Living in the Heart of American Politics

Very few people have the chance to work inside the White House, especially at a young age. The experience offered profound lessons in resilience, leadership, and the power of friendship.

Each day, I walked through the gates of the White House complex at 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue NW, greeted by a Secret Service agent who checked my badge and unlocked the gate. The entry process resembled airport security, with an x-ray machine and a magnetometer that occasionally beeped for unclear reasons. After clearing security, I proceeded down the sidewalk of West Executive Avenue, which separates the Eisenhower Executive Office Building from the White House.

Entering the EEOB in the morning, I climbed the Navy Steps and passed through the ballistic doors into hallways reminiscent of scenes from Veep. Arriving before most of my colleagues, I enjoyed a few quiet moments before the day’s energy set in. The EEOB, with its grand French Second Empire-style architecture and towering columns, bustled with activity. It was a stark contrast to the West Wing, which felt surprisingly modest despite its iconic status. The West Wing’s low ceilings and narrow hallways conveyed a quiet, solemn atmosphere, demonstrating the gravity of the decisions made there.

At the White House, unexpected encounters were routine. One day, I might walk by a group of NASA astronauts; another, I might see the President walking to the Situation Room. Over time, I noticed subtle details, like the armored SUVs parked along West Executive Avenue, signaling who was on the complex — perhaps the Secretary of State, the Director of National Intelligence, or even a visiting world leader.

The Eisenhower Executive Office Building itself felt both inspiring and quirky. Beneath its towering columns and ornate fixtures were occasional frustrations: lingering odors, malfunctioning heating and cooling systems, and even the occasional mouse sighting. Ike’s Eatery, the cafeteria, was similar to a small university dining hall. On the other hand, the Navy Mess in the West Wing had better food at a cheaper price, but it wasn’t available to everyone. Despite these quirks, walking through spaces where history was made never lost its novelty.

The sensory experience of working at the White House was unparalleled. The whir of Marine One, the wail of motorcade sirens, and the constant buzz of press crews created an atmosphere unlike any other. Major events like Easter, Juneteenth, Pride, Halloween, Thanksgiving, and Christmas transformed the complex, bringing it to life with more energy than usual. Offices across the complex work together to host celebrations and receptions with the American people, whether on the South Lawn or within the East Wing. Each month, tens of thousands of guests were welcomed, adding to the vibrancy and sense of connection that made the experience so unforgettable.

Secret Service agents await President Biden ahead of his 2024 State of the Union Address

Many people ask about the hiring process. It was as unconventional as the experience that followed: one interview, a few phone chats, extensive paperwork, a background check, a drug test, and an interview with the FBI. After weeks of waiting, I was cleared to work and had to quickly relocate to Washington, D.C. From the initial call to my first day, the process spanned four months — though my full background investigation wasn’t complete until another four months later.

When I first started, I didn’t receive a handbook. There was no guide to navigating the complex hierarchies, traditions, and personalities that characterized the White House. Dropped into a world that operated on a different rhythm, I had to adapt quickly. Acronyms replaced language, territoriality was prevalent, and the chain-of-command culture ran deep. I learned by asking questions and observing others, piecing together how things worked as I went.

After a while, you realize that working in the White House felt like living in a bubble — a world insulated from the broader spectrum of perspectives and experiences outside its gates. Surrounded by colleagues who largely shared the same beliefs and values, it was easy to fall into a pattern of seeing the world through a singular lens. This environment fostered camaraderie and a unified mission but also created an echo chamber effect. Though, despite this dynamic, our shared purpose kept us motivated and reminded us of the importance of our work and the people it was meant to serve.

My primary role was to collaborate with content creators, influencers, and digital media brands to engage new audiences. I had the unique opportunity to coordinate virtual and in-person engagements between creators and nearly any member of the Administration. This extended my portfolio to include the President’s entire Cabinet, as those agencies housed many subject-specific experts. Over time, I helped organize dozens of engagements connecting creators with senior administration officials, both within the White House and across the broader Administration. This work demanded meticulous attention to detail such as crafting memos, coordinating with the Secret Service, and overseeing room arrangements. Mistakes were rare but inevitable, and each one became a valuable learning experience for the next event.

This work encompassed a broader goal of building out a robust influencer program — a first of its kind within the Executive Branch. This program fostered meaningful interactions between hundreds of digital creators, both political and non-political, and senior administration officials, including the President, Vice President, and Cabinet members. What we were doing in the Office of Digital Strategy was groundbreaking and set an example for many other local and state governments, and other federal agencies. It was deeply fulfilling to watch as our work inspired others and came to life, even despite the setbacks.

President Joe Biden walks through a crowd of digital creators at the White House Creator Economy Conference

Our team often collaborated with offices across the complex, which made navigating the workplace culture uniquely challenging. At times, a pervasive sense of superiority among some colleagues created tension and made collaboration more difficult. This experience highlighted the critical role of strong and effective leadership. Fortunately, I had the privilege of working alongside many supportive and inspiring individuals who exemplified humility and kindness.

On the other hand, in such a fast-paced, high-pressure environment, friendships took on a special significance. My work friends became my anchors, offering support, humor, and camaraderie amidst the intensity of our roles. Despite the challenges, we found ways to inject fun into our days — sharing gen-z brain rot, inside jokes, and laughs through the chaos. These moments of levity brought balance and joy to the work, even as the demands of the job sometimes strained connections.

Megan Coyne, Deterrian Jones, and Sam Schmir pose for a picture in front of the White House

For me, maintaining a work-life balance was crucial. I prioritized leaving work at the office whenever possible, cultivating friendships both within and beyond my professional circle. Weekends became essential for recharging. I explored D.C.’s neighborhoods and museums and reserved Sunday mornings for a call with my parents, whose unwavering support meant the world to me.

One friendship, in particular, became a cornerstone of my life — a bond defined by constant communication, shared humor, and deep conversations. This connection became a wellspring of strength during challenging times and a reminder of the value of genuine relationships.

Love in D.C. often felt elusive and I’m sure many can relate. My own anxieties sometimes held me back from exploring meaningful connections. Over time, I came to embrace that relationships take many forms — some destined to remain cherished friendships, while others may hold the promise of something deeper. These experiences shaped my understanding of connection and the importance of letting relationships evolve naturally.

Working at the White House also tested friendships in unexpected ways. My role often became a symbol of the administration, leading some friendships to drift apart. It was a challenging reality to navigate, but it showed me who my true friends were and reminded me that my role was to support and communicate the administration's agenda — not to make policy decisions. This disconnect between perception and reality was further highlighted by the intensity of public opinion, vividly displayed in the protests outside the White House. Chants, signs, and marches — all people expressing their First Amendment rights. While I deeply respected and understood the passion of those protesting outside the gates, I often wished they realized that most staffers, myself included, had very limited influence over high-stakes decisions. The individuals with real decision-making power weren’t walking onto the complex — they were driving in.

We were there to serve a Presidency we believed in, even if our roles were far less powerful than they appeared from the outside. After all, we go into this work knowing that we won’t agree with everything the President does — that’s just part of the job.

Protestors march outside the White House

With that said, working for President Biden was more than just a job; it exemplified the values of character and compassion that transcend politics. Throughout my tenure, I welcomed Americans — digital creators, advocates, and community organizers — to the White House and facilitated their meetings with staff and a President who are all great leaders and also deeply human. Watching President Biden interact with guests, his warmth and attentiveness reminded me of the authenticity that inspired so many to support him. He spoke to people as though he had known them for years, drawing from a lifetime of experiences, resilience, and personal loss. Witnessing these moments and knowing I contributed to connecting him with the public will stick with me for a lifetime.

President Biden greets guests at an Executive Order signing ceremony

Throughout my 652 days at the White House, I experienced extraordinary moments, none more significant than a presidential election. Kamala Harris’s 2024 presidential campaign was unlike anything I had seen before. The enthusiasm, particularly among young people who resonated with her vision for the future was the highest I have seen in a while. But it wasn’t just the youth — it was a diverse coalition of Americans united by hope and energy. I attended three rallies, each with unmatched energy filled with cheers and chants reflecting a collective belief in the possibilities ahead.

Sam Schmir and Megan Coyne pose for a picture at a Kamala Harris rally in Washington, D.C.

Then it all came to an end.

Election Night brought a mix of emotions. As results rolled in, I couldn’t help but reflect on the stark divisions within our nation — a contrast to the insulated environment I had grown so accustomed to.

I couldn’t help but reflect on the moment President Biden announced he would not seek re-election — the last time I felt a similar wave of emotion. The atmosphere at work was somber as if a shared sense of hope had dimmed, replaced by uncertainty about what lay ahead. That feeling only returned when Vice President Harris lost the election to Donald Trump. The weight of that loss was profound, a stark reminder of the resilience required to navigate this environment. These moments of pride and heartbreak underscored the emotional highs and lows inherent in a political appointee.

It took a few days to come to terms with the election results — knowing that America just elected a convicted felon. It was at this point that we knew our futures working at the White House changed.

The transition from Harris’s campaign loss to job hunting was hard. When it became clear we would all be out of jobs by mid-January, the urgency set in, but I couldn’t help but procrastinate. On the night of Harris’s concession speech, President Biden joined a staff-wide call to thank us for our dedication and hard work. His words were a powerful reminder of the humanity behind our efforts and the resilience required to move forward. As he closed with a quote from his grandfather — “Keep the faith” — it felt like both an acknowledgment of what we had accomplished and encouragement to face what lay ahead.

A supporter records Kamala Harris delivering her concession speech at Howard University

As my time at the White House came to an end, the feeling of sadness started to sink in. The final day was surreal, with the office technically closed due to a snow day, nearly the whole office showed up anyway. As I took the elevator upstairs for a final time, I handed in my assets and offboarded. Just blocks away, former President Jimmy Carter’s funeral procession was happening

Walking the White House grounds each day was an incredible privilege, and every interaction with a colleague or guest served as a reminder of the collective effort that sustains the institution. It was not an easy experience, nor one that many can fully relate to, but it profoundly shaped me, especially at such a young age. I gained a deep appreciation for the importance of friendship and the lasting impact of small moments shared in the highest halls of power. I also began to understand the power of self-advocacy — a skill I recognize I still need to strengthen. As I walked through those gates one final time, carrying bags of my belongings, I also carried the lessons, memories, and connections that will forever remain a defining part of my journey.

It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the American people under President Joe Biden.