Working Girl

Today was my first day working for a Member of Parliament at the House of Commons.  This is super nerdy, but it felt cool walking to work all dressed up-- I was fitting in like a real Londoner!

I began my day with a tour of the House of Commons and the House of Lords.  I stood in the exact spot where Spencer Perceval became the only Prime Minister ever to be assassinated (1812).  I saw where the Queen gets dressed every year before she opens Parliament with the Queen's Speech (last year it was on 9 May, so fingers crossed she speaks before I depart back to the states on 4 May!).  But without a doubt the coolest part to see was the Chamber.  I've seen it YouTube so many times before, it was simply maddening to see it in person!  Little did I know my MP Andrew would be attending a questioning for the secretary of health there later today, so I would actually get to observe in the Gallery.  

The Monarchy, as we've learned in our Government and Politics class, serves as the Head of the State, not the government.  Her annual Queen's Speech opens Parliament and is written for her by the Prime Minister (currently David Cameron of the Conservative Party).

Our office observed an interview at the College Green and then went out to lunch-- we managed to buy sandwiches and water for only 2.30 pounds!  Winning.  However, I did buy two coffees today so I think that brought my expenses right back up :(.  When we returned to the office, I was assigned to research probation reform so we could educate ourselves before drafting letters to constituents.  I closed the day there by looking up political figures on Facebook and identifying strategies we could use to strengthen Andrew's page.  

Overall, I LOVED my first day at work.  Not only did I feel like I immersed in meaningful, interesting things, but I really clicked with the people I worked with.  Andrew is a hoot and has worked with many interns before, so you can tell he's got the drill down.  The other two staff members in his office are equally as nice and funny, and they have a great vibe where they pick on each other like a group of brothers.  I don't share an office directly with them; I'm in an overflow room with another intern who works for a different MP.  Still, the two of us get on well too, and I had fun explaining America to him haha.  I feel so lucky…I could NOT be working for a better office!

After work, I returned to the flat and cooked some pizza quesadillas!  Total success, and I feel like a boss, I must say.  I then finished a quick homework assignment, checked my bank account info, and now I'm here.  Hoping to end the night watching The Bachelor on Hulu or going out to a local bar with friends.

Cheers,

C

PS Today marks the forth time in four days that my accent has lead people to believe I'm Canadian.  Weird haha.