For most of us, the forecasts of snow and freezing rains to come over the four-day weekend were thrilling; however, for me, it was far more excruciating because I was registered to attend a seminar called L’Taken that weekend, a public-policy oriented program hosted by the Religious Action Center (RAC), the legislative branch of the Union for Reform Judaism. Fortunately for me, the snow couldn’t keep me away, and I was able to attend this phenomenal event.

During this four-day event, approximately 300 Reform Jews selected from their synagogues around the country came to Washington, D.C. to study issues regarding topics ranging from abortion to separation of church and state.

Experts from the RAC and other progressive lobbying groups came to speak about several of the polarizing issues that plague America today.

I was able to meet with some of the brightest minds working in these fields, and students who had similar passions to mine- I mean, come on, how many times do you receive the opportunity to meet Minnesotans?

During the tenure of this intensive event, the guest speakers and leaders of the RAC repeatedly referred to what we were to do on the last day of the event, the capstone of this seminar- which was to lobby on Capitol Hill. This gave me mixed feelings, because, as a “local” to D.C., I was familiar with the sights and sounds of the center of the nation’s power, however, I had never actually met someone who was so vital to our country’s policies.

After hours and days of intriguing and thought-provoking seminars, speeches, trips, and meetings, it was finally the night before the big day. It was truly an amusing sight to see 300 kids lying around the lobby of the hotel with laptops and pajamas, but we had to be comfortable, considering we were putting together speeches to be heard in offices around Capitol Hill.

There were many issues we had the chance to lobby for, and during those crucial hours of planning, we had all of the resources and experts on these issues possible, ready to help the participants.

I had the fortune to lobby for an issue that I believed as instrumental to our country’s future, immigration reform; specifically, for the passage of the DREAM Act. After hours of editing, refining, and practicing, it was time to go to bed, and ready ourselves for the main attraction.

Washington looks like an entirely different city from Capitol Hill. Instead of the simple commuter or worker many associate themselves to when travelling around the city, one honestly feels humbled to be in the center of the “Free World.” This is what I found myself thinking at 9 A.M. the next morning, standing in front of the Russell Building, where senators house their offices. A legend states that the reason that the halls, walls, and doors of the buildings located on the Hill are so large is to make its contents feel miniscule. Well, that is certainly what the effects of these places had on me.

After an hour of perspiring, racking-knees, and other symptoms of the “butterflies,” I found myself, with some of my friends from my temple, in the office of Sen. Mark Warner (D-VA). While during the tenure of this excursion, we did not have the opportunity to meet any of the officials representing Annandale, VA, we met key staff members, who have direct access to them.

So, after waiting a few minutes, and more “butterflies,” it was time to work our magic. (Lobby groups are aptly named, by the way, as our group found ourselves speaking to one of Warner’s staff members in the stairwell of the Russell Building).

I was scheduled to speak last, and, before I knew it, I had just completed my first lobby-meeting. It was almost surreal to realize that I might have just had a hand in influencing our nation’s policy on immigration!

The next two meetings we had, with the staff of Sen. Jim Webb (D-VA), and Rep. Gerald Connolly (D-VA), went by in a flash. In Webb’s meeting, we had the chance to meet with two of his members of staff, who gave us their cards and information, while speaking to them in his official staff meeting room.

I was again humbled by the thought that I could be sitting where so many senators of the past might have sat (as officials move offices in Congress after every term, “upgrading” as their seniority increases).

The most fascinating meeting might have been when our group travelled to meet with one of Connolly’s Legislative Assistants, because we lobbied in his personal office. The staff member must have really enjoyed our visit, because she allowed us to sit at his desk, and explore the place he uses to represent Virginia’s Eleventh District!

Throughout this experience, one thought seemed to recur through my mind, was how accessible these staffers and officials were. At almost every turn, the officials at the offices we visited couldn’t say enough about how happy they were that teenagers stopped by their doors. In an age where politicians are accused right and left about disconnecting from their constituents, to hear this encouragement of political involvement was truly heart-warming.

If you have a certain issue you are passionate about, the only things between you and your representative or senator is an appointment! This “congressional” experience will truly be an enduring memory for me, as it certainly changed my perspective on the city I call home.