Tuesday, February 28, 2012
Personal Post 4 - Careers
So far I'm quite glad I chose a PP/PS degree here at ASU. I'm still only a sophomore, but I'm perplexed in regards of my future career in government. I know for certain it's something I want to do, but at this point I don't know exactly what specifically I should do. It would be cool to continue working for the Senate, maybe work my way up the ladder. But there is literally so many other careers I could get into! I could go to Washington DC and get involved in the political climate there, I could go back home and work for intergovernmental affairs in Seattle, I could even work for a non-profit organization somewhere. There are lots of options at my feet, and that's something I like about this degree. It's broadness. I always thought it would be cool to work for the Department of Homeland Security or a well recognized and important federal agency. Just working at the Senate as increased my scope of governmental affairs and the future looks promising (for the most part). I'm still young so I have plenty of time to figure this out, but it's definitely on my mind moving forward.
Primary Day
Today is a little exciting because of the primaries at the Senate. Many people, including fellow pages, have or are going to vote today for the candidate they are most confident in for President. It's a pretty big deal, as many big time names have shown up here at the Senate. CNN as well as Fox News are both camping outside the complex in the Wesley Bolin Plaza, where there is lots of tents and places with free food.
The atmosphere today is pretty crazy around the office, a good majority of my co-workers identify with the Republican party so it's a big deal. A few got up bright and early and went to submit a ballot before work. Democratic Caucus was also particularly interesting today
Although it was short, there was debate regarding a bill under consideration that makes unemployed workers have to pay for a drug test themselves. Needless to say that many of the Democrats were unhappy with the bill and it is unclear what the reaction will be in Floor Session. I was in the appropriations committee when the bill was proposed, and even then there was a good amount of controversy. It will be interesting to see where this goes. There is never a truly dull moment here at the Senate.
The atmosphere today is pretty crazy around the office, a good majority of my co-workers identify with the Republican party so it's a big deal. A few got up bright and early and went to submit a ballot before work. Democratic Caucus was also particularly interesting today
Although it was short, there was debate regarding a bill under consideration that makes unemployed workers have to pay for a drug test themselves. Needless to say that many of the Democrats were unhappy with the bill and it is unclear what the reaction will be in Floor Session. I was in the appropriations committee when the bill was proposed, and even then there was a good amount of controversy. It will be interesting to see where this goes. There is never a truly dull moment here at the Senate.
Wednesday, February 22, 2012
The days are getting longer...
As I was warned when I first started in my position, the days don't stay perfect forever. Lately there has been a lot of committees that go longer and because of that, many of us interns have to stay. It can be unfortunate sometimes, especially after a long day of work. However, I can't help but feel like it's preparing me for the real world.
It's pretty common knowledge that if you work in government, chances are you're gonna have to put in some late nights. Now that I've worked for the Senate for awhile I can see that it's the truth. My prediction is that days will only get longer from here on out. Each shift seems to get busier and busier. I'm not complaining though, I'm relishing the opportunity to see how working in government sector truly is.
The other day the appropriations committee went for five hours with only one break. I got the privilege of sitting in on the committee and listened to Senators discuss important matters. Its events like this that give me true insight into what government is really about and how it can be a very rewarding but highly stressful job. Regardless, by the end of the day people were still in good spirits. Dem. Caucus didn't start til around 4:15pm, but all of the Senators and staff seemed no different than usual, despite the long day. I've had a few people tell me that sometimes people stay all the way til' midnight on rare occasions. So I'm mentally preparing myself for that in the future.
It's pretty common knowledge that if you work in government, chances are you're gonna have to put in some late nights. Now that I've worked for the Senate for awhile I can see that it's the truth. My prediction is that days will only get longer from here on out. Each shift seems to get busier and busier. I'm not complaining though, I'm relishing the opportunity to see how working in government sector truly is.
The other day the appropriations committee went for five hours with only one break. I got the privilege of sitting in on the committee and listened to Senators discuss important matters. Its events like this that give me true insight into what government is really about and how it can be a very rewarding but highly stressful job. Regardless, by the end of the day people were still in good spirits. Dem. Caucus didn't start til around 4:15pm, but all of the Senators and staff seemed no different than usual, despite the long day. I've had a few people tell me that sometimes people stay all the way til' midnight on rare occasions. So I'm mentally preparing myself for that in the future.
Wednesday, February 15, 2012
Personal Post 3 - Sports
My third and possibly most important hobby/pass time would be sports. I'm a huge fan of football, basketball, and baseball. Football is definitely the personal favorite, but each sport brings it's own enterainment to the table. I love football because of the sheer excitement and energy. I'm also a die hard Seattle Seahawks fan, so I look forward to any chance to see my team play.
The good thing about sports is that it's year round! there is always something being played. Basketball and Baseball both apply to this and are quite interesting when football isn't an option. Though I'm from the Seattle area, I grew up a Portland Trail Blazers fan due in part to me living in Portland for a year when I was young. When it comes to baseball I'm a Mariners fan, unfortunately. They like to disappoint me year after year, but I stay loyal to my teams.
So there you have it, a little more about me, the one and only Travis Kester.
So far so good...
I have officially been at the Arizona State Senate for a little over a month now, so I think it's time to look back and evaluate my experience so far.
If you've been reading my blog at all, you'll probably know that I have been enjoying the internship very much. The people I work with and the general staff (including senators) are all quite friendly and make me feel welcome in the organization. Besides being fun, so far I've learned a good amount more than I knew prior to my internship. Current affairs are much more prominent in my life these days as well as state affairs, in particular the state of Arizona. There are a lot more things on my intellectual radar that I'm aware of, and I feel more well-rounded and informed because of it.
Obviously another perk to the position is the insider experience that I obtain. This happens mainly through my dealings during Democratic Caucus and Floor session. It's good to see the political process at work, voting on bills, nominating candidates, sharing different opinions, and discussing issues that impact the great state of Arizona. Getting to see it all at work provides me with a much better understanding, an education that probably can't be replicated in a classroom. That in itself is a big deal to me.
As the title states, so far so good. I feel lucky to have such a unique position working in government, even if I'm only a page. I'll continue on and post more about what I learn and the experiences I have at the Senate.
If you've been reading my blog at all, you'll probably know that I have been enjoying the internship very much. The people I work with and the general staff (including senators) are all quite friendly and make me feel welcome in the organization. Besides being fun, so far I've learned a good amount more than I knew prior to my internship. Current affairs are much more prominent in my life these days as well as state affairs, in particular the state of Arizona. There are a lot more things on my intellectual radar that I'm aware of, and I feel more well-rounded and informed because of it.
Obviously another perk to the position is the insider experience that I obtain. This happens mainly through my dealings during Democratic Caucus and Floor session. It's good to see the political process at work, voting on bills, nominating candidates, sharing different opinions, and discussing issues that impact the great state of Arizona. Getting to see it all at work provides me with a much better understanding, an education that probably can't be replicated in a classroom. That in itself is a big deal to me.
As the title states, so far so good. I feel lucky to have such a unique position working in government, even if I'm only a page. I'll continue on and post more about what I learn and the experiences I have at the Senate.
Tuesday, February 14, 2012
Happy Statehood Day!
Today happens to mark the 100 year mark of Arizona's statehood, and I'm quite lucky to be working during all of the festivities. Outside the Senate building there's a huge stage for presenting honors and later Wayne Newton will be performing to honor the centennial (prior to today I had no idea who that was). There is food out on the lawn and all of the Senators appear to be in relatively high spirits. There has even been debate of skipping floor session so everyone can enjoy the party, unfortunately that's not gonna happen. Still, there is a certain happiness about the office today, after all the centennial is a pretty big deal. It's a big stage for one of the nation's youngest states.
I just got out of Dem. Caucus and it was business as usual during the weekly meet, but after caucus was concluded everyone was stoked to go outside and see what was happening. Each week continues to go well here at the Arizona Senate.
I just got out of Dem. Caucus and it was business as usual during the weekly meet, but after caucus was concluded everyone was stoked to go outside and see what was happening. Each week continues to go well here at the Arizona Senate.
Tuesday, February 7, 2012
Personal Post 2 - Music
If there is one thing I value almost as much as movies, it's music. Music has had a profound influence on my life ever since I was young. I don't play an instrument or anything, but I have great admiration for those who do. Music is an art form, and being able to portray emotions through sound is truly great in my opinion. It doesn't apply to just one genre of music either, every genre has unique features that appeal to a variety of listeners, whether it's rap/hip hop, alternative rock, jazz, soul, you name it.
I like all kinds of genres (with the exception of country and death metal) and each one appeals to certain moods I'm in. My favorite artist is probably Kanye West, who has some of the best and most original music out there. I also like Drake and Eminem while we're on the "hip hop" topic. However I appreciate other forms of music as well. Death Cab for Cutie, Coldplay, Anthony Hamilton, are all amongst my favorites.
What I appreciate about music, is it's ability to make you feel. Whether it's excitement or just plain calmness, it plays a vital role in our society, and will continue to do so well into the future. It's a very important part of my life.
I like all kinds of genres (with the exception of country and death metal) and each one appeals to certain moods I'm in. My favorite artist is probably Kanye West, who has some of the best and most original music out there. I also like Drake and Eminem while we're on the "hip hop" topic. However I appreciate other forms of music as well. Death Cab for Cutie, Coldplay, Anthony Hamilton, are all amongst my favorites.
What I appreciate about music, is it's ability to make you feel. Whether it's excitement or just plain calmness, it plays a vital role in our society, and will continue to do so well into the future. It's a very important part of my life.
Loving the job!I
I never thought, in a hundred years, I would wake up for work and be excited to go. I'm finding more and more, that I'm enjoying going to work thanks to the people I work with and the environment that I work in. It's great to wake up, come to work, grab coffee and prepare for the day. It's surprising because to most this would sound boring but for some reason I don't mind it.
Like I've said before, it's a great learning experience. What makes it better is that I want to learn and that's what drives the experience. I can't help but feel like this is really preparing me for my future career in terms of connections, workplace etiquette, and a the general process. Because of this, I'm feeling more and more confident in my decision to major in public service/public policy.
The only thing that isn't so great is getting up at 5:30am, which is a real bummer! Other than that, I'm thoroughly enjoying my time working for the Arizona State Senate.
Like I've said before, it's a great learning experience. What makes it better is that I want to learn and that's what drives the experience. I can't help but feel like this is really preparing me for my future career in terms of connections, workplace etiquette, and a the general process. Because of this, I'm feeling more and more confident in my decision to major in public service/public policy.
The only thing that isn't so great is getting up at 5:30am, which is a real bummer! Other than that, I'm thoroughly enjoying my time working for the Arizona State Senate.
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