Senior Ekaksh Bansal spent a month on Capitol Hill among college students drafting memos, sitting through closed-door hearings and relaying information to Congressmen for hours every day.

But the journey to get there began with Quiz Bowl.

“When I was a freshman, I talked to a guy in Quiz Bowl named Arjun Badi,” Bansal said. “He recommended me to apply to this internship at a congressional office. He did tell me that it was super competitive, because you’re competing for spots against college students, but he said that if you show that you’re interested in the (internship), you’ll have a good chance.”

So when he heard about it again in January this year, he decided to apply. The application process was arduous.

It was his first time writing a cover letter and resume, all while juggling junior year homework, tests and sports.

“I wasn’t really expecting anything much, given that I was competing against college guys,” Bansal said. “But I got it, and I was really excited.”

He flew out midway through June and spent four weeks under congressman Pete Sessions, who represents the Texas 17th Congressional District.

This district ranges from Waco all the way to Nacogdoches in East Texas.

“He’s a more senior member of Congress,” Bansal said. “He has a lot of influence, to say the least. Being in the area puts you in the environment of policy, because it happens right there. The fact that a lot of the meetings take place in the Capitol building helps you learn.”

For Bansal, who’s wanted to be in government policy since he was a kid, the experience was a massive step towards his career goal. He is grateful to have had the opportunity to experience it.

“If anyone is interested in policy or government in general, then I 100 percent recommend it,” Bansal said. “It’s definitely not something a classroom can teach.”