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[Congressional Record Volume 158, Number 118 (Friday, August 3, 2012)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Pages E1442-E1443]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]

TRIBUTE TO YOUNG STAFF MEMBERS FOR THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS ON BEHALF OF THE 
                      37TH CONGRESSIONAL DISTRICT

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. LAURA RICHARDSON

                             of california

                    in the house of representatives

                        Thursday, August 2, 2012

  Ms. RICHARDSON. Mr. Speaker, each year about this time I rise to 
recognize the wonderful young men and women who have contributed a 
substantial amount of work to my office. Members of Congress know well, 
perhaps better than most, how important it is to have such exceptional 
young men and women working towards our nation's future.
  We know this because we see them and benefit from their contributions 
every day. Many of them work for us in our offices as junior staff 
members, congressional fellows or interns. They do amazing work for the 
constituents we are privileged to represent, and are a vital part of 
every aspect of this establishment.
  Although the United States has experienced some hard times in recent 
years, I simply have to look to the eager and idealistic young staff 
members and interns in my office to know the future of our country is 
bright and our best days lay ahead.
  These are the people who toil in obscurity, but who willingly and 
happily jump at every task they are given because they know they are 
serving a great purpose.
  Mr. Speaker, I believe there is no higher calling than serving your 
country. That is why I ran for public office. When I was six years old 
I dreamed of becoming a public servant when I grew up so I could help 
others. As the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King once said:

       Everybody can be great because anybody can serve . . . You 
     only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love.

  This rings true for a number of great young men and women who served 
as volunteers this year in my office. Their contributions to the 
constituents we serve are deeply appreciated and I wish to acknowledge 
them. They are: Ashley Guill, Ashley Bobo, Aliya Wishner, Quentin 
Scott, Anna Bartels, Tara Karoian, Lilit Rostomyan, Amanda Osborne, 
Monique Morgan, Sarah Birk and Francisco Guerra.
  Mr. Speaker, the infusion of energy, intelligence, and idealism young 
people bring to their internships in my office and those of my 
colleagues helps keep our democracy vibrant. The insights, skills, and 
knowledge of the governmental process they gain from their experiences 
will last a lifetime and prove invaluable to them as they go about 
making their mark in this world.
  This is why I am so optimistic about our country's prospects for the 
future. As Margaret Mead said:

       Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed 
     citizens can change the world. Indeed, it is the only thing 
     that ever has.

  These particular young people I have had the honor of getting to know 
have displayed extraordinary talent, quality, commitment and energy in 
their time in Washington. Their initiative and drive have shown me that 
in time,

[[Page E1443]]

they will assume the responsibility of leadership.
  Mr. Speaker, if these young men and women are a representation of the 
future, I know our country will remain a nation of fairness, equality 
and greatness for generations to come.

                          ____________________
```