One Step Closer to Chasing Ambulances

I finally landed a high-paying summer internship; and it's about time. This past Monday was my first day as an employee of the Federal Government - Social Security Administration.

My job seems interesting so far. Basically, when an individual is denied disability benefits through SS, they can appeal that denial. When they appeal, a Federal administrative law judge decides whether or not to grant them disability benefits or to uphold the denial. My job is to review cases and write memorandums for the judges, who review all cases for western New York.

For the entire first week of the job I am doing nothing but reading a three inch thick stack of papers covering Social Security law, and already I know more than I ever wanted to about SSI and disability benefits. The attorney supervising me promised to help break up the monotony of studying in a cubicle all day; so this morning I am supposed to begin attending claimant hearings with the judges and attorneys so I can watch the proceedings.

It's funny how opportunities in life can appear out of nowhere. One day I am sitting on my couch eating cereal playing my Gameboy; the next day I am being paid to work for the Federal Government studying and writing legal memorandums. On one hand it's reassuring to know that I landed this job, but on the other hand it's a bit depressing to recognize so much of life comes down to random opportunities that may or may not break your way.