Alexander Nguyen
This upcoming Saturday will officially mark 2 months of living in D.C. for me. Since my last blog entry I have learned a couple of things:
- Washingtonians are not as hardy in the snow as one would expect
- Single tracking on the metro means calling into work and telling them you’re going to be late,
- Georgetown Cupcakes are (in my opinion) overrated.
I never expected to shake hands with so many people whose headshots are emblazoned on the cover of books and newspapers. I never expected to run couple of miles to a Smithsonian while the dome of the capitol looms in the distance like a mountain. I never expected to do yoga in 100 degrees or walk around an original Degas or order a cappuccino with side of kittens to pet. I never expected myself to go so many places, befriend so many strangers, and try so many new things without thinking twice.
There are times when I wonder if this what it means to be truly living as an adult. Far from the reach of familiarity or Texas warmth. Beyond where I was cradled and nurtured and hidden from the safety of expectations. Here is an opportunity to define myself without the influence from 22 years of precedents. And maybe in all this chaos of zipping electric scooters, bustling crowds, daunting monuments and flurries of snow, I can discover something about myself that I couldn’t back at home. Because whenever I walk through Union Station, I still look up at those vaulted ceilings of light and wonder what else is out there. Where else can I look up?
Nguyen submitted these photos:
Akshay Soman
My second month in the District has been amazing. Despite the beginnings of homesickness settling in, I am making the most of my opportunity out here. After the government shutdown ended, I was able to begin my internship with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission on February 11. I am working in the Office of the Ethics Counsel and have enjoyed it thus far. The work is meaningful and plentiful, my supervisors and coworkers are extremely kind and helpful, and the various events held in the Commission are enriching and will carry forward into my life. One such event this month was a presentation by renowned historian and filmmaker Henry Louis Gates, Jr. SEC Chairman Jay Clayton invited Dr. Gates to speak to the Commission and prescreen his upcoming production in honor of Black History Month. Being someone who is very interested in civil rights and history, I found this presentation enlightening while also reaffirming my commitment to public service.
Outside of work, I have been enjoying my time visiting nearby states and exploring the District. I traveled to Raleigh, North Carolina for my friend’s birthday and to Maryland for a Bollywood dance competition that several of my friends across the country came to attend. I also explored the Hirshhorn Museum with Reece and Alex. In the coming weeks, I plan to visit more of the Smithsonian museums and the zoo when the weather is warmer and hopefully travel to more places.
Soman submitted these photos:
Rahni “Reece” Stewart
So this past month in D.C. was pretty fun. I went to go see the musical Finding Neverland, which is about the creation of Peter Pan, and it was amazing. I also did 2 escape rooms in one week which was a lot of fun. I turned 20, in Feb. so I’m happily no longer a teen. I even got to visit my brother’s family in Newport News, and take my first train ride.
For the most part, I’ve been learning how to take on D.C. at my own pace and on my own on some occasions. I definitely realize the importance of being able to just being impulsive sometimes, it creates some of the best memories. Other than that not much to report, but I’m looking forward to what’s coming next.
Stewart submitted these photos:
Kobe Terrier
We have now reached the halfway point in the Bauer in D.C. Fellowship Program! February has been an amazing month. From seeing as many museums as possible to searching for the best food in D.C., we have experienced a lot this month!
My internship on Capitol Hill has been interesting, to say the least! Working in the House of Representatives while major legislation is being passed and debated upon is like watching history being made. Some of my daily tasks include giving tours to constituents, researching legislation, and working on press communications for the office. I also had the opportunity to attend a taping of the Van Jones Show for CNN interviewing Presidential candidate Julián Castro! I cannot wait to see what the next two months have in store for me.
The end of February was very eventful. In addition to seeing familiar faces from the Bauer College of Business, my mom also came to visit! It was her first time in Washington D.C., so it was a great weekend of exploring the city! We went to Arlington National Cemetery, Georgetown, the Library of Congress, and all the museums. Additionally, I was able to give her a tour of the United States Capitol building which was a once in a lifetime experience!
It is crazy to think that this experience is almost over, especially since I will be graduating in May! However, I am excited for the next three months and cannot wait to see what the future holds!
Terrier submitted these photos:
Hina Uddin
Month two in D.C. has officially come to an end. In the last four weeks, I have worked harder than ever before. I have been tasked with high level assignments and invited to major diplomatic meetings. I am finally at the point where I don’t feel like a visitor when I badge into my office— I’ve even memorized my metro route to work! Meanwhile, my free time has been jam-packed with museum visits, delicious food and interesting events.
Everyone has a moment when they realize that they have fallen head over heels in love with D.C., and I think I finally had mine. On a rainy weekend, I decided to visit the National Zoo to see the infamous pandas. [Note: Pandas are adorable and have officially become my favorite animal.] During a Q&A session with to the zookeeper, a person in the crowd asked about ‘Panda Diplomacy’ which prompted the zookeeper to launch into a history of the very first panda that came to the National Zoo during the Nixon era. I remember thinking 1) what the heck is ‘Panda Diplomacy’ and 2) this is the most ‘D.C.’ conversation I have ever heard.
D.C. is home to so many fascinating people who are filled with interesting and insightful ideas. I learn something new every day and am constantly challenged to continue exploring and seeking knowledge. I love this city and I can’t wait to see what the next two months will bring.
Uddin submitted these photos:
