Here is an account from the GMRJP intern, Gurgen's, Trip to the Capitol: Being an international student majoring in U.S. Studies, I thought it would be a very useful experience to see how the system actually works. As we say back in my home country: "You had better see it with your own eyes ones rather than hear or study it for a longer period." During my last eight months in the United States I discovered so many new things to myself, gathered so many information that now it is difficult to put them into words. On the matter of my recent trip down to the State Capitol, I can tell it was one of the most exciting and most useful trips I have ever taken. The meetings with the State Senators and House Representatives, the look at the system operation opened a new horizon for my professional experience. At first glance the general knowledge about the business and tightness within the workgroup might seem too symbolic and too exaggerated. However, it is actually true. Being the voice of the society, representing those who trusted their vote to you can sometimes turn out to be a very challenging and not easy work to do. You have to take care of everybody, represent their needs, and at the same time work for the society's wellbeing. This dilemma can sometimes lead to a maze, a situation where the way out might seem almost impossible. Due to the trip, I found out the actual importance of our legislators and the heavy work they do. Now it is impossible for me to think of them without a deep esteem. After representing the needs of our community and after trying to build the basis for the further development of the legislations aimed at solving those issues, we went to the reception together with Senator Olson from our district and with many other senators and representatives from various districts. During the reception, we had a friendly discussion developed over the tables. Their friendliness and ability to listen and respect everybody's views and opinion amazed me.I will use the acquired experience while developing my own professional career.
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