Liz Robertson -- House Press Gallery

The United States Capitol is an amazing place. I learn something new every time I go there, and this visit was no different. This is the first time I have experienced both the House of Representatives and the Senate live and in session. Viewing our nation's active democracy first-hand is an unparalleled privilege. I have read in my government text book about how a bill becomes a law, but by seeing the congressmen in action I was able to become an eye-witness of the process. I enjoyed learning about ear-marks and appropriations in congress. These techniques made me realize that a member of congress must not only pass their bill, but fund it as well.

Another great part of Tuesday's field trip was our chance to get a behind-the-scenes look at the job of a journalist on Capitol hill. By visiting both the House and Senate press galleries, I learned exactly how journalists are able to come to congressional sessions to gather information. The element that really excited me was that these journalists come to capitol hill to report on issues that matter in the United States. Government in the U.S. is always changing. Every day our history is in the making. The journalist's job is to distribute this information to the public, to unite people in information by expressing their right to freedom of press. During our class's visit to the capitol and press galleries, my eyes were opened to the important processes and experiences of a journalist's job on Capitol hill.