Pages find inspiration, not smut, on Capitol Hill

I WAS AFFORDED the privilege to serve as a page in the U.S. Senate during the spring of this year. While there are 30 pages in the Senate, the House of Representatives has 65.

Page duties are interesting and the schedule is challenging. For example, we often were needed to obtain a podium or a chair for debates, or to deliver messages and packages within the Senate and House or to other office buildings on Capitol Hill. Although Sen. Daniel Akaka sponsored me, I ran errands during the time I was a page from January to June for any senator who needed help.

My experience as a page was inspirational and has had a significant impact in developing my self-confidence and enhancing my admiration for the governmental process.

I found that e-mails to pages are filtered and treated with a high-security priority; actual e-mail addresses are kept confidential. Senate pages are not allowed to send or receive attachments in their mails.

Before going to Washington, D.C., I was briefed about the rigorous academic and challenging work schedules that pages must handle. And, of course, there were times of homesickness for the 16-year-old pages. However, the six adult proctors and a handful of assistants strictly supervised us in our dormitories and always had an "open door" policy for any problems and concerns that arose among the pages.

From the start, all the Senate pages learned about the tight security in the nation's capital, and were constantly reminded never to walk alone no matter where we were. We also had to adhere to strict curfew rules in the dorm where we were housed. This strict environment was tempered by the excitement of sharing time with our nation's most powerful men and women.

Recently, I have followed the media's account about former Florida Rep. Mark Foley, who resigned amid reports that he had sent sexually explicit e-mails and other messages to a congressional page. I am shocked and distressed. My fellow pages feel the same way, and we discuss the fact that his actions, if true, are sordid and create a negative image for our government and for an outstanding program for America's youth. During my months with the page program, my friends and I never perceived a hint of any promiscuity among the congressmen and their pages.

Students selected to be pages are usually intelligent, well-rounded and interested in the political process. I found my colleagues to be independent and mature beyond their 16 years. We treasured every moment of working with our governmental leaders.

Furthermore, we find it ironic and sad that a member of the Caucus for Missing and Exploited Children is accused of acting in an inappropriate manner with a page. As a Senate page, I was never warned to be cautious with any members of Congress or other individuals associated with the program.

The page program has strict rules and guidelines, and I always felt protected and safe. Interaction between senators and pages was limited to casual greetings and arms-length business. Personal cell phones were not allowed.

My fellow pages and I are quite concerned about the future of this worthwhile program, which provides an incredible experience that inspires America's youth to become involved in the political process.

Juliana Ho, a senior at Sacred Hearts Academy in Honolulu, served as a congressional page during the spring of this year.

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