Having The TIme Of My Life

For the past 6 years I have often contemplated the true meaning, purpose, of me moving to Kansas. Was it simply to be in a new environment where I would meet new people or would I go through life changing experiences? I mean, lets face it...I did blindly move to Kansas. I didn't know how long I would be here or anything else about the state or how my future would be. And that, I believe, is one of life's greatest pleasures-to not know what the future holds for us. My life and experiences in Kansas have seen the highest of highs and lows that I didn't know how I would ever recover from. But I did. Hard work and following my heart and instuitions led me to where I am today. Sure I could always fall-but I also can only go up from here. To say the least, each and every one of my experiences have been blessings.
Now that I've said that I'm moving on to what I really want to talk about. My internship at the Kansas Statehouse. Let me tell you-this week, which is only the beginning, has been one of the most rewarding experiences I've had, well, maybe EVER! I am interning with Democrat Senator Faust-Goudeau and the office in charge of matching the House Representatives and Senators with their interns did such an amazing job. My Senator and I work so well together and I am continually impressed with the hard work that she, along with EVERY other office holder does every day during the Legislative Sessions. Going into my internship, I was very uncertain of what I would be doing. I had no idea in the world what a constituent was or why lobbyists were not too well liked ;)
During my second day when I was leaving my Senators' office with her to go to the Senate Session we passed a group that was touring the Statehouse. The just stared and stared at us trying to figure out who we were. It's also pretty neat to pass by another Senator or House member and begin conversations with them because you're developing a relationship with them. My favorite part of my internship is attending the different committee meetings with my Senator and listening to bills being proposed and which ones the Committee lets pass on to the next phase. It's also been a huge learning experience to sit in the Senate Chambers during session and listen to the proposed legislation each day.
So far what I have realized is that the whole Republican vs. Democrat war that is played out in our media each day isn't really that real! Yup-I've said it! From what I've witnessed these legislators are 100% working together to make our state wonderful even in the little ways! Whether it is legislation allowing Grandparents to have the right of their grandchildren if something were to happen to parents or simple school statues-THEY. WORK. HARD. So never underestimate what is happening with our leaders because they are truly working for their constituents and beyond.
Also, VOTE! Be aware of who you're voting for and what you're expecting from them.