The Stennis Center for Public Service is a bipartisan, bicameral federal legislative branch agency created by Congress in 1988 to promote and strengthen the highest ideals of public service in America. One of the Stennis Center’s specific duties outlined by Congress is to “foster a sense of civic responsibility among the youth of the United States,” which is straight from the Stennis Center’s enabling legislation (P.L. 100-458—Oct. 1, 1988; Subtitle B). Public Service Review allows us to do just that – attract young people to public service – by sharing young people’s reflections and experiences in the public service sector through professional or volunteer opportunities. 

We created this journal to showcase and influence the important and substantive work carried out by our nation’s youth in local, state, and federal government entities and nonprofits across the United States and beyond. This special edition of Public Service Review introduces you to nine new voices who share their unique experiences as interns in the epicenter of American democracy – the United States Congress. 

This edition of Public Service Review features reflections from whom we believe have some of the most valuable roles in Congress; congressional interns. In this edition, we feature reflections from former interns Alexandra Dorotinsky, Adam Duffy, Amanda Guilardi, Catherine Lawson, Owen Rosenberg, Alex Siegal, and Jaydn Smith, who provide their individual perspectives on the congressional service experience. Additionally, Anna Zmistowski continues her conversation with Tom Daffron in Part II of her interview that explores his extensive tenure on Capitol Hill and the value of national service. 

Public Service Review is a place for talented young leaders to tell their stories in the hope that readers will benefit and learn from these reflections and to encourage those interested in a similar path and others interested in public service. We hope these stories will inform and inspire readers of as we all work toward a better future. We are especially honored to feature the voices in this edition of Public Service Review and are proud to work alongside such inspiring young leaders in the halls of Congress.