Constructive Advice
Purely Advice
If you’re on time, you’re late. Read
legislation; understand policy- be able to explain it to others. Nothing is
private, nothing; anything you access on government computers become government
property. *Facebook, Gmail, Twitter. Do not name the office you work for
if your activities are not office related. *Sports broadcaster. Beer
attracts slugs. Make everyone feel like the most important person in the room.
Work the extra hours. Know the lobbyists. It’s not your job to get people
coffee. *Can I get you a coffee? Dress to impress. Pack your own lunch;
use reusable bags. Be genuine. *How are missile batteries designed? Take
extensive notes; grab all handouts; report back immediately. Dressing like to
make people think you’re republican. Get a library card. Sight see! Befriend
the family. Be organized and help organize others. Sign up for Groupon. Don’t
use your real name if it’s not necessary. *Hi, I’m Blair Abbott. Smile.
Don’t be scared to push the boundaries.
Trust a few, do wrong to no one. If
you don’t feel safe, move. *510 C Street. It’s good to hear no. Smile. *Yes.
If you hear yes right away, you probably shot too low. Everyone already knows;
this city is like a giant high school. People will confuse friendliness for
flirting. When you do hear no, make sure to get more feedback and listen
closely to the reasoning. Be assertive, not aggressive. *Stay on for the
summer? Build an action plan for the future. Make good connections.
Everyone appreciates cookies. *Funfetti. If your badge doesn’t get you
in somewhere, most often, confidence will. *Embassy Row. Know your
constitutions. Work harder than you’ve ever worked before. *Yes, I’m a born
and raised Alaskan. Meet with constituents. Don’t tell anyone your real age
unless they ask; everyone’s an ageist. Befriend the best man. *I met your
staff assistant.
Try new things. Frog is delicious,
sake isn’t. Don’t live life with a knife and fork, crunch down on the bone. Get
on the list. Never pay for your own lunch. *Did you RSVP for that reception?
Network. Be interested in everything. Run, faster! You don’t need music to
dance. “Up-and-coming” is a synonym for ghetto. *H-Street. A sharpie and
paper clip can maneuver out a cork. Read more legislation. You don’t have time
for sleep. Don’t bring a camera if you want a successful political career.
There’s always more to the story. Try the window; bring a hair tie. Don’t binge
drink. Don’t date police officers. *Hello Officer. Political science
should be renamed political magic; sciences should have concrete answers. It’s
not about what you know- it’s about who you know. The White House is worth the
extensive process.
Do not stand on the base when preparing to swing; listen
to your base coach. If he says he works for CATO or the Heritage Foundation…
just walk away. Ignorance is never bliss. Fireworks look best from the Capitol
balcony; use your badge. Time is money. It’s important to fight for what you’re
worth. No cause that is worthwhile is ever easy. Bring a charger. The best way
to connect with someone is to find their human element. Fake it until you make
it. Face the individual, not their job title. People remember. No one is here
for the money, but that doesn’t mean you should ever sell yourself short. “No”
is not an option. Find a way, or make one. *Chelsea, what are you doing
after graduation? Get as much experience as possible.
Class
As I walked across the quad’s grass
the earth said to me
“I gave you your brain power,
now do what you please.”
the earth said to me
“I gave you your brain power,
now do what you please.”
The brick surroundings of Academia
scowled at the grass,
“Don’t tempt this spirit to break free,
I’m her only ticket into society.”
scowled at the grass,
“Don’t tempt this spirit to break free,
I’m her only ticket into society.”
I stood tall with the buildings,
but felt one with the grass.
but felt one with the grass.
So, I’ve decided today
I’m not going to class.
I’m not going to class.
Chief of Staff
David Ramseur
As a youngster, the word “chief” didn’t hold the same weight as
it does now. I'll thank Pocahontas for that. Living and working on the
Hill, it retains the same power, but much more conservative costuming. The person holding this title is well- connected, well-informed, and highly valued in the eyes of those they mentor -- members of Congress.
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| David Ramseur (Far Left) |
David Ramseur serves as the Chief of Staff for US Senator
Mark Begich from Alaska. My encounters with him before this interview were few and far between, but nonetheless, engaging and personable. Most were outside the office environment, at receptions or events of that
nature. I was curious to learn more about his day-to-day happenings.
David has the chameleon-esque ability to captivate an audience or blend flawlessly into the crowd, dependent on the situation. How did he rise to
this respected position and acquire the skills necessary to advise Senator Begich? Naturally, I pushed to his story, hoping to internalize any bits of wisdom he had to offer.
Despite his father’s ranking in the Marines, his parents
were moderate democrats. He grew up in a household where politics and policy were
common topics were common over-dinner discussion. David’s
largest influence to dive into the pool of public service came from his grandmother, “a little
old lady from North Carolina- a rare democrat for her part of the state.” She
would make a point of engaging him in politics, critically discussing current events and breaking down public affairs, challenging his thoughts and broadening his views.
His decision to earn is Bachelor’s degree in political
science seemed like a no- brainer, but when it came time for a graduate
program, the decision was more politically calculated. David knew that to fully
utilize his vast skills and interests, he needed a more well-rounded degree and
background. This led him to the Journalism department at the University of Missouri.
The graduate program allowed for four months in Washington DC. The University
had informal affiliations with smaller newspapers around the country, allowing the newspapers to have on- location “real- life correspondents” they wouldn’t have otherwise been able to afford. David fondly recalled his experience working for
a Hawaiian business newspaper and another in Fredericksburg, Virginia.
Journalism brought him back to our nation’s Capitol in 1983 until 1985. He was hired by The News Miner, a paper based in Fairbanks, Alaska, to
“chase around the congressional delegation” and write daily stories about
what’s going on in Washington DC. He later worked for the Anchorage Times, which is now insolvant. After his long distance reporting, he still had a lingering interest in returning back to DC in one capacity or another, but he knew
the transition from press to whatever the future held wouldn’t be a simple one. It was pretty painful at first, “I think many
press people consider themselves pure, and they don’t want to get involved in
the dirty world of government and politics,” he said with a smirk on his face,
acknowledging that he had been in that majority.
In 1985, David traveled back to Alaska. He made the
difficult jump from reporter to pseudo- politico. His first gig was for Steve Cooper,
a candidate for Governor in 1986. After
his hard work on the campaign, he was hired a press secretary for the following four
years.
“I’ve been on the dark side ever since,” he laughed. “I
certainly see the importance of being involved in politics and government.”
I asked him exactly how he began working for Senator Begich. “For
Senator Begich, or Mark Begich?” From his response, I knew his loyalties went
back further than I had originally suspected.
Their history goes back about twenty years, meeting
through the Alaska political scene, which David has deeply involved in
since 80’s. According to his quick summary, he started in
Alaska, working for a few papers, then a few Governors, and finally Mayor Tony
Knowles before helping Senator Begich successfully run for Mayor of Anchorage in
2004. Because of his previous experience and efforts for the campaign, Mark
Begich offered David the role of Chief of Staff during his term as Mayor. While Mark Begich was serving the Municipality of Anchorage, he heard his calling
to serve the state as a whole, as a US Senator for Alaska. David continued with his support,
helping the campaign tirelessly on nights and weekends.
David’s favorite part about living in DC and working for the
Senator are the numerous opportunities to interact with the best and brightest people in
the country. “They tend to gravitate towards Washington, DC.” He also enjoys the access to expansive academics resources and big named political figures. The whole
experience is intellectually stimulating.
David’s typical day starts with exercise and an early review
of Alaska’s news to understand the state’s affairs, followed by previewing the
Senator’s calendar. He separates what the hot issues are in Alaska from the
hustle and bustle of DC politics. He works through the legislative agenda,
offering the Senator political advice on positioning and whether or not to engage on
a particular issue. He works primarily with the Senator, other senior staff
members, and makes an effort to communicate with all of Senator Begich’s
offices.
With all of his experience, I knew that he had much to offer, and I wasn’t disappointed. As anticipated, David has worked diligently to achieve his
status of influence and rightful respect.
With my future in mind, I asked what he believed to be the most logical steps to a successful political career:
With my future in mind, I asked what he believed to be the most logical steps to a successful political career:
“Get a broad education and background. It’s a very political
environment, so participate in as many internships and campaigns as possible.
Capitalizing on any connections you may have, as that’s what this city is based
off of. ”
Citizenship
What it means, to me, to be an American
As I stand in the Rotunda of the United States Capitol Building, I feel a sense of appreciation and liberation that overcomes every inch of my being. Below me- granite strong- is the circular stone where Presidents such as Lincoln, Eisenhower, Kennedy and Reagan, and various American citizens of eminent stature, such as Rosa Parks and the Unknown Soldiers from WWI, WWII, Korean and Vietnam Wars, have lain in state or in honor. Around me, paintings and statues stand powerfully to represent defining events in America’s history. Directly above, gracing the room at 180 feet, the father of this glorious overlooks his legacy in The Apotheosis of George Washington.
We have been given the opportunity as Americans for this precious state of being that seems inherent, but has been rightfully earned by those before us. We must remember that many have fought and will continue fighting for this liberty that we all hold so dear. Fighting and protecting our country and rights goes beyond serving on the front line as a member of the military, it’s a lifestyle choice. Most advancement in history have been made by people who push the boundaries of societal norms and fully embrace the opportunities that arise before them, not by those who live life grazing on shallow distractions and abiding by norms. Those who utilize and seek beyond what is offered maintain the American way. In the Bill of Rights, we are assured rights like the freedom of expression, religion and press, so begin with those- take your opportunities beyond the extent that seems plausible. If we do not challenge ourselves to succeed, to work from nothing to something, or explore the depths of a controversial issue, we are wasting the power given to us.
Spending time within buildings of such power and significance, I soaked in more and more each day about what it truly means to be an American. Embrace, respect, and empower your life with the rights we were granted by our founding fathers 235 years ago, and acknowledge its continuation with thanks to the brave men and women who have served, and continue to serve, this country through militaristic, scientific, philosophical, technological and global advancements.
Care Package
As any college student will tell you, mail is always greatly appreciated. Letters, pictures, and cards are wonderful, but chief amongst those are most definitely care packages!
With consideration of this stressful time, my family put together a box of snacks for me. It's not just the food, though it's always amazing & comprised of all my favorites, it's the fact that the time was taken to gather and mail all those items in consideration with sending time. (Almost 2-weeks when coming from Alaska.)
Now, let's just hope that with this ample amount of brain food I'll be able to prepare well for all my finals!
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| Signed, with love, from: Dad, Mom, Ryan, Brandon, Carmen, Bob, Sandy & Mr. Bubbles |
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