I was watching MSNBC when an old mentor Mike Viqueira showed up on the screen, and it reminded me of a great lesson he once taught me. I received an internship opportunity after my last year of college to work for NBC (CNBC and MSNBC included) in Washington D.C. I was really excited to spend a few months back in D.C., and prolong getting a “real” job. When I arrived on the scene, I spent a week getting affiliated at the corporate headquarters, and then was off to the White House, Pentagon or Capitol Hill - depending on that day’s duty. My first and very exciting call was to Capitol Hill. I was going to work alongside on-air talent Joe Johns and producer Mike Viqueira. I reported to Mike, and the second I saw him, he said, “walk with me”. (I felt like I was on a TV drama when he said this!) He was on a brisk-paced errand, and while we walked/jogged he pointed out a few things like where the Senate met, the rail system that went under the buildings, etc. About three minutes into our conversation he then started quizzing me. He asked how many congressmen there were? Holy Cow….who in the world knew that off the cuff? I gave him some cutesy answer, to which he was not humored. Then he asked, “who is the current Speaker of the House”? I had heard Newt Gingrich’s name tossed around, and hesitantly answered with his name. Mike asked, “do you KNOW that?” Again, a coy smile that I hoped would soften him — to no avail! He asked a few more questions - none of which I knew the answer to. I literally thought that if I looked really cute, and was very anxious to help that I would fly through this internship with flying colors. He stopped right then and there and looked at me to say, “Why you are here makes no sense to me. Don’t come back until you have some basic knowledge of congress.” Talk about humble pie! I have been able to sweet talk myself through my whole life, and I was finally being called on it.
I went home that night and studied until morning. I was not going to miss another day of my internship. But more importantly, I was going to prove to Mike that I was not just a jokester. I was smart and very capable of being an asset to his team. I went back the next day, and he never quizzed me again, but he knew I had gotten up to speed. I always knew that I had to be in tip top form for Mike, and I really appreciated the lesson he taught me. After that, he allowed me to conduct interviews with congressmen/women, head out to the Pentagon for briefings on my own, and go to the White House for press events. It was a great learning experience and opportunity.
I did not name Scout after the Boy Scouts of America…..however I don’t mind the affiliation one bit. But when it comes down to their motto -Be Prepared- I think that is one of the most important things I can instill in “my” Scout. Whether it is in an economy like the one ahead of us, or in unfamiliar situations, or even in a college internship…..I hope my family and I will always….. “be prepared”.
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