After arriving in Washington in mid-August, Olive Guillory quickly fell into a rhythm.

The Texas Tech junior, who is interning this fall in a House Democratic office, worked on the Hill during the day, answering phones and fielding constituent inquiries, and took virtual classes at night. In her free time, she explored the city, visiting the National Zoo, museums and monuments.

Things changed on Oct. 1, when government funding lapsed and House internships were put on pause. The shutdown may have derailed her daily routine, but it also served as an introduction to the chaos that is Capitol Hill.

“It is unexpected, but what I’ve realized working in government is you have to adjust to things that are unexpected,” Guillory said.

It’s an uncertain time for House interns, the cadre of colleg

See Full Page