Entering into the spring of my freshman year in college, I, of course was already looking forward to the summer. Although I always am especially excited for the warm weather, barbecue food and state of relaxation that comes along, I also have been very fortunate to have had two amazing jobs for the past few summers as both a camp counselor and ice cream scooper. However, college became a transition period for me, and thus I knew it was time to transition from the two jobs I loved for so long, into paths that would be especially helpful in creating opportunities for my future beyond college.

And so, I gladly accepted an internship in a state senator’s office at the Massachusetts State House in Boston. In choosing this incredible opportunity, I knew what great experience and resume building time this would be. I did not know at the time though, just how eye-opening and truly life changing my weeks on Beacon Hill would become.

At first, one might think that the best part of a job is the pay check you get at the end of the week. Sometimes, its the only piece which makes it worth it. And for many jobs, I would certainly agree. However, what about the all the unpaid internships young students and graduates have to do in order to try and secure a real, full-time job? These are the hours put in that don’t reflect on a pay check. Sometimes though, these are the hours that count the most.

Tucked in a little corner of an old office of an even older building, with limited air conditioning, the first sight of of my little station might not seem too appealing. But from my very first day in the State House, I came to realize that all the hours I put in were nothing compared to the hours, hard work and dedication that not only the elected officials put into their work, but really their staff members as well. On that first day, I was able to meet the two absolutely fantastic two women running the program,both with strong ties to my school, and therefore easily allowing me to become encouraged that I belonged there. For the entire summer, the interns were very fortunate to hear two talks daily, usually a State Representative and State Senator, where they would discuss their districts, their elections, and the issues their passionate about. Among other things, they all talked about their journey to the State House. Most did not have a direct path, not one that had been planned out since their youth. Rather, many came into Beacon Hill because they felt the calling to serve the people of Massachusetts. Some were staffers who took up their former bosses seat in order to continue the mission, while others were parents, teachers, and nurses and who got elected to ensure that everyone in Massachusetts had their fair representation. The camaraderie of the role as public servants spread across party lines, with everyone fighting and compromising for the benefit of their constituents.

Among these dedicated professionals, my boss was one of the very best. His schedule was packed with different meetings and phone calls, with free time only to comment on the chaos of the national conventions. He allowed me to sit in on a hearing where a family, whose daughter was killed by an amphibious tour vehicle, had proposed a bill to make the vessels safer in the city. Sitting there, watching the grieving of the family and also their dedication to the safety of others, was a truly moving moment. Furthermore, to see the sense of duty in the elected officials’ eyes, their knowing that it was their job to help this family, was equally as powerful. My senator was leading the charge on this, I could not have been more honored to call him my boss (and family member!) Throughout the summer, I saw many other moments when I was proud to be a part of that office, such as during the gun control rally on the front steps, with state and city officials, my boss included, speaking on the necessity to protect our citizens and decrease gun violence. I watched his frustration and determination that went into making sure that a certain amendment got added into the budget, or that bill was placed onto the docket before the end of session. HIs efforts were unwavering, though many times the media likes to portrays politicians otherwise, and for this I am sincerely thankful to know the truth of their tenacity.

His staff members were just as incredible, as the office and in reality the entire state house could not function without them. Aside from the primary job of being a contact for concerned constituents, they handle everything from dealing with media calls, researching for bills, acting as messengers between offices, scheduling and so much more. Within this job, they create such a welcoming atmosphere, once I immediately felt comfortable in, and sincerely enjoyed going into every day. All of them had different strengths and different stories, but they worked together as a coherent team that strived toward the larger goal of serving the people of Massachusetts.

Going into my summer, I knew telling people I was interning at the State House would get me a lot of “Oh wow, good for you!” or “Congrats, that’s so exciting!” I smiled and said thank you every time. Now, these words mean something totally different. I’ve seen how the work that goes on in Beacon Hill really changes lives, and I’m excited for the future to see how our own Massachusetts leaders tackle the tough stuff, like the opioid epidemic, rising student debt and affordable housing. If I did not already think it before, I know it now, that our elected officials are exemplary among the rest of the country, including in Washington D.C. No matter what anyone says about politicians and the government, I am proud to have spent my summer there and look forward to a future of having the honor to serve the people of my community