Salman Al-Luqman
Finance and Supply Chain Management Senior
Hello Bauer,
I hope you all are having a great semester. I am so honored to share the unforgettable experience of being a part of this year’s Bauer in D.C. cohort.
During our first week in D.C., we had the privilege of exploring the city with Colleen, our favorite D.C. local. We toured the Capitol Building, ate gourmet subs, and had our first taste of the snowy D.C. winter.
After the first week, we were left to fend for ourselves in an unforgiving, highly bureaucratic city. Just kidding. Everyone I have met, from the security guards in the Smithsonian museums to ex-congressmen have been welcoming and genuinely excited to speak with students.
I look forward to what the next three months hold in store for me and my fellow fellows.
Salman submitted these photos:
Hamzah Ansari
Accounting and Finance Junior
Arriving in the capital three weeks ago was an expectedly surreal experience.
Our first week was spent basking in the grandeur of the Capitol and National Mall, as well as the historic and scenic areas of Georgetown and George Washington University. Our capital was built and planned to be just that, and it exists in stark contrast to the industrial yet lovable landscape of Houston. In that manner, feeling comfortable and settled seemed almost impossible, especially when a 20-minute walk east from our apartment led us directly in front of the Supreme Court.
Thankfully, a more thorough exploration of the city, and closer interactions with its inhabitants revealed the subdued yet vibrant and diverse nature of the D.C. Metro area. The men and women in this town, everyone from the operator deep in the subway to the congressman walking the halls of the Capitol, are just like those found in Houston and elsewhere in the country.
Our common sense of freedom and ambition unites us all, and there is nothing that makes myself and my fellow Bauer students feel more at home.
Hamzah submitted this photo:
Ann Johnson
Finance and Political Science Senior
When I think back on the last three weeks, it’s a wonderful mix of new beginnings, adventures and places. Moving to a new city is always exciting, but there’s something about moving to Washington, D.C. that means so much more. I’m constantly in awe of the history, culture and power that surrounds me.
I started my internship two days after we arrived, and I have enjoyed learning more about the processes and people behind our federal government. In addition, I have been able to meet other great interns from across the country. As much as I love my internship, my favorite part of the day is walking home and seeing some of the nation’s most iconic buildings basked in the sunset.
In my free time, I have explored some of the Smithsonian’s, including the National Portrait Gallery, Freer/Sackler Gallery and the National Archives. I have also had a chance to visit Ford’s Theater for a show and continue to explore the different restaurants and coffee shops in the district. So far, D.C. has exceeded my expectations and I can’t wait to see what we do next.
Ann submitted these photos:
Noah Kopesky
Accounting and Management Information Systems Junior
The first month in the capital has been one of the best experiences during my time at Bauer. These four months are the first time that I have lived away from Houston, and so far, the experience has been incredible. I do miss family, friends and good Tex-Mex; but the district really is larger than life.
I am one of the many great students from around the country who has the privilege to work on Capitol Hill throughout the semester and I have loved every moment of it. My office has given me an inside look at the most significant trial in the past 21 years. It has been an extremely fast-paced environment and arguably the craziest first two weeks an intern has ever experienced.
While bureaucracy tends to have a negative connotation around a business school, it really has been an honor to be a part of something bigger than myself these last two weeks. I am excited to continue learning, networking and developing skills for my future career over the coming months. I could not be more grateful to the College for giving me this opportunity and I will continue to make the most of it.
Noah submitted these photos:
Rida Sarwar
Accounting Junior
The first thing you notice when you get to D.C. is that everything moves a little bit faster. In Houston, the heat slows you down. But the cold air here means either get moving or freeze.
The first couple of weeks here have consisted of taking in the city and trying our best to fit in with the locals. Rule #1? If you’re on an escalator stay on the right if you want to stand or stand on the left if you need to run down.
In-between trying to figure out this city and getting to know each other, the six of us have been hitting the best food spots, coffee shops, and museums. Some of my top museum recommendations would be the National Museum of African American History and Culture and the National Portrait Gallery.
The past couple of weeks have been amazing. Getting to know all about the Capitol and the treasures it holds has been an incredible experience. I can’t wait to see what the city shows me next.
Rida submitted these photos:
Annaliza Suerte
Accounting Junior
Adventure. That sums up my January D.C. experience.
Since my internship hasn’t started yet, these past three weeks are filled with adventures. From exploring the National Mall, to visiting Georgetown, every day is a day of exploration. I’ve visited various Smithsonian museums, the District Wharf, ate delicious food, participated in D.C. Restaurant Week, and drank lots of coffee from local coffee shops. As a Boba addict, I definitely miss Chinatown in Houston and the plethora of Boba shops on every corner. However, the coffee shops I’ve been to definitely satisfy my caffeine craves. Maybe by the end of the semester, I’ll turn from a Boba addict to a coffee lover.
Ultimately, I’m ecstatic about the opportunity to live in D.C. this semester and I’m extremely grateful for the unending support I’ve received from the Bauer College. While January may be a month of adventure, I’m looking forward to learning and gaining valuable knowledge throughout the next few months as I embark on my internship journey.
Annaliza submitted these photos:
