Courtesy | Carly Moran
This summer, I lived a double life.
During break, my responsibilities included cleaning up people’s messes, answering various questions, declining requests, and cleaning up messes again. Despite the similar responsibilities, I was in fact working two very different jobs: one as a janitor at a sports club and one as an intern for the Kevin Kiley for Governor campaign.
When it came to both of my summer jobs, I had no idea what I was signing up for. I remember my first day as a janitor, staring down at a shower drain riddled with an unknown goop. Sucking in a breath, I reached down and chucked it into the trash with my gloved hand.
I had thought that I would be a receptionist, but once I was hired, my training was less about answering phone calls and more focused on spraying ammonium chloride.
My campaign internship had an unexpected start as well. I had been trying to work at California Assemblyman Kevin Kiley’s office for a few months but had been unable to due to the pandemic. Known for his humility and listening to the people well, he had everything I was looking for in a politician.
I remember attending the local rodeo with my family when he made a surprise appearance to present a plaque.
“I think he’ll be my boss one day,” I said, unaware of how soon that would happen. About a week later, he announced his plan to run for governor.
I reached out to his campaign manager, who told me he had a job for me. When I called him that night, I expected to receive instructions on phone banking. Instead, I was pleasantly surprised.
“How would you like to be Kevin’s campaign scheduler?” I heard across the line.
Of course, my answer was an immediate yes. Eventually, I left my janitorial job, and the internship became my sole responsibility. In stark contrast to my previous work, I spent my time speaking with high value donors and planning events.
Just three days before my departure to Hillsdale, I attended a gubernatorial debate, where I met Kevin Kiley. I stood in the crowded dressing room at the historic Guild Theatre, a clamor all around me.
“Is there enough water?”
“This needs to be livestreamed on Instagram.”
“Carly, give me your hand. We need to test his foundation, and you’re both pale.”
And, leaving the room in silence, “He’s in the parking lot. Get ready.”
Before I knew it, he was standing right next to me, looking focused to the point of frigidity. The campaign team flooded out of the room, leaving just the two of us and his stylist.
As I silently panicked about my sudden introduction, he was panicking about a wrinkle in his tie. I guess we all get nervous.
Using my improvisational skills, I asked if there was a hair straightener, which I’ve used to iron my clothes before. There wasn’t, but they appreciated the tip for next time.
The serious atmosphere seemed to fade, and we all began to laugh a little. Despite the initial setback, Kiley stayed calm during the debate and used the most statistics. Even after an angry protester broke into the building and images of the Ford’s Theatre assasination stirred in my mind, the three candidates kept their cool and continued as planned.
After the debate and after wading through a flood of journalists, Kiley, curious to know how we thought he did, joined us as we walked to our cars. He asked if he spoke too quickly after his rapidfire responses at the Nixon Library became a statewide joke.
We said his pacing was fine, and he asked if he had sounded too monotone.
“No, and it was sponsored by NPR, so if anything, you’d fit right in,” I said.
He laughed and impersonated a radio host before asking where I was going to school.
“Hillsdale College,” I said. “Political economy, most likely.”
“That’s a great school. It’ll be interesting to see what you end up doing.”
I thanked him and went home that night feeling fulfilled.
My first job, though difficult, had taught me perseverance and how to think on my feet: the very skills that made that debate night possible. As my internship continues virtually at college, I look forward to what’s to come. Maybe next summer I’ll be a receptionist and work for the governor. Not a bad promotion.
