Last weekend was what I'd call my real initiation into the TFAS group. I had missed the first weekend in DC with everyone because I went home for the wedding, so I was excited to be here to get to know everyone outside of class. So... Friday night I did just that. We had a very low-key night with almost everyone hanging out at the Franklin House (one of three building we TFASers live in), and it was nice to see everyone out of their business attire and relaxed. The night ended on the roof of the Washington House (great view of the Capitol, btw) with Josh playing the guitar and people engaging in random conversation. It was really nice. I'm now at the point where I know everyone's name, where most people go to school, and where the majority of them are interning. I'd say that's pretty impressive for having 53 people in the program... eh, eh?
Saturday we had to wake up early for our day trip to Mount Vernon--and I had stayed up way too late the night before, so it was hell getting up. BUT, it was a surreal experience to tour George Washington's house: the slave quarters, the bedroom where he died, the stable where he kept his horses. Everything has been maintained in its original state and it's absolutely gorgeous. His estate covers acres of land and looks over the Potomac River across to Maryland. And there's been no construction or urbanization across the river so as to keep it aesthetically pleasing--they actually turned it into a national park. The coolest part of the house is Washington's study; there was no White House when he was president, so his study served as his "oval office," and his original desk and books are still in the room. There was a small telescope sitting on a table near a window, and the tour guide said it was the one he kept with him during the Revolutionary War, and he'd use it to look out for battles over the river. Too. Cool. The Washington's tombs are also on the land so we got to pass by and pay our respects.
We don't intern on Mondays--so we usually have group events or outings. This Monday we had a briefing at the State Department dealing with the Palestinian/Israeli conflict in the Middle East. We had both a civil service and foreign service representative lead the discussion, and it was really interesting and extremely informative. Was hoping Clinton would stop by:)--but of course she was busy in the Middle East trying to negotiate peace with the two parties. Go her. Not to sound impulsive or erratic, but I think I'd definitely consider a career in civil service. It's noble and rewarding... and I so admired the intellect of the representatives leading our discussion.
On that note--my internship totally has me questioning my path in journalism. It's not a traditional news internship; so far I've covered two phone conferences on health reform, and the writing has been very brief and more-so research based than anything else. I love to write--it's what led me to become a journalism major--but I'm starting to think I may need to dabble in communications and maybe even in public or private service sector to see where I really want to end up. Even so, this experience is priceless, and-if nothing else- it may help me figure out what I don't want to do.
Besides that, this week has been a busy school week! The amount of reading we have for only 3 classes is INSANE. And normally I'd skim--or skip--but I can't get away with that in these classes. It became apparent this week that our professors are extremely conservative (minus my internship seminar prof, who hasn't hinted either way). I don't like to affiliate myself with either party, but I'm clearly left-leaning on most issues, so jokes about 'the right to own machine guns' don't really sit well with me. Needless to say class lectures are interesting, and student opinions have already begun to clash hardcore with the professors'. I love having class with these kids that are so passionate about their politics and take initiative in voicing their opinions; it should prove to be an entertaining and interesting semester.
We had our first quiz/test today in Econ, and it actually wasn't so bad... especially considering our group study session turned into a boxed-wine social gathering that proved to be totally unproductive. Brought me back to the 306 days;)
Yesterday after class I went to Georgetown Cupcake with Krystafer, Erin and Ian and it was DELICIOUS. I got the red velvet cupcake and it literally melted in my mouth. I've never seen the show that features the shop, but it must be a big hit because tourists are out in full force with their cameras, lining up outside (for hours on the weekends) just to get inside. But, I'll admit, the cupcakes are THAT good. I want to send some over to Copey for you Nata!
I think I've gone on long enough--and I really need to get to bed. I've already become dependent on coffee to keep me going in the day--it's my life support. I'll leave you with a few observations I've made as to how DC differs from the midwest, and not all good:
1) Cosi is the east's version of Panera. they love it. 2) There is not a single Jimmy Johns within the 64 square miles of D.C.--they prefer Potbelly's. I WILL be taking a day trip to Alexandria, VA to get JJ's; it's well worth it. 3) Georgetown students dress up for class; we're talking polos instead of t-shirts, khakis in place of basketball shorts, and loafers instead of sandals. Talk about class. and 4) No one knows what a Hoosier is. When I say I go to Indiana University, they think I mean Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Really?
All for now; goodnight friends!
No comments:
Post a Comment