Lena Ousvatova, from Rockville’s German sister city, Pinneberg, was out and about around the city as an intern in March, learning all about Rockville’s government. Lena arrived on March 2 and was scheduled to spend time with different departments of Rockville City Hall, as well as with District 3 Montgomery County Councilmember Sidney Katz and District 17 state Sen. Cheryl C. Kagan.
We asked her a few questions to get to know her. We hope you had a wonderful visit to America, Lena!
Where are you from?
I’m originally from Russia (Saint Petersburg) but since 1999 I’ve lived in Germany, in Pinneberg (sister city to Rockville), which is close to Hamburg.
How long will you be here in the U.S.?
It’s my first time in the U.S. and I’m here for a month.
Tell us a little about how you came to be an intern with the City of Rockville.
I had the great opportunity last summer to help organize the 60th anniversary celebrations of the Rockville-Pinneberg sister city relationship. In this context, I met Rockville’s City Clerk/Director of Council Operations Kathleen Conway, Mayor Bridget Donnell Newton and many other incredibly nice and lovely people from Rockville. My interest in the work of government in our two cities was quickly awakened, and I came up with the idea of asking if an internship might be possible, and now I am here after a long time of planning.
What will you be doing while you’re here?
Kathleen and many others have taken so much care of me. I have the great opportunity to talk to employees from different departments. I can meet people and learn more about the way of life here. I was in New York one weekend and in museums in Washington, D.C. I also will have the opportunity to participate in many meetings of the city on many different topics.
I would like to thank everyone for the friendly reception. It’s great to meet so many great people and a wonderful opportunity.
To learn more about the Rockville Sister City Corporation, visit www.rockvillesistercities.org.