Ann Johnson
Finance and Political Science Senior
Just like many of you, March didn’t quite go as I planned. Due to COVID-19, my internship ended in mid-March and I returned home from D.C. My internship was the highlight of my time in D.C., and I’m thankful to keep in contact with the other interns from my office. Even though my time in D.C. is over, I’m thankful to be safe and sound at home and I hope each of you are doing the same.
I want to thank the Bauer College of Business for investing in the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship. This is such a unique opportunity for Bauer students, and I hope that many of you will consider applying for the program. My time in D.C., while shorter than expected, was a great way to end my undergraduate career and a time of learning, growth and exploring. I’m not sure the next time I will be back in our nation’s capital, but I know there’s a trip to D.C. in my future and I’m looking forward to it.
Noah Kopesky
Accounting and Management Information Systems Junior
I am so grateful for the time that I got to spend in our nation’s capital. I got to take part in two of the most significant events of the 21st century over just a 10-week period. My internship started at 100 miles per hour and did not stop until my last day on Capital Hill. Being able to work directly on the Impeachment Trial and on the COVID-19 initial response is something that I will talk about for the rest of my life.
I was lucky enough to spend some of my last days in DC with my family during spring break. I got to take them on tours that most people never get to see. I had a great time getting to share with them all of the reasons I loved this new city.
I’ve been able to spend my time at home to reflect on my experience and I cannot express how thankful I am for Bauer’s support to make this semester possible. I have a newfound appreciation for public service and will continue to look for opportunities to serve my community. Stay Home. Stay Safe. And Go Coogs!
“Ask not what your country can do for you – ask what you can do for your country” – President John F. Kennedy
Rida Sarwar
Accounting Junior
It’s interesting that I am sitting in Houston writing this reflection on the day that was supposed to be my last in D.C. There was a lot of things that I thought could change my experience, but a global pandemic was not one of them.
I left D.C. over a month ago, when it became clear that it was no longer safe to stay there. This was honestly one of the most bittersweet moments in my life. Previous fellows had told me that April was the month that you realize how much you love D.C., and a last chance to do anything you hadn’t gotten a chance to do. I went through all of these emotions in a couple of days.
I don’t think I realized how I had gotten used to the city, until I had to say goodbye. The morning run to my favorite coffee shop, then catching metro. The spontaneous events I went to where I met people I had only read about or seen on TV. The cold nights, sitting on the rooftop of our apartment reading books and drinking tea with a view of the capital.
As the plane back to Houston took off, I made a promise to myself that I would come back. Its weird how much moving to a different city can impact you. D.C. was one of those experiences that shape your life and who you’re going to be. In the grand scheme, it was two months in another city. But those two months hold some of my favorite memories.
Annaliza Suerte
Accounting Junior
Unexpected and grateful. That sums up my March and overall D.C. experience.
It’s the first week of March and we’ve just about reached our midway point. At this time, I still had a running list of places to see, things to do, and restaurants to try. I was certain that by the end of my expected D.C. stay, I could cross it all off. But little did I know, I didn’t end up having the time I anticipated to complete my lengthy list. Little did I know, I was going to return to Houston that same month.
It’s crazy how life works. All of a sudden, my internship became virtual. Maybe the lunch I had with my managers less than a week before that happened wasn’t a coincidence. Looking back, there’s a reason we scheduled it at a certain time. A check in lunch became a farewell lunch
because it turned out I left the following week. Events happen so quickly and in a span of a week or so, I find myself back in Houston. I’m adjusting to working remotely, getting new projects that are feasible under the new work environment, and communicating with the people in my office in a different way. It was all a change that I didn’t expect, but I’m extremely thankful for the supportive people in my office who permitted me to become the first intern in their office to telework. I’m grateful they entrusted me with the capability to continue my internship and allow
me to still gain a meaningful internship experience all the way from Houston.
Despite the quick turn of events, I’ll forever remain grateful for the opportunity I had to live, learn, and intern in D.C. for a few months. I truly grew from this experience personally and professionally. It transformed my life as I left with knowledge gained, memories made, and relationships/connections fostered. I returned to Houston as an improved version of myself.
Thank you, Bauer College! Thank you for the opportunity to become a part of the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program, a goal I had since my freshman year of college. Thank you for giving me the chance to grow and represent the Bauer College in the nation’s capital. To my professors, peers, mentors, advisers, bosses, past Bauer in DC fellows, Dean’s Office, Bauer Development team, Bauer Office of Communications, Meredith, and Colleen, thank you! Thank you to everyone who helped me along the way and supported me throughout the entire journey. I’m humbled by the opportunity and will always be thankful because this experience is a highlight of my college career.
