It’s not uncommon for college students to occasionally miss a class or two during the semester; often, they use that time to catch up on assignments or get some much-needed rest. However, when Ashton Smith chose to skip his intro to philosophy class during his freshman year, he had no idea how much his decision would impact his career and life.

From the moment he stepped onto the Texas Lutheran University (TLU) campus, Ashton was actively involved in a variety of activities and organizations. He played football, served as the social chair for the Black Student Union (BSU), worked alongside Dr. Sia as an Academic Development Assistant (ADA), and even worked as an admissions ambassador, giving tours to prospective students and their families. However, one particular day our campus welcomed a special guest Monica De La Cruz who at the time was a newly appointed United States Representative. Upon hearing about her arrival, Ashton became excited for this opportunity to show her around campus and have a one on one interaction, rather than sitting through another lengthy lecture. His decision to skip class that day would be a pivotal moment, leading to opportunities he could have never anticipated.

Throughout the tour, Ashton shared a bit about his career goals and involvement on campus. Smith’s motivation and work ethic captivated the attention of De La Cruz’s senior advisor Josh Cortez so much that by the end of the tour he was offered an internship at the United States Capitol in Washington D.C., within the next year Smith found himself flying to D.C. and starting his semester long internship.

At the capital

Upon staring his internship he quickly learned how hands on his position truly was.

“In session days were super fast paced and high stress. Interns were expected to wear a suit and tie throughout the day. These days really made the experience more surreal.”

Ashton Smith

One of Ashton’s key responsibilities involved answering phones from constituents eager to know how the congresswoman planned to vote on various issues. These interactions allowed Smith to gain connection between elected officials and the people they served, while also strengthening communication skills and learning the importance of being informed.

In addition to answering calls, Ashton played a crucial role in withholding infographics and voting ballots for the congresswoman, ensuring that she had all the necessary information at her fingertips. The complexity of the legislative process soon became clear to him; with numerous bills on the table, he often found himself running down notes to help the congresswoman understand the content of what she was voting on. This hands-on experience deepened his appreciation for the legislative process and the hard work that goes into each decision.

“Days when we were out of session were much more laidback, we got to wear business casual and do more research based work.”

Ashton Smith

These days allowed Ashton to put his focus on researching new bills and reading through newsletters for the congresswoman, summarizing their contents to ensure she remained informed about her constituents’ concerns and suggestions. This duality of intense session days and more thoughtful, research-driven out-of-session days provided Ashton with a well-rounded insight into the workings of government.

When asking Ashton about his most memorable experience, he smiled from ear to ear.
He mentioned that at the start of each term, the members of Congress pose for a group photo to commemorate their time in office. Since the congresswoman he was working for was a freshman representative, she was particularly eager to have a keepsake to honor her inaugural year.

“The interns and I were assigned the exciting task of collecting signatures from all the congressmen and women featured in the photo. I spent the entire day running from office to office, gathering signatures and engaging with various members of Congress. It was such a fun experience, allowing me to witness the diverse work of other members, from working on important legislation to even doing pull-ups right in the office.”

Ashton Smith

Balancing life and an internship

Ashton’s days in Washington, D.C., did not only consist of his internship, he also attended night classes at American University. His schedule was fully packed and he started getting familiar with returning home well after 10 p.m. Fortunately, he was able to stay with his aunt, which helped him save money amid the high costs of living in D.C.

Navigating the city at night posed its own set of risks, as riding the Metro after dark could be unsettling at times. The combination of his intense internship and evening classes made it difficult for Ashton to fully embrace the typical college experience. Life in Washington was undeniably more expensive than back in Texas, and the hustle of his routine often felt overwhelming. Yet, despite the challenges, Ashton reflected on his time in D.C. with gratitude.

“It was definitely an experience that no matter how difficult or costly, I’d always do it again.”

Ashton Smith

Reflecting on his time away from home, Ashton recognized the immense support system that surrounded him. He credits Dr. O’Brochta and Dr. Walsh for offering guidance both before and during his internship, which played a crucial role in his development. Ashton was particularly thrilled about a special visit from TLU’s president, Dr. Cotrell. During an alumni dinner, he had the opportunity to accompany her, building a meaningful connection that supported his experience even further. In addition to the support from faculty, friends, and family, Ashton also crossed paths with several alumni who shared their own insights and encouragement. He spent one-on-one time with them in various cafés and coffee shops, deepening his sense of community and belonging as he navigated this transformative chapter of his life.

Ashton realized how much more independent he had become after starting this new journey. He quickly grew comfortable navigating the ins and outs of the city, learning the metro system and getting familiar with East Coast culture. He spent time at numerous music festivals and clubs in the metropolitan area while enjoying the company of his cousins and fellow American University students.

Reminiscing on his experience

Overall, Ashton believes that completing an internship during the school semester offered him a more fulfilling and immersive experience than a summer internship would have. He appreciated seeing campus life at American University and expressed that he doesn’t think he would have had the same experience if the campus had been empty during the summer. This opportunity allowed him to create lifelong friendships with fellow students in his program.

“When I returned to campus, I was welcomed back with open arms, making it seem as though I had never left. Sharing my experiences with my friends was so much fun because it felt like I was reliving those moments all over again.”

Ashton Smith

Smith encourages students to take a leap if they have the opportunity to pursue an internship away from home. While it may initially feel scary or intimidating, he assures them that the rewards far outweigh the fears. Stepping outside of one’s familiar surroundings can be a transformative experience, fostering personal growth and reshaping one’s perspective on life.