Mountain Brook grad Hannah Mouyal spends summer on Capitol Hill

This summer, Hannah Mouyal traded 280 traffic for a D.C. commute as an intern for representative Mike Rogers of Alabama’s third congressional district, which includes Auburn, Anniston and Talladega. 

During a typical day, Mouyal answers constituent calls, observes committee hearings and attends daily lectures specifically for interns. 

After work, she explores the shops, restaurants and cupcake stores around D.C. 

Although she does not have much free time to spare, Mouyal has become involved with the National Community Church in Georgetown and attends weekly Bible studies. 

“It’s such a good way to make friends with students my age,” she said. 

Mouyal was very involved in Youth in Government activities throughout high school.

Many of her friends from YMCA Youth in Government programs had interned on the Hill, and after serving as the Lt. Governor for Alabama Youth in Government during her senior year at Mountain Brook High School, Mouyal wanted to experience the capital. 

“I thought I had a pretty good grasp of what our government system would look like,” she said. 

After experiencing the inner workings government firsthand, however, Mouyal has realized that the system is much more complicated than she once thought.

“As constituents, it is easy for us to say ‘Congress needs to pass a bill to fix such and such issue,’” she said. “But I have really gotten to see what all that entails and how, despite the good intentions of our congressmen, it is really easier said than done.”

When Mouyal’s internship ends on Aug. 10, she will head home, pack and return to the city on Aug. 15 to begin studying broadcast journalism and political communication at American University. 

Living on her own in a new city, Mouyal had to adjust to the busy work schedule and learn how to maintain a budget.

“It has been a great transition into the city and college life before I start school,” she said.

Mouyal encourages anyone who is interested in politics and government to apply for an internship with a congressman or senator.