Reflection on a Summer Internship with Bellevue Strategies
To the good employees of Bellevue Strategies,
When I tell people I intern at a lobbying firm, they usually look at me skeptically and come back with some snide remark. When I tell people that I want to go to law school and that I might want to litigate someday, they give me some tired joke about the world having too many lawyers. When I tell them I want to work in Washington, well, I might as well be chum in a pool of piranhas.
However, having spent the summer surrounded by people who are so dedicated to the betterment of the public, whose ethics are so selfless, and who rise to the occasion always to do right, I know those simplistic, ignorant jibes are unfounded.
Situated in the skyline of a city founded to see all as equal, Bellevue shines as a beacon of inspiration for people like me who believe that those civic principles imagined centuries ago-access to equal opportunity, respect of others' property, and the ultimate duty of caring for one's neighbor - are still sustainable and must be maintained. You all, the ambitious, busy, compassionate workers in this office, are the lights of this beacon.
From my first day on the job in Harrisburg walking around with Thomas and Rachael to my final week soliciting career advice from everyone in the office, you all have been nothing but supportive, insightful, and exemplary role models. I have seen both our clients and our elected officials look at us eagerly, trusting in our ability to accomplish their goals, all while being reasonable, honest, and empathetic in the process. The respect you show others, and the respect people give you - it is palpable. I hope that one day I can deservedly give and demand the same respect.
When the playful ridicule has subsided and I get to tell people about my work here in more detail, I always tell them that I lobby for the good guys, since I think all our clients' missions are objectively noble. However, as I reflect on my experience in this last week, a better summative statement about my work here would be that I lobbied with the good guys.
Thank you for your mentorship and for allowing me to work with you. I am forever in your debt.
All the best,
Vincent R. Scauzzo