Getting Ahead of Myself

Just because Congress isn't in session doesn't mean I'm not busy during the day. There are projects here and there, or briefings to attend, and I've been filling plenty of the time in the middle with unapologetic networking; i.e., chains of informational interviews at the end of which I ask if there's anyone else that person thinks I should speak with. That's not to say it's been shallow. I've met some very amusing and very helpful people, and I'm getting a much better view of what a career on the Hill looks like, and where I might jump into this picture.

And then I saw an email from BYU. Oh yeah, I'm still not done there. ...dangit.

For this internship to count for credit, I'm reading a few books, and I'll have to write a paper when it's all done. That's no big deal. But in two days I'm supposed to sign up for my final capstone course. Luckily I already have a capstone project/paper in mind, and am quite excited about accomplishing it, since it involves the student organization I created, Praemon.org. The trick is that only one capstone course is being offered Winter Semester that falls under the Foreign Relations emphasis, and while I like the professor teaching it, he's built his curriculum around topics that are incompatible with my project. (Not that I'd expect him to accommodate me as he plans; just pointing out the issue.)

Thankfully, after a great phone conversation with the head of the IR major, I should still be able to go ahead with my project, and use it as a substitute for the regular capstone course. I just have to work on finding a faculty member willing to be my capstone mentor.

It's so very easy to get lost in the romance of working here--yes, even just as an intern--that I have to remind myself there are more steps to this process. I don't think there's any reason I shouldn't be actively seeking employment here, as I could either start after a couple months back in Utah, or negotiate something with BYU to finish my degree remotely, but I have firmly entered the I-kind-of-just-want-to-be-done phase with my degree.

That's not entirely true. I'm very proud of Praemon, and am excited to accomplish my project, but I'm even more excited to pursue prospects here in D.C.

And I'm realizing why these two efforts have been more exciting than all the work and school I've been doing for the previous couple years: because I am affecting change. I very much value the education I've received at BYU, but Praemon is how I can make the entire experience more tangible and valuable for the students that come after me. Working for Congress would mean being a part of forming the policy that allows this Nation to run. Preparation is good. Action is great.

Before my brilliant father and impressive sister take offense, allow me to make a point. For some people, education itself is the goal. Teachers and intellectuals can affect great change in their sphere by imparting knowledge and wisdom to others, and therefore the pursuit of even greater amounts of knowledge is an inherent part of that goal.

But for me... There's a story that I'm not sure is popular outside of the LDS religion, but it goes something like this: A man is instructed to push on a boulder with all his might, day after day. Finally, after years of diligence, the exhausted man is frustrated that he has not moved the boulder even an inch. The Overseer then reveals to the man the nature of the man's "true" success. He may not have moved the boulder, but by this process of consistently striving, the man himself has become lean and strong. He has been transformed through his efforts.

This story always bothered me. I get the point it's trying to make, but ultimately I feel the parable is incomplete. We are not meant to be strong--or educated, or talented, or prepared--simply for strength's sake. Those traits exist to be used, and used for good. The story deserves an epilogue in which the man returns to the rock, armed with will now, in addition to his strength, and actually moves the rock.