To Make an Impact on This World

To make an impact on this world—Conclusions from D.C.

2009-01-05T08:57:00.000-08:00

One-third of our world lives on less than $2 a day. Over 9.3 million people live in poverty, and nearly two in 10 African children die before their fifth birthday—mainly because of flippant viruses that can easily be prevented. One billion people don’t have access to safe drinking water. Some Indian girls are aborted because of their sex, and other female students in Afghanistan are taken out of school or denied the right to vote because of backward tribal-invented ideas of “woman's inferiority.” And our earth withers away a little more each year because of maximized consumption and minimized conservation.

I named my The Washington Center blog after my goal in life … “to make an impact on this world.”

Simple? Yes. Easy? No. Impossible? So I’ve been told.

To those whose dreams match my own I say choose your cause—the problems are myriad. In my own nation—the epitome of liberty, freedom and equality—over one-quarter of Americans live without healthcare or with minimal coverage under Medicare. The gap between rich and poor grows as citizens flourish wealthily and ignore politics lacking moral reasoning for the common good, simply for pocket gain. Throughout the world, the blessed remain indifferent, and if there is one thing I’ve learned from my education thus far, it’s that this world is very far from perfect. But more importantly, humanity is in dire need of courageous people to care for and confront that which is too often ignored.

I’d found my cause in life—to make some change for good. Yet I also recognized my dream’s greatest challenge: insighting sympathy from an apathetic world. In a sea of blank faces living comfortable lives, how does one go about making an impact or changing anything? I’d been told both friends and family that any effort to promote understanding is a waste of a life. But I learned a new perspective in D.C., and to pessimists, I offer new insight:

During my all-to-brief sojourn in D.C., I witnessed the change a single person can promote. I heard several U.S. senators change their perspectives on the Israeli-Palestinian Conflict, empathizing and supporting true peace after students spoke with them on Capitol Hill. I was there when a group of young professionals from around the world marched on the Indian Embassy, demanding to speak with diplomats and urging the nation to take action against religious intolerance and inequality in India. I spoke with people who dedicated their lives to reducing poverty. I heard strong women speak for their abused sisters in war-torn countries, and Pakistani journalists tell tales of threats and floggings for reporting where closed-minded extremism reigns and government mutes protests.

These were the heroes I met in Washington. All these people taking a risk to promoting a change from apathy to sympathy … true American values in our capital.

My conclusions are these:

For me, it started there on the steps of Washington, where decisions can affect not only 300 million American lives, but the remaining 6 billion worldwide. And to any who say making a difference is impossible, I invite you to come to D.C. where students lobby for change, NGOs show stats and further plans for improvement and IGOs fight tooth and nail for implementation of natural law. Come meet my heroes, the ones making a difference.

As an American living in a democratic system, and blessed with a Constitution that bestows me with freedom, I have the ability to influence social changes for the betterment of our world. Further than the ability, I have a duty to speak and help those who lack my blessed wealth of education, equal rights and a meal whenever I’m hungry. This is my goal… to make an impact on this world.

Yes, politics will always be twisted, and the mass of problems may be discouraging, but turning a blind eye does nothing.

To the pessimist who says promoting change is time wasted, I say “one.” It may take thousands to hold governments accountable and promote social change, but I learned it only takes one to point out the failures of a system. One to question values and suggest adjustment toward morality. One brave person to brave criticism. One person to insight discussion, and one to speak for people to listen. One person to start a lobbying group. One person to give a speech. One person to start a new movement.

And one could be me. Who I help, who I influence—whether it be one or many—makes no difference. A simple change for good eliminates one problem for someone somewhere. Thus, I have decided to return to D.C., where TWC brought me for a short semester.

My impact began on the steps of Washington. And by God’s grace I’ll return.

Thanksgiving saved—a U.S. holiday goes international

2008-12-19T10:25:00.000-08:00

I wasn’t looking forward to Thanksgiving this year. I couldn’t afford a plane ticket home and would be celebrating a day of thanks alone. But I unexpectedly had the best Thanksgiving this fall when I spontaneously decided to host an international thanksgiving feast last week.

I was certain my Nov. 25 day of gratitude would end in tears of loneliness when all my roommates ditched me for New York and home. So—aware that the international students in my program had never had a “Thanksgiving” celebration—I settled on announcing a potluck dinner at my apartment. Everyone in my program was invited to partake in America’s holiday.

To be honest, I didn’t know how the festivities would turn out. I worried my foreign friends also would take a bus to New York or leave to visit Boston or Florida. Furthermore, there was a possibility that the rather large, 15-pound turkey I’d purchased would burn the apartment down, or someone would choke on an eggshell while eating my pumpkin pie.

But I must say thanks be to God … it turned out perfectly.

Everybody came to my party with helpings of their own native dishes. We had the traditional stuffing, mashed potatoes, pumpkin pie and cranberries, but also pasta from my Italian friend, two of the best salads with a Russian twist, some kind of chicken dumplings, stew and various desserts.

My turkey—which I’d actually cleaned, stuffed and cooked by myself—didn’t burn the apartment down and tasted good!

We actually had too much food, and I’m still eating leftovers.

Before we started eating, I implored my friend Ajjo to lead us in Thanksgiving grace. Aware that there were Christians, Muslims, Buddhists, Hindis and agnostics in the room, he was too nervous to offend anyone with a prayer. Yet the holiday, I thought, centers on being thankful to God, not food. God must have guided my words, as I led the prayer for our Thanksgiving feast and everyone joined in! Without calling on names of the “higher power” we believed in, each person contributed what he or she was most thankful for.

In a 25-minute timeframe, sitting around the table, we gave thanks for almost everything I could think of. Students were truly grateful for the opportunity to learn while traveling and experiencing the world, having the education many can’t afford, for past friendships and the new ones we shared, and family back home.

I whispered thanks for my best friend, my Love, back home, then one more thanks for the occasion with my foreign friends—my forecasted Thanksgiving doom turned into the best holiday yet.

Fun and Education in NYC

2008-11-24T09:30:00.000-08:00

Thanks to the Ford Motor Company, our program had a nice fieldtrip to New York City last Monday. We were fortunate enough to tour the United Nations and see the world’s political stage.

Hoping to visit the city for a few days, a few interns and I left for NYC on Saturday before Monday’s event. That being said, “Megabus” might be the best thing that has happened to quick-fix vacations. I only paid $15 for the entire five-hour trip.

Megabus

From the window

Elif snoring

I stayed with one of my “besties,” at the Julliard School apartments at Lincoln Center.

Meet Vicky—my inspiration, my friend

Vicky and I danced for the same ballet company for many years, and it was so wonderful to see my old friend’s smile! Luckily for me, Victoria and her fellow dancers had a dress rehearsal that Sunday. I was invited to observe the performance. We spent Saturday and Sunday night “touristing,” as Vicky calls it, around New York. We walked around Times Square and road the subway down to Southern Manhattan.

Dancing by the Seaport

Chasing the pigeons … I have this odd infatuation with chasing birds and watching them fly away.

We also ate cupcakes at the famous Magnolia Bakery and bargained with merchants in Chinatown.

Cupcakes at Magnolias

Monday morning I awoke excited for what I presumed would be the best programming of the semester. I was right—the UN tour was absolutely amazing.

Here are some highlights:

This picture truly haunted me… look at the fear in that poor seal’s eyes.

This was a peacekeeper memorial for volunteers who died in the cause of duty—God bless their souls.

Articles in the UN Charter

This triangle represents the world’s financial spending: Note, the small pieces represent money given to anti-poverty projects, HIV/AIDS prevention, environmental sustainability, trade agreements or development assistance … the large read portion at the top? Military spending. How sad.

Bred from childhood

The flame of Peace

Disarmament

...And THIS is where is all goes down!!! The United Nations General Assembly. So cool.

Needless to say, I slept most of the way home from NYC exhaustion.

Fresh Air

2008-11-18T08:05:00.000-08:00

This week brought me a breath of fresh air—Grandma and Papa came from Michigan to visit me! The Friday through Monday span was great, and I showed my grandparents favorite spots in D.C.

Some highlights?

Ruth Chris Steak House—Oh, my goodness! I'd never had a steak so tender I could cut it with a spoon. The meal was amazing; but if you go, prepare to throw-down a wad of money for food expenditure!

We visited National Geographic and admired the photos from all around the world. We did the traditional night walk on the mall, respectfully praying in silence at the Vietnam, Korean and World War II memorials. I took grandma to the National Portrait Gallery while Papa spent a few hours in the International Spy Museum.

World War II Memorial

College students playing kickball on the Mall

After Grandma and Papa left, my roommate Annie, Juli and I returned to the Mall to sit at our “spot.” Good ol’ Abe and I are pretty good friends these days! I enjoy sitting between the second and third column to the right side of his “house.” Most tourists sit on the steps overlooking the Washington Monument and the Capitol building, but I’ve found a quite, vacant spot on the outskirt of the Abe’s memorial.

Hey, Abe! … Who is this dude beside me?

The spot. Chilin'

The weekend was great to take my mid off work and school demands. In fact, I dare say things are starting to wind down. (Knock on wood!!!) I have one more Arabic class and about three more scholarship applications due, but for the most part, I’ve entered into a breathing time! So, if I could live through the past five weeks, I can take on the next four in wrapping things up here in D.C.

"Thanks, Mr. Chair"

2008-11-11T06:30:00.000-08:00

Last weekend I attended the Model United Nations-D.C. conference, representing the Philippines in the U.N. General Assembly Plenary. Located at the School for Advanced International Studies at John Hopkins University, I spent about 25 hours of the weekend in a small room crammed with over 60 people representing states around the globe.

States

“Thank you, Mr. Chair, and welcome fellow delegates. The Philippine delegation moves for a 35 minute caucus to enable working papers clear progress before closing the Speakers’ List. Thank you.”

I couldn’t believe students actually used the formal and flowery language of the U.N. At first if was hard not to laugh; but after a few hours “the fluff” became second nature.

Terrorism, Africa’s development and migration were the topics of debate—though the GA Plenary focused mostly on terrorism. Siding with the island nations and the South America block, my allies drafted a working paper proposing a stronger hand on Norco-terrorism. Relying on the sale of illegal drugs such as poppies or cocaine, a great number of terrorist groups stay afloat solely because of drug trafficking funds. Our anti-Norco-terrorism bill called for an internal organization for stopping and enforcing stronger regulation on narcotic trafficking.

Aleksey and Annie

But our paper had a second point that would drastically effect our first proposition: Recognizing the main reason why poor farmers resort to growing illegal drugs — the great influx of money to feed their malnourished families — we called the new organization, along with participating states, to help fund farmers with subsidies. Subsidies for the poor encourage the growth of legal crops by allowing poor farmers to actually make a living. Resultantly, the farmers would need not resort to growing and selling illegal, harmful narcotics to make a decent living. Therefore, the production of narcotics used for funding terrorism would drop, hindering terrorist networks.
Lastly, our working paper called for that which any powerful state demands—totally respect of state sovereignty. To keep nations happy, we stressed that the newly proposed organization would be voluntary.

Our working paper passed the GA by a 2/3 vote!

After partaking in the mock-UN conference for a mere three days, I can easily see why people get frustrated in large international inter-governmental organizations: lack of cooperation among self-interested states, limited time and no political will for compromise. It’s discouraging when nothing gets done! Yet the UN truly is one of a kind. It feeds millions of the 930 million people currently living in poverty. Its agencies house refugees in times of struggle and serve as a peacemaker for vying nations. When and where else would people of such separate agendas and interests come together for the common good of mankind?

Speaking of the U.N., my program will be traveling to New York City in two weeks to visit and tour the actual United Nations in southern Manhattan. Needless to say, I’m siked!!! Stay tuned for that entry in two weeks!

Roomie talk—politics, advice for life and brownies

2008-10-27T06:28:00.000-07:00

I’ve covered my internship; I’ve covered my fun. But I’ve left out a critical and perhaps most important aspects of my stay in D.C. — I owe a shout-out to my roomies.

I actually met two of my three roommates prior to my arrival in Washington. About a week after my acceptance into the Ford Motor Co. Program, I received a random “friend request” on my Facebook from a girl in Michigan. Annie, I discovered, was in the Ford Program. Chatting online about potential internship placements and D.C., we had no idea we’d be stuck living together.

From my college experiences, I know that most new acquaintances are shy, or stay calm and collect at first introduction. But when I first walked in Apartment 1601, Annie jumped up from her chair and hugged me in welcome. She was as bubbly as I was (although I remain “the ditzy blond” of our apartment). With an obsession with the Legislative Process, a passion for singing and an outspoken attention-demanding voice, I found an immediate accord in Annie’s energy and thoroughly admired the respect everyone seemed to give her. Annie’s knowledge of domestic politics and reasoning for her strong democrat alignment not only educated me in the explanations behind particular liberal positions, but helped me further define my own political nook—agreeing and disagreeing with her values.

Whether I need a laugh after stressing from homework, or simply boyfriend advice, Annie is always there with open arms … literally. When she knows I’m upset, she just looks at me and opens her arms for a hug. It actually makes me laugh. I guess she’s taken on the “mom” role for me in D.C., and for her advice and encouragement, I owe her so much.

Now in regards to my focus in global politics and international relations, I couldn’t have been better blessed with another roommate beside Elif. If I have a question about international politics, I go to my Turkish friend Elif. After picking her brain with questions, Elif has patiently shared her thoughts and knowledge on international hardball and cross-religious disputes. She knows, and supports her loyalties with vigor passion—I’ve learned a great deal.

As an American Turk, she’s brings … well let’s just say a breath of fresh air to any argument. But what’s even better is her ability to joke. Unlike many who get stuffy at being picked on, Elif actually makes fun of herself all the time. Witty and sarcastic, she can laugh at almost any joke. She’s obsessed with the color pink, sparkly jewelry and garlic. Should I add high maintenance? For that I call her amelah turkeea … “Turkish Princess” in Arabic. She calls me feelee … in Arabic, “my elephant.” (This truly captures our jokingly abusive relationship.)

Speaking of cultured people, might I add that Annie is half Hispanic and my last roommate, Krystara, is Native American? Along with “Blondie,” I’m the culturally-deficient, plain American and bland one of the group. (They laugh when I say this.)

Krystara hails from Washington state, she’s a Macaw Indian … AND she wears feathers (only for ceremonies, but we like to highlight that detail). We call her Buttercup — but don’t ask me why. Annie just started calling her Buttercup our first week in D.C. Krystara is going to school for physical therapy, and is definitely the calm, collected one of our group. She’s sugar sweet, and I honestly don’t think I’ve ever seen her angry.

Cooking Dinner

To paint greater detail of our group, I added a list of pictures of our favorite things:

Midnight anti-stress brownies

See, we’re all interns, students and also community volunteers. Thus, we’re ridiculously busy, and consequently, we stress. This often means sleepless nights, worrying about getting everything done! But never fear … I simply make brownies from scratch at 1 a.m.

Eating “giant pizza” at Adams Morgan

Obviously, we love to eat! But this pizza might dominate all other foods. I want one right now.

Laptops

They might be our favorite tangible things. Yes—most definitely. The only sad thing is we don’t ever leave them alone, and computers, email, research, news Web sites and Facebook dominate our lives. Too bad I recently broke my laptop and have to buy an entirely new one! Any suggestions on branding? I’ve been “computerless” for about a month!

Head Under Water

2008-10-20T08:06:00.000-07:00

I normally keep a busy agenda—but in the past two weeks, I’ve been struggling to say afloat with this hectic and demanding schedule.

Beside my internship, Monday programming and Thursday night classes for my program, I’ve taken advantage of D.C.’s various volunteer opportunities. Since I love to write, and I’m looking to get the most experience possible, I took on the position of editor for the Ford Motor Company Global Scholar’s newsletter. Entitled “Care for the World,” our tri-semester online newsletter features articles by the Ford Fellows regarding international affairs, government and the U.N. Millennium Development Goals. As editor of the newsletter, I collect and recruit students to write about their passions or concerns. I edit drafts, compose my own articles and send them to my advisor to be put on the Ford website. (View “Care for the World” at www.twc.edu/ford!)

Outside of our program, I joined an Israeli-Palestinian peace advocacy project. Every other Friday night, about 15 students and I get together to study the on-going conflict and prepare ourselves for lobbying. In late November, we’ll be on Capitol Hill talking with Senators and Reps., pushing for a two-state solution and pre-1967 borders in the region. Firstly, however, our group stresses the discontinuation of Israeli settlement expansion. The conflict is very twisted and so deeply rooted, built up from years without a bona fide agreement for peace. And the longer the solution is put off, the greater hatred is propelled. Actually, it’s very sad: a resolution should have been made years ago. If something isn’t done soon, I fear an escalation that will bite Palestine, Israel and the U.S. in the butt. To prevent an all-out “holy war,” we need a solution now.

Speaking of the Middle East, I think it’d be cool to mention I’m currently taking Arabic class in D.C. as well. Upon learning that Arabic was considered one of about 10 “critical” languages for businesses and government relations, my roommate Elif and I set out to find a beginning Arabic class in Washington. We visited the Middle East Institute in early September to inquire about classes. The next thing I knew I was enrolled in an eight-hour per week intensive language study. Since mid-September—and continuing through early November—I spend about four hours on Saturday and Sunday in a five-person Arabic class right off Dupont Circle. The very first day of class, my teacher claimed Arabic was easy to learn. “You write what you hear, and there are no tricks like English,” he said. Posh! It’s anything but easy. The sounds are different; you have to lean a new alphabet and the four ways to write each letter, so on so forth. It’s difficult, it’s intense, but I thoroughly enjoy studying the language.

Although I’m currently in a worried state, with my head under water from too many plans, I couldn’t/wouldn’t give up any activity for free time. The newsletter allows me to write about things I care about, and help other students enjoy the same expression. The advocacy group is a cause I feel very passionate about, and the group is something I wouldn’t have found in my hometown. It’s a civic engagement I couldn’t find anywhere beside D.C., and for that I’m grateful for the opportunity. Likewise, I don’t regret signing on to Arabic classes. Although I’m probably the slowest learner and last to pick up new words in our class, I recognize the language will further my career and allow me to engage studies of the Middle East as I haven’t before.

The Internship

2008-10-13T09:34:00.000-07:00

From my past few entries, you might think I’m on a vacation—sightseeing, attending galas, frolicking around D.C., etc. But I don’t want to mislead you. My schedule is anything but lax, and today I’ll highlight my work at my internship.

I chose to intern with the U.S. Department of Commerce’s International Trade Administration for two reasons: The first was to get a taste of public service or government work. The second reason was to further my writing skills in the Commercial Service’s Office of Communication and Marketing. Before I accepted the offer, my supervisor assured me I’d actually be writing—not answering phones, making copies and opening mail. He’s kept his promise, and with my choice I’ve been content.

A typical day:

I leave for the Metro at about 8:10 a.m. each day and return around 6 p.m. The bulk of my work is writing press releases for new embassy or office openings, announcing important events, or featuring companies and new contracts between American businesses and foreign firms. I’ve written about eight press releases used at U.S. embassies abroad including the countries Oman, Brunei, Libya, Cyprus and Nicaragua. The press releases are sent to the State Department, checked for any factual errors (hopefully none), translated into the desire country’s language, then shipped to our embassies and sent to the nation’s media. Consequently, I can’t read a single word of the final product’s translated pages.

My supervisor also has me writing success stories for businesses that have exported, witnessed a great increase in annual sales, hired more employees and therefore contributed to the local economy.

Last Thursday I worked with a specialty vehicle, manufacturing company in Ontario, Calif., writing a press release on a recent bloodmobile sale to Qatar. Upon getting the story and learning of the company’s great success, my simple press release draft turned into a two-day event honoring the firm. The city mayor agreed to highlight the new company’s simultaneous contributions to California’s economy and Qatar’s healthcare. I finished the release on the company, its latest sale, local employee growth and even wrote the speech the mayor used to present the award (speechwriting is a first for me!). Now the Secretary of Commerce is considering presenting a Department award to the same company.

My internship has been great. But since my tasks focus on international business, veering from my personal focus on international affairs and diplomacy, I’ve been using my out-of-class time to absorb the international political arena. I attend events, sit in on committee meetings and listen to speakers at least once a week.

So far I’ve heard Senator John Kerry (yes, former presidential candidate) grill newly appointed ambassadors to Turkey and Libya in a Senate Foreign Relations committee hearing; I’ve listened to five Pakistani journalists tell their stories about the challenges of reporting amongst death threats, religious extremism and a strict, regulatory government; I’ve listened to one political analyst’s thesis on Romanian minority language suppression; and I’ve attended two debates regarding the future of U.S.-Iraqi occupation.

Beside the events, Monday programming with The Washington Center has also enriched my knowledge in international affairs. For example: Last week, the Ford Fellow interns and I had breakfast with the Brazilian ambassador to the U.S. He talked about his country’s success and future challenges in meeting the Millennium Development Goals, and answered any questions we had regarding Brazilian policy.

The Brazillian Ambassador to the U.S. ... and the Ford Girls

Each Monday members of the Ford Program hear lectures represent the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, environmental stability activists or Africa’s development. We’ve also visited non-profits such as Bread for the World, headquartered in D.C. James Clyburn, House majority whip, motivated us last Monday to find our “nook” in the world, focus our passions and make a difference.

I feel like I’ve had a little piece of everything, yet there is still so much to do. I’ll cover more next week.

Cinderella for a night

2008-09-24T13:01:00.000-07:00

Last Monday, I was Cinderella for a night—the dress, the gala, the whole shebang. But whereas Disney’s princess was looking for a prince, my eyes searched for potential “contacts” for networking.

My roommate and me at the gala

The Washington Center holds a black-tie gala to promote the internship program’s mission and gain more support each year. I was one of about 15 students honored to attend. The evening event took place at the Newseum, which only recently re-opened from renovation. It was gorgeous! The museum, dedicated to print and broadcast journalism, flaunted large glass windows, terrace balconies and six floors of activities relating to broadcasting and print media education. I—a journalism major—had a blast! I even got to broadcast in front of the White House! Well … more like pretend to broadcast in front of the White House. But even for the “everyday, non-journalism public,” the Newseum was surprisingly entertaining.

Broadcasting at the Newseum... "brought to you from the White House."

"I know of no human being that has a better time than an eager and energetic young reporter." With this, I concur....

The highlight of my night, however, wasn’t the museum.

Business owners, Congressmen, broadcasters and TWC alumni gathered in their evening-best. Four students presented achievement awards to Bob Schieffer, CBS News broadcaster; Brain Lamb, founder of C-SPAN; James Clyburn, House majority whip; and Texas Senator Kay Hutchinson, fourth-highest ranking Republican senator. Taking note that each person around me sipping chardonnay was a potential contact, mentor or employer, I turned on some serious networking radar!

I met the senior director of federal government affairs for Comcast, the communications manager of the Ford Motor Co.’s Hispanic Association on Corporate Responsibility, the president of government affairs for Ford and some of my sponsors for the Ford Global Scholars program. Although I’ve basically set my mind on public service, that night I learned a great deal about the basics of “Corporate America” and the benefits of working in international business. The Ford Program sponsors told me that, as a Ford Scholar, I have an advantage for a future job with their company. Whereas I thought they’d be only interested in engineers or business sales reps, it turns out they need writers, communication majors and people interested in international relations. I’ll have to give the possibilities some additional thought, but I definitely plan to contact the people I met again soon.

The Gala

As for the rest of the night—the food was excellent; I enjoyed dressing up; and I was very amused when my roommates presented awards on the HDTV screen (I lovingly laughed at them). After the event, when the waiters were beginning to clear the dinner tables, my Russian friend Aleksey decided he had to save the centerpiece flowers (the waiters were throwing them away). Long story short—my friends and I returned home carrying heavy vases of green roses. I spilled the water on my dress … several times, actually. But for a short few days, while the flowers remain alive, I have a souvenir from the evening mounted on my dresser.

Flower Saving Friends

What a fun night.

The D.C. List

2008-09-16T10:58:00.000-07:00

“Hi, Mom!”

I’ve made a list, front and back, of things to do while living in D.C. Although my stay is fifteen weeks long, I bet I’ll be lucky to accomplish half of my list! Time is flying too fast, and already I’m a third done with my stay.

On my first Sunday in "The District," I ventured to Georgetown by myself. I walked the Potomac waterfront and wandered through the John. F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Downtown Georgetown is incredibly well off, flaunting fancy stores and pricey restaurants with outdoor patios. There were tons of tourists—snapping photos like myself—and lots of young people dressed in eclectic, vintage clothing. I presume most of them hail from Georgetown University, which sits in the mist of the area’s hustle and bustle.

Kennedy Center

This is Bonnie Pickard, principal ballerina and friend, who trained under the same director as I did in Dayton, Ohio. Seeing her on the marquee in D.C. made me smile… someone who fulfilled her dream.

I empathize that loneliness is perhaps the worst feeling a person’s life. But there was something about my first Sunday in D.C.—exploring alone, journaling in random places, going wherever I felt like going—that really sparked my excitement. Thus, I’ve dedicated Sundays to myself. I’ve vowed to spend the day meandering through another part of the city each week to do or see one of the many things on my list.

So far I’ve checked off the following on my list:

Two of the Smithsonians

The National Museum of Natural History was educational, more like a biology review lesson than a museum. Looking at stuffed animals, however, got old after a while… at least for me. My favorite part was the dinosaurs! Can you imagine actually seeing one of those monstrous creatures roaming around our earth! Crazy.

The National Portrait Gallery was amazing. I can’t wait to take my mom! She’s loves to draw and paint, and I thought of her much of the time. Looking at the paintings of our presidents and most infamous and revered leaders throughout history was another review lesson. This time I brushed up on my history. Beside each caption was a short summery of the featured person’s accomplishments for our nation. I saw Tomas Paine, author of Common Sense; Oliver Henry Perry, famous Navy office and I think one of my ancestors; Emerson; Poe; Hawthorn; Harriet Beecher Stowe; good ol’ Abe; Katherine Hepburn; and even a 10-foot painting of L.L. Cool J. The famous from every decade were there in painting, if not in spirit.

I highly recommend the folk gallery as well. I spent two hours wander the corridors of the museum… but only saw the first of three floors! Guess I’ll go back, but I’ll wait for my mom.

Last Sunday I visited Chinatown after Mass, but I didn’t know which of the ga-zillion Chinese restaurants I should choose for lunch. After wandering the streets and knickknack shops for a time, I settled on a small Chinese café with a “$6.99 lunch” sign in the window. The exact minute I sat down, Billy Joel’s Piano Man began to play. At that moment I knew I’d chosen correctly. I ate lunch while reading a book…fabulous. It was the best.

Stay tuned for more Sunday exploration…

Urban Rules

2008-09-10T15:36:00.000-07:00

So I’ve leaned my first lessons these past two weeks:

Urban rule #1: Keep an umbrella on you at all times! My first glance at D.C. and Capitol Hill was, in fact, from under an umbrella. In the simmering late-summer heat, it was rather refreshing; but the glorious moment of coolness didn’t last long after the bottom of my jeans soaked up water to my knees. Nonetheless, I got to see my Capitol — or at least a taste of what’s to come.

This picture was from the first day of orientation, and those people are just a few of the group of about 20 people in my program.

The rain couldn’t get me down… Just look at this!

Urban rule #2: Ride the right side of the escalator, and walk the left. Don’t stand on the left and chitchat, or you will be yelled at by the bustling locals who are either A: late, or B: grumpy because they don’t want to go to work.

Urban rule #3 (and perhaps the one I’ll have a hard time with): Realize that most people don’t smile, and get used to it. Someone once told me that smiling takes more energy because it utilized the face muscles and is not the relaxed position. What a sorry excuse! I didn’t realize what a difference one random glace, one smile can make—not until every person looks pissed-off or grumpy.

It makes an unusual difference in my mentality, an unusual downfall. That’s not to say, however, that it’s all “doom or gloom” in The District. On the contrary, its just makes those who do smile and open doors seem all the greater.

Urban rule #4: Don’t eat on the metro. Now, originally I figured this rule was more of a “guideline.” Besides, who would enforce it? Old grumpy women pointy umbrellas will enforce it! Or at least that’s what happened to me. My stomach was rumbling when I rode home from the grocery last weekend. I took one bite of my banana, and the next thing I knew, an old lady hobbled over (all the way from the back of the train car) to lecture me! I have to admit, I was more amused than guilt-ridden by her mother-like scolding.

Urban rule #5: Comfortable shoes are a necessity. And high heels, ladies, have consequences. This one I definitely learned the hard way. After a few days of stilettos, I almost had as many blisters as I did when I danced (in pointe shoes) 30 hours a week. Bring comfy shoes to change into after work.

Enough said for now. Cheeers!

Getting Started

2008-09-08T08:49:00.001-07:00

It’s going to be a ridiculously crazy, incredibly busy and absolutely demanding next few months with The Washington Center—then again, that’s nothing new in my habitual day-to-day schedule. As an individual with an almost too proactive personality, I sometimes feel worthless or guilty while watching a weekly dose of one to two hours of television. Seriously—there just is no time!

My experience with TWC kicked off with a two-day orientation, and thus far, I’m very pleased with my decision to spend a semester with this internship program. My advisor in the Ford Motor Company Global Scholars Program, Andrey Gidaspov, outlined our plans for the coming weeks, which are jam-packed with everything from politically famous speakers to community service. (Details to come …) As he listed and described all our major activities for the semester, I once again realized how this program can be a major asset to students’ futures—that is, if they have the initiative and ambition to see and seize the opportunities presented.

I’m confident that I have both.

And this online journal—hopefully—will serve as a witness to my accomplishments and growth from my internship, classes and networking in the D.C. area. I’m certain my knowledge and experience will vastly grow throughout this semester, further shaping my interests and maybe at the end of these 15 weeks, I’ll actually have a career plan! That is, one career plan instead of 100 career plans. One of my best friends at home and I joke around that we need five lives to accomplish everything we’d like to accomplish in this one life.

On that note, a little bit about me: As a double major in political science and journalism, I want to do everything—politics, international development and advocacy, write for print, religious studies, work for an IGO, work for the government, become fluent in four languages (or just two?), travel, study other cultures … the list goes on. Unfortunately, I can’t seem to focus my concentration in one area, and it becomes problematic when I have too much ambition and not enough tailored energy. One wise business woman at an event in my hometown of Dayton, Ohio, said we (anyone) can do everything we want to do—the trick is WHEN to do it, and not pursue all at the same time. I need to take a lesson from her, and I’m hoping D.C. will give me an idea where I should focus my energy and long list of interests.

But don’t worry … I’m not all work and no play! This passing week—before my internship with the Dept. of Commerce, speakers, programming, classes and volunteer work begin—I tried to visit as much of D.C. as possible. Catch my next blog, and you’ll see I took a ridiculously over-the-top amount of pictures! I also will blog some D.C. lesson’s I already have learned … the hard way, might I add. Then again, I do most things wrong before I get them right, so nothing new in my case.

Cheers!

Me in front of one of the Dept. of Commerce buildings

A Time to Fly—written from seat 7A, bound for Washington D.C.

2008-08-27T08:06:00.000-07:00

I look to my right out a circular window—the day has not yet dawned, and bright beams wave alongside flickering lights that speckle the early morning night. To my left, somber-faced businessmen in suits strap themselves to their seats and shut their eyes without a second glance at our stewardess. She talks aimlessly about emergency evacuation procedures…and I also tune her out. But unlike my fellow flightees who now are sleeping with boredom, I can’t imagine a day when flying cross-country becomes second nature—not like these longtime professionals. Right now I’m on edge, feverously scribbling these thoughts on notebook paper and trying to contain my excitement.

I’m off to Washington D.C., a place where I’m told I can establish and secure my future as a public servant to The People…

I don’t think anyone can match my giddy energy. Wait… never mind—I wrote too soon. I did find perhaps one other who rivaled my enthusiasm while waiting at the terminal before I boarded this plane. Sitting at the gate, listening to rerunning clips of Hilary Rodham Clinton’s Democratic Convention speech on the TV above me, I heard a loud and rather high-pitched squeal coming from my right. Followed by the rumble of staggering footsteps from what appeared to be a 3-year-old boy, I watched as he peddled his way to the window behind me. He climbed up on the chair two seats beside me—all the while muttering “ut, ut, ut”—and stood on the chair to see that which I merely glanced over: the Continental airplane parked in the hanger just outside the window behind me. I thought his eyes would pop out of his head when he squealed again, only this time I was ready for the screechy sound.

As the newcomer oohed and ahhed at the plane I looked to see where he’d run from—a young couple with their hands full, directing two other young children (or trying to…). The mom rushed over the isle to grab the little boy, smiled apologetically at me and I just laughed. How could I not? The little boy could barely say “awpwain,” and yet he was clearly one of the happiest creatures in the entire airport.

Why do I write about him? Because I’ll never forget thinking how his excitement reflected my own. Going where no one knows my name, nor of my existence, I too am seeking a greater view. He peers through an airport window; my eyes turn toward the future and some unidentified dream…something that can give meaning to my life…something that will help me help this world in some way, shape or form. God willing, I’ll find my place to do just that.