Reversed Roles

Today was the second day of the new internship tenure. I remember that not too long ago when it was my first day and I had to rely on my fellow, more experienced, interns to teach me the ropes. It as kind of odd to be in the reverse role today as I gave a brief tour of the Cannon building as I led the new intern to the office in charge of House Badges, as well as the Capitol. I showed him how to reach the Cloak Room and several alternative routes in case large crowds blocked one path or another. I also pointed out the CVC in case he ever either asked for or was interested in leading a tour into the Capitol. I also decided to show the new intern a short cut I found to a Committee's main office and consequently the House Gallery.

For a large portion of time that I was in the office today, I was upfront at the receptionist's desk. I've been up there before, but only for fleeting moments. It's different up there for some reason. We interns are still expected to fulfill our duties (primarily handling the phones and working on the mail) but handling different piles of mail felt a bit out of place in the welcoming reception area. I found myself tidying the pile I was working on every other letter because I felt the mismanaged pile would reflect poorly if a Constituent walked into the office, or worse, the Congressman should view the odd way mail was being sorted in several different piles. Also, because the front office is out of the line of sight of one of the side rooms, the other interns pick up the duty of phones for the most part. I believe this helps the person out front stay free in case a visitor enters the office.

It was a good feeling to be able to be the person in front of the office, and a responsibility that I have a new found deeper respect for.