People of the Polis: The Lifeblood of Democracy

My dad worked for the State of Utah's Public Lands Policy Coordinating Office (PLPCO) when I was a kid. My father's office was at the State Capitol building in Salt Lake City, and every time my family visited him, I was left speechless by the beautiful architecture and rich history behind the building.

I still remember reverently looking down into the busy Capitol Rotunda for the first time, awestruck and fascinated by the hustle and bustle of people trying to make the state a better place. The feeling I had on those stairs near the Chamber of the Utah State House of Representatives would change my life forever. I knew then and there that I would do anything to work in that building.

Nearly 10 years later, I was able to make that dream a reality, and I've now interned at the Capitol twice. My experience interning with the legislature prompted me to pursue a career in public service, and I've had the opportunity to work in and around some incredible public buildings over the past 5 years. Public buildings represent the values that this country was built on: freedom, liberty, and democracy. Public buildings inspire people to be a part of the process. Lastly, and perhaps most important, public buildings remind citizens that each one of them is a part of something bigger than themselves.

This project aimed to capture the essence of some of these magnificent structures. While the architecture and history certainly contribute to their significance, I quickly realized that it wasn't the brick-and-mortar that gave them so much meaning. Experts in my field refer to various concepts, institutions, and rights as the lifeblood of democracy: civic education, free press, free speech, etc. As illustrated in this project, the lifeblood of democracy is actually much more simple than that; it's the people.

I hope that these photos inspire you and make you feel like I felt looking down on the Rotunda for the first time.