Memoir | Hired as a Messenger | The U.S. Supreme Court | Part II of VI

Once I passed through the rigorous security screening at the Supreme Court entrance, I found myself sitting in the waiting area. I was enveloped by an atmosphere of eager anticipation as I prepared for my upcoming job interview.

Finally, the moment arrived when an escort appeared and guided me to a conference room where the interviewer patiently awaited my arrival.

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To my delight, I was offered a position as a Messenger for 30 days at the U.S. Supreme Court.

A messenger is responsible for delivering legal documents and messages between various offices within the Supreme Court and outside organizations and agencies. We must ensure the timely and accurate delivery of important information while maintaining confidentiality and professionalism.

While I had hoped for a permanent job, I couldn’t help but feel grateful for the opportunity, especially considering my lack of college education or prior work experience.

Without wasting any time, I began my work the very next day, so after the job interview, I spent most of that day at the Supreme Court, filling out the necessary onboarding paperwork.

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Among my colleagues, a group of diligent messengers were engrossed in the study of law. And then, there was me, an odd peg in the sea of legal eagles.

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One moment stands out in my memory from my time at the U.S. Supreme Court. I was assigned the task of delivering a message to Chief Justice William H. Rehnquist’s chamber, which led me to the area where all the Supreme Justices’ chambers were located.

As I walked along the corridor adorned with a long red carpet, the silence of the surroundings engulfed me.

During this walk, I unexpectedly encountered Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor. We exchanged pleasantries, and she inquired if I was studying law. I humbly admitted that I was not and that my role as a messenger was only temporary.

In response, Supreme Court Justice Day O’Connor kindly suggested that I explore employment opportunities at the Rayburn House Office Building, as they were known to hire interns frequently.

Grateful for her advice, I thanked her profusely and shook her hand before hurrying off to deliver the message to Chief Justice Rehnquist’s chamber.

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After completing my work for the day, I dedicated the entire evening to researching the U.S. Capitol Hill complex, eager to expand my knowledge and understanding of the area.

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With just a week remaining in my 30-day tenure at the Supreme Court, I decided to take Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor’s advice and apply for a job at the U.S. House of Representatives, specifically at the Rayburn House Office Building, Personnel Office.

A surge of excitement and determination coursed through my veins as I embarked on this new job pursuit. I yearned for a chance at a full-time position that would liberate me from the confines of the projects and the stifling rules imposed by my mother.

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A surprise came in the form of an enticing offer from the Personnel Office at the Rayburn House Office Building!

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(Copyright © 2025 by Mia Z. Edwards. All rights reserved.)