SENATE PAGE PROGRAM |
HOUSE PAGE PROGRAM |
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST
GREEN HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS Julia Tsarnas (2019) It is impossible to quantify the great privilege of being a United States Senate Page. I was fortunate enough to be sponsored by Senator Portman and I would highly recommend this program to anyone interested in government, law, or politics. It truly was a once in a lifetime opportunity, as I worked alongside other teenagers from across the country to maintain the day-to-day operations of the United States Senate. What makes the Senate Page Program so unique is that they throw highly opinionated high schoolers from distinctive backgrounds and beliefs onto the Senate floor and then tell them that they can’t talk about politics at work. Of course, this is an entirely necessary policy to maintain order in the Senate chamber, but it doesn’t take away from the irony of it. My duties as a Page consisted of delivering legislative correspondence, acting as a messenger for government officials, taking roll call votes, setting up the Senate floor for session, getting water for senators, and many more simple, but important tasks. It was absolutely exhilarating to observe the Senate in session and even hold doors open for senators that I look up to. Before arriving in Washington, D.C., I was nervous the political differences between my sponsoring senator, Senator Portman, and myself, would cause discomfort. Instead, I was welcomed with open arms and I was pleasantly surprised to witness bipartisanship first-hand. Senators crossed the forbidden partisan aisle to co-sponsor legislation on combating the opioid epidemic, an issue that is very close to me as I have worked on the City of Green’s Drug Task Force. Not many people get to separate the politician from the person, but you get to see both sides as a Senate Page. In addition to working together, the Pages also lived together at Webster Hall. During our tenure as Pages, our cell phones were confiscated and we had little contact with the outside world, contributing to the immersive experience. Needless to say, we became inseparable as we compensated for our time away from modern technology with contentious debates on controversial issues such as reparations, climate change, gun control, and immigration policy. It was such a valuable experience to meet other politically-minded individuals and I consider some of them my closest friends to this day. To be quite frank, this is a job that I would have worked for free. Not only do you get virtually unlimited access to the U.S. Capitol Complex, but you also get to explore the beautiful city of Washington, D.C.. However, do not forget that this is a job that requires a great deal of self-discipline and respect. If you are considering applying for this program, I would recommend that you get as involved as possible in local organizations that interest you to help strengthen your application. The benefits of the Senate Page Program are numerous: it undoubtedly helped me in the college admissions process, gave me experience in networking, and left me with some amazing friends. Above all, the experience itself is life-changing and it has inspired me to pursue a career in public service. I hope that others from Green High School will have the opportunity to serve as a Senate Page and undergo this transformative experience as I have. |
TESTIMONIALS FROM PAST
GREEN HIGH SCHOOL PARTICIPANTS |