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When I first stepped foot into JAC’s Highland Park office, I felt slightly taken aback: as I opened the door, instead of seeing the generic, sterile office environment that I expected, I was greeted by a wall of holiday cards from friends of JAC and Members of Congress from across the country. Walking around the office, every room is covered in campaign posters, JAC memorabilia, and dozens of photos showing JAC in motion over the years. As I sit at my JAC desk writing this column, I count 31 posters, pictures, and pins decorating the wall immediately in front of me.
It soon became clear to me that these decorations were there for a reason. Just as a home is adorned with portraits of family members, this office is filled with pictures of JAC’s family – a constant reminder of our mission and who we are fighting for every day.
In the two short months I’ve spent at JAC, I have been made to feel like a part of a team of dynamic change-makers, but also a member of a family. JAC’s warm, welcoming environment is unlike anything I have ever experienced. Each day I am impressed with JAC members’ unwavering passion and dedication to their mission.
Last Friday, I was honored to join a small, intimate lunch meeting JAC hosted for Sen. Sheldon Whitehouse (D-RI) in downtown Chicago. From the moment Sen. Whitehouse entered the room, the ambiance felt more like a family reunion than a business meeting. Sen. Whitehouse has had a close relationship with JAC over the years, and I could feel the depth of this friendship on both sides.
He offered a unique perspective on issues of concern to me and JAC members. It was an unforgettable moment for me to be able to have a frank and open conversation with a Senator. Sen. Whitehouse spoke with a passion and frankness that I have never seen from a politician. He felt comfortable discussing his views on controversial issues, the challenges facing our country and his hopes for our future. Sen. Whitehouse didn’t speak to us like a politician normally does to voters; instead, it felt like a dinner table discussion with family. JAC prides itself on the relationships it builds with the candidates it supports, and I was privileged to see that for myself.
As my time at JAC draws to a close, I leave feeling more inspired than ever to remain engaged in the fight to improve the world. I hope to encourage my friends to join me in this effort.
JAC has forever strengthened my faith in our ability to make change. My internship is ending, but my political activism is only beginning. I look forward to remaining a part of the JAC family for years to come.
Ryan Jankelowitz
2023 JAC Summer Intern
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