Roskam internship unforgettable job

It was truly an honor and privilege to intern for Congressman Peter Roskam this summer in Washington D.C.

The spectacle that is the United States Congress is amazing to witness and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

Through all the committee hearings and briefings, legislative business, policy analyses, Capitol Hill receptions and Presidential speeches, I could not have received a more eye-opening summer.

Congressman Roskam, a man of faith and integrity, reminded me that the government does not control we the people, but we the people control the government.

While interning on Capitol Hill, I gained invaluable and firsthand education on the process, structure and daily operations of the United States Federal Government. I met a great deal of prominent leaders in our nation today, among them, Paul Ryan, Marco Rubio, John McCain, Kevin McCarthy and Ben Sasse just to name a few.

I not only walked in the footsteps of today's leaders, but historical leaders as well. While freely flashing my intern badge and walking the halls of the United States Capitol Building, I could not help but be humbled and exhilarated by thinking about those who came before me: Men and women among the likes of George Washington, Abraham Lincoln, Jeanette Rankin, Rosa Parks, Franklin Delano Roosevelt, and Ronald Reagan.

I will be forever grateful for the opportunity Congressman Roskam bestowed upon me to help him serve the people of Illinois's 6th Congressional District. I recommend this internship to all students, regardless of race, creed, color, ethnicity, gender or political affiliation, for you will not be disappointed.

But most importantly, you will be reminded that out of many, we are one. E Pluribus Unum.

Jake Kolar

Naperville