on in the U.S. House of Representatives. Overall, it was rewarding to make connections between my responsibilities at the office with the coursework in Justice and Legal Thought. I was able to understand the larger inequalities that were impacting Congressman Hoyer’s constituents as I assisted them with filing casework for issues with unemployment, immigration status, Covid-relief, and much more. Additionally, my knowledge of past legislation that I obtained in JLT has prepared me to transfer the legislative concerns of citizens regarding various bills. The overarching impact that my work had on Congressman Hoyer’s constituents, as well as citizens everywhere, is substantial. Although the Covid-19 pandemic has had devastating effects, I was able to make a difference by providing critical resources to constituents and help them connect with caseworkers. Through this experience, I broadened my understanding of governmental functions and constituent services while strengthening my skills of diligence and adaptability. I look forward to expanding on this experience in the future by attending law school and pursuing a career in homeland and national security policy.
Caroline,
I think the fact that it was a Maryland Congressman is what caught my attention. Your descriptions really helped portray what it was like and the experience you went through. One question I have is how did you go about getting contacted for the internship?
Hi, Caroline!
One thing I was wondering about your internship was this- UMD is located within Hoyer's district. How did that connect with your work at his office? Did UMD-related issues often pop up? Additionally, how often did the office interact with local legislatures?
Hi Caroline,
The color of your poster was what grabbed my attention first but what I really liked was that you interned for a Maryland Congressman which is very cool to me. How hard was it to get this internship ?
Hi Caroline, your poster stood out to me because of the importance of the role you play in interning for a congressman. I believe with how descriptive and clear you were in your impact and responsibilities you've helped the reader understand more clearly the work that is done in congress and how someone interested in the opportunity you've gotten can also pursue the same path. Has this internship experienced clarified your options in terms of what type of law you'd like to study in law school?
Hi Caroline,
Your poster stood out to me because because it was with a high level congressman. I found your interactions with constituents particularly interesting. How were you able to get the internship?