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Writer's pictureadriennekelish

Final Thoughts

August 8, 2022


The practicum has ended and the internship will be officially over this Friday, although in so many ways it is already over. This week serves as a formality and a few extra days to tighten up our articles and submit for final review. I'm excited and nervous.


But first.... AAAHHHH!! I just completed an internship with the Law Library of Congress!!!! One more time! The Law Library of Congress (LLOC)! For the rest of my life I'll have that little line to add to my story. It's been such an amazing and rewarding experience. I have learned so much, met so many fascinating and inspiring people, and learned about myself as well. I am indebted to my supervisor for developing this program and keeping it going every year. And to all the people that work to create such a thorough and informative program, much thanks!!


When I first began this internship the LLOC was formidable and a bit scary. It was this iron-clad official government entity that few broke through and many never came back from. Dramatic, yes, but not far from the truth in my mind. Spending enough time as a intern (albeit remotely), I have slipped in past the gate and taken a peak at the inner workings of this fascinating place. No longer do I see it as this imposing beast of an entity, but I have gained a more nuanced respect for the work that is done here and the people that do it. The Library of Congress is worth all the accolades bestowed upon it and I am truly humbled by the magnificent resource at our disposal. And the people I met- every single person was generous, thoughtful, and genuinely passionate about the work they do and their desire to help others. There is a place for those of us that are looking for a legal job that doesn't beg for a fight. I used to think I was the odd one out- who goes to law school and never wants to practice? I have found my people, and so many more of us are out there than I ever realized.


The blog experience was interesting. I am glad I picked it because I have learned so much. It is SO HARD to do! The writing is the easy part- its the fact checking and resource confirming that is so difficult. Pay walls? Ads? Out of date? Does this look like a resource you'd find on the Library of Congress? Too many times the answer was no to the above questions. It was a bit frustrating but also made me feel like I was sharpening my research skills and I will emerge stronger and more equipped professionally. If I do this again I would like to try the story map. That sounds interesting and I know that I will definitely learn far more than I can imagine.


My final thoughts are on the virtual component. I sit here writing this blog post in bed because my daughter had a nightmare. I type this and I am fully aware of how lucky I am to be able to work towards a masters degree (1500 miles away) without ever setting foot outside my house. To top that, I am completing an internship that is almost 3000 miles away, all while utilizing technology to keep us present and engaged with one another. It's amazing. I would not have been able to work towards either of these goals if the opportunity to be remote wasn't available. There are some drawbacks though. I do miss human interaction, I miss having to wash my hair, put on makeup, pull out those heels and non-stretch pants. (Well, sometimes) I miss talking with real people in real life though. I think this internship would have been truly spectacular if we had been able to do in person. I realize that just as I would not be able to spend an entire summer in DC, the program probably wouldn't be able to function either. My supervisor lives in Florida to start with. So we do the best with what we have and we appreciate the opportunities we're given. I miss human interaction, but I would not trade that for the time I have been able to spend with my daughter. So many days she has curled up next to me while I've worked and I would not want to lose that. She'll grow up and go to school herself soon and I will miss those moments with her the most. The work-life balance is hard but for me I have found a lane that allows me manage both (with compromise).


Thank you for a wonderful summer! This practicum has opened the door to an opportunity that I will never forget. Now it's time for me to go get some Library of Congress souvenirs!



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