Friday, June 15, 2018
By:
As I sat at dinner for a friend’s birthday this week, I shared my news of some of my experiences in the science committee office. Just as I bit into probably the best chicken taquito I’ve ever tasted, someone remarked, “One of my favorite games to play on the metro is Spot the Intern.” We all laughed, and went on to compare stories of seeing lost and bewildered interns navigating the metro. I realized that a week ago that was me, but in only a couple weeks, I feel like I’ve settled very comfortably into my role and life on Capitol Hill. I no longer have to think about which metro stop is coming up, where I need to get off. I’m not nervous as I enter the House office building. I couldn’t be happier with the work I’m doing in the office.
When I started college, I didn’t even plan on doing physics. I loved graphic design and web development, which at the time led me to a prospective career in computer science. It wasn’t until a couple years into my academic path that I found physics. I may err on the side of indecision when it comes to my career, but really that’s only because I find so much in the world so interesting. I do wish I could do it all. When I did start physics with the intent of a career in physics for my future, I was sure I wanted to work in a high tech lab, helping create cutting-edge technology to change the world. The further I got into physics, I found more and more topics that interested me. I got concerned about how I would fare in grad school, having to dedicate years to a single project in order to obtain a PhD, still having never felt fully comfortable in the physics setting. The more I got involved in, the more I found that my skills and interests did not necessarily align with a traditional physics career in academia or a lab setting.
When I first started college, a professor of mine had often talked about finding our “Eureka!” moment. This was the moment when everything just clicked, and you would know that what you were doing was the right thing for you. I had never experienced this moment, and it had often caused me to doubt my decision to pursue physics. I still struggled in classes, I never got the top scores on exams, I enjoyed learning about physics but wasn’t as enthused or excited as many of my peers about new concepts or equations. As I came towards the end of my time in undergrad, I still hadn’t found my eureka moment, and the prospect of applying to grad schools was daunting. What if this wasn’t what I was meant to do? Would I be stuck for six years doing something I wasn’t even passionate about?
When I received a fellowship position with The Access Network, working on equity and diversity programs in physics, this started to change my perspective a lot. There was always this vague notion surrounding my decision to do physics that I could help people with my future work. I think the idea of someday making a difference is a motivation for many physics students, but bringing this to life by working with and helping real people made me realize that I don’t have to wait years and obtain a PhD to make a difference. During my time in college I got involved with lots of different programs and organizations (SPS being only one of many) that allowed me to help make a difference in people’s lives. Many of these were government funded, though the National Science Foundation, the National Institute of Standards and Technology, or other grants. As I participated in events and programs, it became clear to me how crucial it is to advocate for the importance of programs that support students, especially those from underrepresented and diverse backgrounds.
I worked hard with these programs, finally finding an area of physics where I felt not only like I excelled, but like I was making a difference. I planned and ran outreach programs. I helped host the first ever Conference for Undergraduate Underrepresented Minorities in Physics. I helped lead my Society of Physics Students chapter, American Nuclear Society chapter, and Women in Physics chapter. I knew I could never go back to working isolated in a lab and be happy. With a desire to impact lives, I considered my career options. My choice to work in science policy stems from a desire not just to make my own voice heard, but to give a voice to those who do not have the power to speak up for themselves.
This internship has started me on a pathway that I will be able to serve my country, community, and sense of self. Though coming into the internship I was possibly the most nervous I have ever been, the confidence I’ve gained in my work in only a couple short weeks tells me that I’ve made the right decision. What was only last week a nerve-wracking experience of wanting to impress the committee staff and not make a fool of myself, has now become just another day at the office. I’m excited for what the future holds, for the next eight weeks and beyond, and can’t wait to learn and experience more.
Sarah Monk