Stephen Dagadakis, intern for Rep. Jim McDermott (D-Wash.) 21, likes politics so much that he gets a charge out of sitting through his congressional budget class.

Since his arrival in Washington in January, he has spent his days as any good intern does — giving tours and answering phones. He doesn’t mind the tasks in the least, saying that they give him the true experience and “sense of the atmosphere” on the Hill.

Interning for McDermott isn’t his first foray into politics. During high school, he interned for a member of his local county council. Dagadakis also worked at the Human Interface Technology Lab in Seattle.

After work, happy hour isn’t the most sensible option for Dagadakis, considering he takes classes through Claremont McKenna College at night. “It would probably be a bad idea,” he says.

On the weekends, Hawk ’n’ Dove is his choice: “I find it interesting how they have the two bars here. It’s a good atmosphere.”

His G-rated activities of choice include taking in performances at the Kennedy Center and hanging out with friends around the Mall.

Dagadakis has one year left in college, and after that, like a true politician in training, he’s keeping his options open: “The potential is open for politics, economics and government.”

Ultimately, he says, he plans to do “whatever gives me the best chance to help make a difference.”