My experience at Citizens for Global Solutions has been a completely enjoyable one. From a work perspective all of the assignments were fun and challenging. There were a lot of chances to work on projects that actually make a difference. I felt like there was always enough work to do without being overwhelmed. There are opportunities to work on all kinds of aspects of a non-profit organization, and the staff was always willing to lend a hand.

From a personal aspect this has been one of the most fun summers I've ever had. The people that work here are all a total joy to be around. The work environment is friendly but with a sense of importance. I've made some great friends being here. It's also great to be in DC. There are a lot of chances to see what we're doing in action and to visit Capitol Hill and other landmarks.

I highly recommend it to people who are interested in government and how laws are made but I also really recommend it to people who aren't sure what they want to do but care about issues like the ones that CGS supports. All in all this summer has been a great experience and I would encourage anyone interested to apply.

Being an intern at CGS was an incredibly rewarding and enjoyable experience. I learned so much about the state of international issues domestically and how Congress, non-profits, and NGOs work to bring about change. I gained so much knowledge at CGS not by observing, but by getting involved with these projects and working directly with others who promote these goals.

I felt that I was able to do so much more at CGS than I would have at other places. The staff was always warm, friendly, and genuinely attuned to my interests and abilites. The atmosphere in the office was very open, and everyone made sure that I felt like I was reaching my full potential. At CGS, the interns play a huge role in everyday operations as well as long-term goals, which is what makes the internship program here so unique and valuable.

My experience at Citizens for Global Solutions was definitely an educational one. Discovering how a non-profit works and conducts itself has changed the way I see how laws and regulations are passed through government.

While at CGS, I had the freedom to choose what I wanted to focus on. The atmosphere within the office was very supportive and allowed me to feel free to go about my business as usual while contributing to our causes. Staff members were always encouraging me to attend Congressional hearings or think tank discussions, an opportunity of which I took full advantage and thus gained considerable knowledge on how Washington D.C. and politics works.

During my time here at CGS, my topic of choice was Climate Change. It is something that has always been a concern of mine and when the subject was available for updating, due to the upcoming Copenhagen meetings this December, I took the chance to do as much research as I could on the topic. This, in turn, helped not only our cause, but allowed me to walk away from this experience more educated and passionate than ever before.

The staff at the office are friendly and always willing to help. Each person at CGS seems to truly want to make a change in the world and are obviously trying to do something about it.

In a rapid introduction to Capitol Hill, this week I attended the Swearing In Ceremonies for many members of Congress. I began my internship with Citizens for Global Solutions [CGS] on Monday, January 5th and found that the next day, I would be attending the Swearing In Ceremonies. Immediately after arrival to the office in the morning, I left with Don Kraus, Bob Enholm, and Richard Thelen, for the first of many parties on "the Hill". The first member of Congress I met that day was Betty Sutton, the representative from the 13th District of Ohio. I was immediately impressed by her forward and friendly manner. Don discussed CGS and we left one of her staff members with a folder that we had prepared. The folder contained information on CGS and letters to the new members of Congress. Throughout the day we would explain CGS as a national non-profit membership group. Our goals are making the United States a more positive international force. We stated our priorites for the upcoming year and shared our excitement for the beginning of a new Congress and a new Presidential Administration. Meeting Congresswoman Sutton was only the beginning of what would be a long day of networking, eating, and doing our best to promote CGS.

In total, we met 30 Congressmen and women, in parties, in hallways, and in offices. My personal highlights came when attending the ceremony for Senator John Kerry of Massachusetts. Easily recognizable with his tall stature and thick hair, the bigger surprise came when I also saw Ted Kennedy. Before coming to Washington, D.C. and working with CGS, I would have been willing to set high stakes that I would never be in the room with either gentlemen. The crowd at the party listened to John Kerry give a short thank you speech and introduce Ted Kennedy. Ted Kennedy spoke and stated his excitement in continuing his eighth term in the Senate. Both addressed the party with the gusto that I had always imagined they possessed. Toward the end of our long day, I went with Richard Thelen, to visit the office of my Congressman, Gary Peters, from the ninth district of Michigan. Unfortunately, we were not able to meet him as he was beginning a radio interview. Richard and I talked for a long time with Gary Peter's son and his Press Secretary, named Nate Bailey. Both his son and Nate were friendly and we enjoyed speaking with them. We were pleased to hear that Peters was working to become a part of the Foreign Affairs Committee. After seeing his face on television so often this Fall during the elections, I was excited to just be in his office.

A surprise came at the party for Senator Tom Udall from New Mexico. I recognized Beth Broderick (in the photo on the right hand side), who was once a main character on a TV show called, "Sabrina the Teenage Witch". I introduced myself and found she was incredibly pleasant. In talking to Ms. Broderick, I was pleased to learn how active she is in politics. Broderick got involved in Tom Udall's Senate campaign with friends and she was thrilled to be in attendance at the Swearing In Ceremony. I also met at the party for Tom Udall, representatives from the National Indian Gaming Association. They remarked glowingly about Tom Udall's efforts to help the Native American Community in New Mexico. I saw, but did not meet, Stewart Udall, the former Interior Secretary of the United States and Tom Udall's father. Tom Udall's cousin Mark was also elected Senator of Colorado. Mark Udall is the son of Morris Udall, who ran for the Democratic nomination for U.S. President in 1976. It was interesting to learn how involved the Udall family has been in politics since I knew almost nothing about the family beforehand.

All in all, my second day at CGS can only be described as a whirlwind. After the day, I had no choice but to be on the phone all night, describing everything in detail to my family back in Michigan. I can barely begin to say how pleased I was to have the opportunity to be involved in so much activity on the Hill.