Indiana University Athletics
Catching Up with Kate Dunn on Capitol Hill
7/15/2010 12:00:00 AM | Women's Water Polo
July 15, 2010
BLOOMINGTON, Ind. -
Kate Dunn, a senior-to-be on the Indiana women's water polo team, is currently in the midst of an exciting internship on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C., working for Congressman John Boehner (Ohio, 8th District). Dunn, an international studies major, is working in the nation's capital until the end of July.
Dunn finished the 2010 season with 16 goals, eight assists, and 15 steals for the No. 12 Indiana Hoosiers. Following the season, she collected Academic All-Big Ten and ACWPC All-Academic honors, and was also named to the CWPA Scholar-Athlete Team.
Dunn recently took time out of her schedule to describe her experience for IUHoosiers.com as she continues her internship in Washington D.C.:
This marks my fourth week working in Congressman John Boehner's district office on Capitol Hill in Washington D.C. I spend my days from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. with four other college interns, Boehner's staff assistants, and his legislative assistants. Over the past few weeks, the other interns and I have been doing everything from giving tours of the Capitol Building to constituents, sorting mail, logging mail, attending committee hearings, and writing memos for the legislative assistants.
Whenever we have free time we are fortunate enough to go watch Boehner make his weekly address to the media or go to the floor gallery and watch congressmen debate over bills that are being pushed. In fact, last Friday we were actually lucky enough to get a tour of the White House. Although the White House actually isn't that exciting inside, the tour was particularly cool because we got to see President Obama leave in his helicopter. He was headed to West Virginia for Senator Byrd's funeral.
Another perk to living in the nation's capital for the summer.....Fourth of July! Just this past weekend I was able to celebrate our country's birthday with friends and millions of other people on the National Mall. Despite the 100 plus degree heat, the holiday was one to never forget. We sat right next to the Washington Monument as we watched the incredible firework display explode over the Lincoln Memorial. After the fireworks I spent time at a BBQ at a friend's place in Arlington, Va.
For the 435 congressmen, the holiday continues as they are out of session for the whole week. They will return Monday, July 13th for a few more weeks until they go into August recess. As August recess approaches people are starting to get very tense on Capitol Hill as the two parties are struggling to find common ground on important bills. With midterm elections coming up in November, both Democrats and Republicans are beginning to campaign and the hill is becoming more and more divided. It is a very interesting time to be working here for Congress.
Fortunately for me and all other Congressional staff, being out of session means dressing "business casual," which means I get to wear JEANS! Considering on all other days I have to wear work dresses or suits, having the ability to wear jeans to work for a whole week is incredible! It's the little things in life, right?
Well, I have to head off to give another tour of the Capitol Building. I think I could give these tours blind now, and if anyone ever has any questions about the Capitol, I am your go-to. Overall, I am having a fantastic time here in D.C. and I am really enjoying my internship and being surrounded by politics. Although, I must say I do miss my team and Bloomington, of course!
