Lauren Lewis surveys the marble steps of the U.S. Supreme Court building as she joins the crowd forming one summer morning.

The junior finance major and her friends anxiously awaited the 10 a.m. start of court.

They eventually entered the Supreme Court building’s courtroom for the historical King v. Burwell ruling on June 25. The ruling upheld subsidies created by the Affordable Care Act.

This experience served as a highlight of her summer internship in Washington, D.C. in local Congressman Ralph Abraham’s office.

Lewis and her friends arrived at the Supreme Court around 4 a.m. The court only allows about 30 people into the courtroom, so lines form early.

Once inside, Lewis said they all seemed to be on the edge of their seats with anticipation.

Lewis said the courtroom was “much smaller” than she pictured but called the architecture beautiful.

Little did Lewis and her friends know that the Supreme Court would rule that day on the Affordable Care Act before they heard the word “healthcare.”

“Immediately, everyone sat up a bit straighter,” Lewis said.

When the decision came to uphold the act, reactions varied from sighs of relief to defeated slouches. Though it didn’t go how Lewis or Abraham had hoped, they recognized the significance of the ruling.

The court released after only 30 minutes. Lewis recalls seeing Fox News and CNN, watching people celebrating, banners flying and items handed out.

Lewis said the experience opened up her eyes and was the “cherry on top to be in the middle of all this.” The Supreme Court also ruled on same-sex marriage the next day.

She said her experience sent her home more involved in politics.

“It’s something I definitely can’t let go of,” she said.

Lewis encourages students interested in similar opportunities to network and apply.

“Stay politically involved and just do your job as a citizen,” Lewis said.

Though Lewis learned gained knowledge of how the federal government operates and office procedures, she said she also learned about herself.

She said tasks such as calling constituents improved her communication skills. Lewis enjoyed the action of the front office more than the back office side that included bill write-ups and research.

Lewis says she still stays in contact with Abraham since her internship.

“Congressman Abraham is doing an incredible job in D.C. I’m very impressed with how he took in the millennial voice,” Lewis said.

She wants students to get involved as they are the next generation that will take over.

“If we’re not educated in politics, we’re not going to be able to change the world like we want to,” Lewis said.

Abraham often sought Lewis and the other interns’ input. They served as voices of the millennial group, which he calls “an up and coming voting force.”

“I let my interns participate in the legislative process where they can see firsthand how our nation operates,” Abraham said.

He said Lewis brought in a “different perspective” than his office is used to seeing.

Abraham says those interested should apply online. His office takes interns in the summer, fall and spring semesters.

When not in the office, interns go to seminars, conferences, committee meetings and more. Of course, Lewis’ ventures took her all the way to the Supreme Court.

Abraham said it was important that Lewis was “part of that history” during the ruling.

“I was so glad that she was able to be a part of that in the courtroom when that decision came down,” Abraham said.