A Bit About Me

WASHINGTON, D.C.

A city enveloped in history and rich tradition, where almost every corner boasts the "first" something or other. As the center of the dynamic American political scene, the Federal City is also a vibrant urban center where groves of fresh-faced, smartly dressed interns can be seen milling about the congressional buildings under the hot summer sun. This complex interplay between old and new, history and progress, and tradition and innovation is what makes the city so enthralling and surreal.

This is the backdrop of my next four weeks as an intern with the Cook Political Report.

When I found out several months ago that I got this incredible internship with the Cook Political Report, it did not seem real. In fact, it still didn't feel real when I was frantically packing the night before. And even as I make my way to work every morning, I seriously have to pinch myself to believe this is all really happening to me. (It could have something to do with the fact that I pass in front of the Capitol Building every morning on my way to work...crazy, I know.)

For those of you who don't know me that well, my name is Aly Neel and I am going to be a junior in the fall at Louisiana State University. I am a mass communication major with a concentration in political communication. I am fascinated by politics and love analyzing the psychology, strategy and trends behind it all. So, having the chance to work with a non-partisan online publication that analyzes elections and voting patterns and is respected by both sides of the political arena (aka the Cook Political Report) is absolutely unbelievable.

As I said a second ago, my trip here is rather brief. So, in order to get as much as is humanly possible from this wonderful experience, I have set the following goals, to which I am binding myself for the next 28 days. (As anyone who has ever met me knows, I am a major goal setter and to-do list nut.)

Goal 1: Glean as much as I can from this incredible internship opportunity, including real work experience in the field as well as learning all that I can about political research/analysis at the Cook Political Report.

Goal 2: I refuse to let a single day go by without doing something new and adventurous (which my first few days have already proven won't be too difficult!).

Goal 3: Make new friends and meet incredible people!