Thursday, January 10, 2008

The Final Post...A little late..But with pictures!





This internship is without a doubt one of the best experiences of my life. I think my favorite moment came at the Christmas party. I was out in the hall, talking to Dom Heslop, and one of my mates, Sam, came out and said, “Sean, Sean, we need you in here quick.” So I went into the room and everyone cheered for me. I entered like a rock star and joined my interns in the middle, while all the members and researchers were forming a circle around us, ceilidh-style. Then they started singing to us. At first, I didn’t realize what they were singing, but then, when I realized they were singing Loch Lomond to us, I realized that they were singing us off. It was an emotional high. I really felt like they were sad that we were leaving and appreciated all of our hard work. More than that, though, I felt it on a personal level, like they were going to miss us – not just for what we did, but for who we were.
I am not sure how other interns have gotten on with interns from other programs in the past, but I think that was one of my favorite parts. My least favorite part of the internship was the newspaper assignment; like anything, it had its reasonable parts, but in general, that was the worst, most tedious assignment possible. I think the immensity of the project was intimidating, but it was also boring. I really did not care what was happening in Greenock or any of the other towns in the greater Glasgow area.


Finally, I think this internship has definitely influenced my career goals. I think I want to be a lawyer for a little while, but then I want to go into politics. I would like to be a senator. After seeing how politics works up close and personal, I find it a fascinating game of cat and mouse. I also like how the representatives can help their constituents from a sort of bully-pulpit. Additionally, this internship will look great on my resume. I’m pretty certain of getting a good recommendation from David, so not only will I have time spent abroad, I will have a professional reference. I do not think that many people my age can say that.
Generally, this internship is one of the best things I’ve ever done. Yes, I missed America; yes, I missed the comforts and conveniences of home. Yes, it was very expensive with little financial help from anyone. It was worth it. The work experience: the time spent in a nine to five job experiencing Scottish politics first-hand is priceless. I am very glad that I went; I would recommend it to anyone – as long as they work for the Tories.