Olivia Wisecup seeing 'history as it happens'
Lead Summary
By
Caitlin Forsha-crforsha@gmail.com
A local teenager has gotten the chance of the lifetime – the opportunity to serve an Ohio congressman as a page in Washington, D.C.
Olivia Wisecup, the daughter of Joe and Sharon Wisecup of the Greenfield area, is currently working as a page for Rep. Steve Austria, a Republican who serves the 7th Congressional District.
The 2008 presidential election piqued the interest of Wisecup, a McClain High School junior. Inspired to learn more about the political
workings of the country, Wisecup decided in June to look into a position with the congressional page program. She started calling the offices of members of Congress across the state and was thrilled when the 17th office she called – out of the 18 congressional offices in the state – accepted her offer.
Wisecup started orientation Aug. 30 and has been adjusting to the hectic schedule. Her days begin at 6:45 a.m. in the Library of Congress, where she attends school until Congress convenes. During the day, she says that she runs errands between office buildings, carries papers around the floor, and enjoys the opportunity to “see history as it happens.” Her work days usually end in the early evening, but Wisecup said that pages are encouraged to work as late as they are able. Having to work all day leaves little time for homework, so Wisecup is dealing with the issue of time constraints.
“It’s different [from her previous schedule as a high school student],” said Wisecup. “You have to manage your time really well.”
Wisecup is getting an extra challenge in her daily activities – her politics are more liberal than Austria’s. “It’s weird having a different opinion.”
Wisecup adds that watching reactions from both parties during the speeches and open sessions she has attended has been interesting.
As a student at McClain, Wisecup said that she served on student council. She said that at this point, she is not sure if she wants to work toward a career as a political leader, but she is hoping that her job as a page will help her decide. “It seems pretty crazy,” said Wisecup on the challenges of working as a government official. Despite all of the challenges of her job, Wisecup is enjoying her duties as a page so far, and her parents are supporting her in her efforts. “It’s tiring and exhausting, but it’s a very good experience,” she said.[[In-content Ad]]
Olivia Wisecup, the daughter of Joe and Sharon Wisecup of the Greenfield area, is currently working as a page for Rep. Steve Austria, a Republican who serves the 7th Congressional District.
The 2008 presidential election piqued the interest of Wisecup, a McClain High School junior. Inspired to learn more about the political
workings of the country, Wisecup decided in June to look into a position with the congressional page program. She started calling the offices of members of Congress across the state and was thrilled when the 17th office she called – out of the 18 congressional offices in the state – accepted her offer.
Wisecup started orientation Aug. 30 and has been adjusting to the hectic schedule. Her days begin at 6:45 a.m. in the Library of Congress, where she attends school until Congress convenes. During the day, she says that she runs errands between office buildings, carries papers around the floor, and enjoys the opportunity to “see history as it happens.” Her work days usually end in the early evening, but Wisecup said that pages are encouraged to work as late as they are able. Having to work all day leaves little time for homework, so Wisecup is dealing with the issue of time constraints.
“It’s different [from her previous schedule as a high school student],” said Wisecup. “You have to manage your time really well.”
Wisecup is getting an extra challenge in her daily activities – her politics are more liberal than Austria’s. “It’s weird having a different opinion.”
Wisecup adds that watching reactions from both parties during the speeches and open sessions she has attended has been interesting.
As a student at McClain, Wisecup said that she served on student council. She said that at this point, she is not sure if she wants to work toward a career as a political leader, but she is hoping that her job as a page will help her decide. “It seems pretty crazy,” said Wisecup on the challenges of working as a government official. Despite all of the challenges of her job, Wisecup is enjoying her duties as a page so far, and her parents are supporting her in her efforts. “It’s tiring and exhausting, but it’s a very good experience,” she said.[[In-content Ad]]