The Question

Several weeks ago, the chair of the Political Science Department at California State University, Chico, where I am a senior student, asked me if I knew anything about the Panetta Institute's Congressional Internship. I knew the name Leon Panetta, but knew nothing about the internship. She explained the internship and the application process, asked me several questions about my family and how they would feel about me going to Washington D.C. for so long. I told her that they would be proud and that they have told me that if I had an opportunity like this, in the words of my husband Charles, "Go For It!" Professor Dwyre proceeded to take me to the political science office and give me an application. I spent the next week writing my personal statement and gathering materials for intern application packet. The personal statement was to include: information as to why I want to become a congressional intern, and why I feel I am qualified for the position. And the packet was to also include: a letter of recommendation from a member of the faculty, as well as, an copy of my transcript, and a current resume. The packet complete and delivered, I began to become nervous and excited about the prospect of going to Washington, D.C. as an intern! In my nervousness, I kept saying to myself, "You are a 42 year old woman, what are you thinking, Elizabeth?" I did not have long to wait for the word to come, it was official the day after the application deadline. My husband and I had an interesting experience on the way to the banquet where we received the news. The car overheated and at one point Charlie was in a ditch filling jugs of water to put in the radiator. We limped our way to the banquet and the car was able to cool down for awhile. I was quickly given the news: I am the CSU, Chico, Panetta Institute Congressional Intern for 2007. I could think of nothing else for several days and the news is finally sinking in my brain. I was so excited, I could barely concentrate and completing class work was next to impossible, EVEN for Congress class! This is not just any intership! The Panetta Institute fully funds each intern in the program, for more information about the specifics of the internship, check out: http://www.panettainstitute.org/. I have created this blog to keep my friends, family, and mentors informed about what I am doing while in Washington, D.C. In addition, I have created this blog to be a log of: the journey I will be taking, the experiences I will be having, and the people I will have the opportunity to meet. Photographs and internet links will be included, when they are available, and I will try to make the blog as interactive as possible - for those that don't like to, just read!! I have named my blog, Mrs. Graham Goes to Washington, because I am one of those people!! (Have you seen Mr. Smith lately; always a good show??!!) I am thankful for my friend and personal editor, Amanda, without whom I am certain my statement would not have been as compelling. And Sharon, thank you for your support and unfailing belief in my abilities. To all my friends, family, and mentors that may be reading this blog, I welcome you to my blog and thank you for your support during this most exciting time in my life. I invite you to reply to my blog, let me know how you are doing, and ask me any questions you may have. I will try to find time to post several times throughout the week as the time draws nearer and while in Washington, I hope to post more often. Until next time, eliza