Fallon

Name: Brett Fallon

Guiding Question: Would I like to pursue a career in public service?

I am listed as an intern in John Carney's Wilmington Headquarters. I will be exploring many different political duties such as writing letters on John's behalf, attending public events with him, and contacting and responding to certain organizations, supporters, and concerned citizens.


 * = Date ||= Location/Activity ||= Number of Hours ||
 * = 5/2-5/6 ||= Monday, Wednesday & Thursday Work 8:30-5:30 ||= 27 ||
 * = 5/16-5/20 ||= Monday, Tuesday & Friday Work 8:30-5:30 ||= 27 ||
 * = 5/23-5/27 ||= Monday, Tuesday & Friday Work 8:30-5:30 ||= 27 ||
 * = 6/3 ||= Friday Work 8:30-5:30 ||= 9 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||
 * =  ||> Total Number of Hours ||= 90 ||

Journal: ﻿ ﻿Journal 1: May 17th, 2011:So far so good. Everything is going according to plan and I have officially logged 40/90 hours. I'm nearly halfway done in completing my scheduled hours and exactly halfway done with the required hours. I have logged 16 hours this week and I am scheduled to work 11 more. The only schedule change that I have made so far is a cancellation on Monday, May 9th due to the AP test and three IB tests I was required to take during that week. I feel that I am extremely close to answering my guiding question, but I am going to wait until I leave on my last day until I actually answer it. My mentor and I have discussed a vast array of different topics over the course of our frequent discussions. Some of them include the different areas of public service, how public service is conducted at both the federal and state levels, and what the role of each staff member entails. The overall feeling I have about this experience is a positive one. I feel as if I have already accomplished a large amount. One of my earliest challenges was a nine hour workday. I never realized how much I took an eight hour school day + break, lunch, and frees for granted. I am usually in the office by 8:20AM and do not leave until 5:30 PM. The challenge was only temporary and now that the first week has passed I am not struggling with the long hours anymore. The staff has also given me additional responsibilities, therefore, my time is typically occupied. Today alone, I finished two excel spreadsheets by compiling vital data partaining to economic development, and the distribution of federal funding, I drafted a letter to a distinguished student, responded to constituents via phone, and I contacted every major news provider in Delaware reminding them about the nuclear panel discussion that the Congressman is hosting this evening at the Delaware City fire hall from 6-8PM. I have attended several events where the Congressman has appeared and delivered a speech, and I have gotten to meet and talk with Senator Chris Coons as well as Senator Carper. Having experienced a variety of different areas of public service I now have a firm understanding of the goals and reasons for significance of each area. The internship has been a wonderful way for me to meet people who I may cross paths with in the future if I decide to pursue a career in public service. I am eager to continue to learn and I am proud that I chose a senior exploration that is challenging and rewarding at the same time.

Journal #2- June 1st, 2011

I apologize for the tardiness of my second journal, a hectic memorial day weekend did not allow for much downtime or computer access, but now I am back and I bring with me some good news. I have completed the field work for my senior exploration project ahead of schedule. My plan of action was followed effectively and thoroughly. After bidding each staff member goodbye and talking to my mentor about my future plans, I walked out of the congressional office with a smile and a feeling of accomplishment. My final day consisted of helping the staff out with a job fair for unemployed or unsatisfied Delawareans. I talked with multiple representatives of organizations that were hiring including the state police, the air national guard, and the University of Delaware. Over 1000 people attended the fair which took place at the Delaware Tech Dover campus from 9:00 AM - 2:00 PM. It was a wonderful way to end my senior exploration because I was able to interact with many of the Delawareans that support John as well as other political figures such as senator Chris Coons and governor Jack Markell. My mentor and I were both pleased with the work that I had completed and I feel that I now have enough information to give a definitive answer to my guiding question.

The most recent conversation that I had with my mentor focused primarily on what my plans for the future were. The internship has improved on many of my skills that are not only vital to work in a political office, but in any setting. I feel that I have become a better writer. When drafting a press release or responding to a concerned constituent, phrasing is extremely important. It is crucial that every word be considered carefully, and that each statement is intelligent, sensible, and relevant when speaking on a Congressman's behalf. I have also improved the way in which I interact with people in a professional setting. Not only have I worked in an office, but I have also had several conversations with Senator Chris Coons as well as various other officials such as the State Librarian, Annie Norman. Overall, I feel as if I have learned a tremendous amount. There is no doubt that this experience has improved me as an individual. I have gained valuable experience in a possible career field as well as skills that I will definitely use again as I begin to transition into the professional world. I look forward to reflecting further (in my next journal) on the experience as a whole, as well as giving my POL and actually answering my guiding question.

Journal #3 June 7th, 2011

In the six days since I last wrote on the wikispace journal I have been thinking carefully about my experience. I am happy that I chose an exploration which interested and challenged me. I don't want to sound like a broken record, but I really have gained some useful and valuable experience. The structure of my exploration was very helpful in keeping me on task and my skills sharp. Although it was a bit hectic at first, once my mentor gave me my schedule I was able to follow it with the same discipline with which I followed my school schedule. I feel that my exploration allowed for very little downtime. The busier I was, the quicker time seemed to pass. I enjoyed this because even now as I finish the preparations for my POL tomorrow I feel as if I am still in the academic mindset I was in when school finished in April.

I have been able take with me so much from this experience. I have met many different people from Delaware who I may cross paths with again at some point, I now have another reference to put on a job application, a congressional internship to put on my resume for graduate school, and, most importantly, skills that are necessary throughout my professional career. I hope that regardless of what I choose to do with my life I will still be able to remain active in politics even if it is only at the local level. I'm happy that I was able to explore a possible career field and I hope that my POL gives everyone who sees it a true understanding and appreciation of my experience as a congressional intern. [ Very interesting, Brett. I look forward to your final entry. –Mr. E.]