A common attitude among interns on Capitol Hill is “I’m here to serve.” Maintaining that attitude in your 30s, when daily duties might entail the menial tasks of sorting mail or distributing the morning papers, could be problematic.

But not for Kristen Gray.

“You come here to serve your congressman and, indirectly, your people,” said Gray, a part-time intern in the office Rep. Brad Sherman (D-Calif.). “I look at it as a privilege.”

Gray took the internship one year ago after her acceptance to George Mason University as a transfer student from Southern California. She now lives in Virginia with her husband, Madison, and balances two days as an intern with part-time studies as a government and international affairs major.

Her duties have evolved from sorting mail to coordinating tours of the city, particularly for visitors from the congressman’s 27th district. Gray generally enjoys her duties and finds that “it’s a good place to learn the dynamics of how the legislative branch works. It’s totally different than theory or books.”

Gray appreciates this non-academic perspective on legislative government. She plans to attend law school after she graduates from George Mason and is drawn to international or humanitarian law.

Outside the office, Gray is an avid decorator and reader. She relates her own story to the protagonist of the latest book on her nightstand, Michael Gates Gill’s How Starbucks Saved My Life.

In his memoir, Gill recounts his move from a high-powered, high-paying corporate position to working behind the counter of a Starbucks café. It is there where he finally finds happiness.

Gray said she and the author share a passion for interacting with people. She also relates to “being content in whatever place that you are.”

For the moment, she says, that place is Sherman’s office.