Jonathan Rucks

Washington D.C. Summer Internship Program Summer 2002

Jonathan interned at the Office of Minnesota 8th District, U.S. House of Representative, James Oberstar, located at 2365 RHOB, Washington, DC.

Here is what Jonathan had to say about his summer study experience: "Having an internship with Representative Oberstar, the ranking democrat on the Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, allowed me the unique experience of working with issues of importance to Minnesota and also issues that carried significant national attention. National topics of importance that Representative Oberstar found himself involved in were aviation and homeland security. The Iron Range and the Boundary Waters Canoe Area are located within the boundaries of Representative Oberstar's district, making steel, mining and environmental issues hot topics.  Legislation relating to either of these topics generated numerous constituent letters, all requiring a response.

Drafting constituent responses was a task that I originally had little interest in, however, I soon developed an appreciation for it. I found great satisfaction in finding solutions to constituent problems and replying to their concerns relating to specific pieces of legislation. I was surprised, perhaps naively, by the diverse topics constituents wrote about and that they wrote about international issues.

On an intellectual level my horizons were broadened.  After returning from South Africa and traveling around sub-Saharan Africa I had this wild notion that I would do little work pertaining to international relations in Representative Oberstar's office. If I learned anything from my internship it is that the once broad line between domestic and foreign policy is being redrawn and the two are more and more intertwined. Part of this thinking pattern is a result of my classes. Having a focus on international relations does not allow much time to discuss United States domestic policies in upper division classes and it becomes that much harder to draw connections between the two.  After this experience I will not have as great of difficulty making the connection between the two. It was obvious that individuals, especially in Representative Oberstar's district, are becoming increasingly aware and concerned with international issues.

My internship with Representative James Oberstar was one of the greatest experiences I have had. I could not have asked for a better and more welcoming environment in which to work. I was able to improve and enhance my speaking and researching skills and had the opportunity to experience the goings on in the office of a respected and busy member of congress."