Postcards Home: Legislative intern German Baquero on what happens when you work too hard

Hello again, UAA,

I apologize for not sending another postcard sooner, but my work in the Legislature has grown substantially and I find almost all of my week occupied with it on top of my seminar assignments. I wanted to write because a lot has happened and it's good to tell a little about it all.

First, some serious news

First, a rather personal matter. A couple of weeks into my internship, I was hospitalized while working in the capitol one evening. I felt chest pain and high anxiety, and was taken by ambulance from my desk to Bartlett Regional Hospital. The good news is I am perfectly fine, it was really just some high acidity mixed with high anxiety.

The bad news was that I had high anxiety. That's what I really wanted to share with you. After that experience I realized that I was getting too stressed with work. And even more embarrassing, I believe my anxiety was affecting my work. That was hard for me to accept.

So, I want to tell you two things. One: This internship isn't easy, but it shouldn't take you where it took me. And two: Try not to be high-maintenance for everyone around. People will help you, but they can't take care of you. Don't be paranoid you're not doing a good enough job, but do treat the internship as a job.

A couple of days after my hospital visit I talked things over with my supervisor. I knew what I had to do to succeed. I kid you not, a week later she told me I improved 500 percent!  Since this happy turn-around, I wanted to share some of my more recent experiences that I think were in enhanced as a result.

Meeting inspiring Guy Benson

Before my hospitalization, I actually had the chance to meet Guy Benson at a dinner/lecture hosted by the Alaska chapter of Americans For Prosperity. Benson, a 29-year-old political pundit, already hosts his own radio show, guest appears on other syndicated radio talk programs and contributes to CNBC and FNC. He also made Forbes' Top 30 under 30 for 2015. After listening to his speech, I had the chance to snag a photo with him and appreciate a small conversation about a mutual friend. I really appreciated meeting such a successful young person only seven years my senior.

A seminar visit from Sen. John Coghill

A couple of weeks ago, as part of the legislative internship seminar, my professor Glenn Wright invited my boss, Senator John Coghill, to speak to us about Alaska statehood, the U.S. Constitution and the Alaska state constitution. Not everyone in the room agreed with all of his views or all of his politics. Still, I, along with virtually everyone in the seminar, agree that it was one of the most memorable conversations we'd ever had. Our lecture lasted more than two hours.

In that time, we discussed the structure of political institutions in the state, how a legislator adheres to his or her own principles, what to be most aware of in Alaska politics, and even personal anecdotes about the Senator's life from his draft days during the Vietnam war, to living in the rural England and later Germany, and then coming back in the 1970s to see the aftermath of ANSCA from his perspective.

He was a wealth of knowledge. The legislative interns talked about that lecture for more than a week!

Sadly, while I have no pictures from that seminar evening, I do have a special one; me with the Senator and four his eight legislative interns.

Touring the Sikuliaq

On a non-political note, I had the opportunity to tour the scientific ship known as the Sikuliaq, a world-class research vessel funded by the National Science Foundation and operated by UAF. While the ship can operate anywhere globally for any kind of research, its home port will be Seward. It will travel north to gather arctic data. I'm afraid I forgot to take photos of it inside but I did snag one of its hull!

I have one last recent experience I'd like to share that I'm quite proud of. Last week I testified before my very first legislative committee. I spoke on two bills I was carrying as an intern (real bills!). I answered questions before members of the state Senate. It was an exhilarating experience and I'm told from everyone around me that I did an exemplary job for my first time.

And finally, a big victory

The story gets better though. A few days later, I was informed that the bills I testified on would be moved out of committee the following week. Then an hour after hearing that, I came back to my office to earn that my bills would move out of committee in five minutes! I was summoned by the committee to answer any last-minute questions. I had about 30 seconds to prepare my binders and race over. Five minutes later, I successfully cleared the two original bills out of their first committee. I'm told that experiences isn't uncommon. And once again (not to toot my own horn), I was told by all around me that I did well, acting on my feet faster than I ever have before. I tell you this not to make you get nervous, but to say if you get this opportunity, it can be an unforgettable moment.

I'm afraid that's all I have now for you all, but I have a feeling that there will still be more twists and turns on this roller coaster. I hope to send you a little more as the legislature begins to wrap up. Thanks for listening, and Go Seawolves!