SOUTH HADLEY, Mass. -- Mount Holyoke senior Grace Baines, a forward from Toronto on the Lyons soccer team, fulfilled a goal she had over the summer with an internship in the United States Congress, working in the office of Representative Jonathan Jackson, who represents Illinois' First Congressional District.
"Working in the heart of D.C. was a dream come true," said Baines, who was eager to dive into the world of politics, particularly in foreign affairs and trade.
During her time in the D.C. office, Baines engaged in a variety of responsibilities that provided her with hands-on experience. She had the unique opportunity to give tours of the Capitol, showcasing its rich history. "It was incredible to share the significance of the building with visitors," she said. One of her proudest achievements was writing a policy brief addressing housing inequality in the U.S., where she offered suggestions for potential solutions. She also answered constituent phone calls and assisted with legislative matters, gaining insight into the day-to-day operations of Congress.
One of the highlights of her internship was attending committee hearings, where Baines observed the legislative process in action. Additionally, she had the chance to meet prominent figures. An encounter with former House Speaker Nancy Pelosi in an elevator left a lasting impression.
Baines' favorite memory, however, was a day when she accompanied a staff member to cast a vote during a session in the House of Representatives. "Walking out of the House after the vote felt surreal," she recalls. This experience, along with attending the congressional baseball game, made Baines feel deeply connected to the political process and the community within Congress.
Through her internship, Baines discovered numerous career paths available in politics beyond working directly on Capitol Hill. "I learned that you don't have to work directly on the Hill to make an impact," she said. Her interactions with staffers highlighted the importance of teamwork in political offices.
Reflecting on her time in Washington, Baines feels invigorated about her future career goals. She aspires to work in trade relations between North America, focusing on bilateral agreements among the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. "These experiences have solidified my passion for politics and provided me with a clearer vision of my professional aspirations," she said.
Baines' internship not only enriched her understanding of the political landscape but also reinforced her desire to make a meaningful impact in the field of foreign affairs.
