Humza Baig
Management information systems senior
I start my internship tomorrow and I am so excited! I have been exploring everything D.C. has to offer these past two weeks. Visiting the monuments was first on my list, so the Bauer squad got together and explored the National Mall on our first day. We visited many of the Smithsonian Institute museums, and I think it is safe to say that the National Air and Space museum is my favorite!
One weekend, we took the bus up to Georgetown University and explored the vibrant campus. They have a super cool falafel place nearby called Falafel Inc.! I also had the opportunity to participate in the National Women’s March last weekend and had a blast meeting people from all across the country. I attended a fantastic event sponsored by the CSIS that featured the Pakistani ambassador to the United States. His press minister invited me to the Pakistani embassy! Just yesterday, I took the metro down to Virginia and visited the Arlington National Cemetery to pay my respects to our nation’s fallen heroes. While there, I witnessed the changing of the guard at the tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Since the Pentagon was close by, I took the metro there and walked through the Pentagon 9/11 memorial.
Living in D.C. has been an amazing experience so far and I can’t wait to see what awaits as I start my internship!
Baig submitted these photos:
Rachel Kuruvila
Accounting junior
During my first day in D.C., I walked about six miles, just appreciating the beauty that is our capitol! I was able to explore many sights, including that of the Washington Monument, which is one of my personal favorites. In my first week here, I really missed having my car. I missed being able to just unlock my doors and drive wherever I wanted to. However, I very quickly realized that even if I did have a car here, driving would be a terrible idea! The traffic here is absurd, and people are so much better of walking or taking the metro.
Being from Texas, public transportation was a completely foreign concept to me. However, after living in the Northeast for two weeks, I can confidently say that I am not terrible at navigating the metro system! I can comfortably get from point A to point B. I might get lost about three times in between, but I will reach my destination! Whenever I am in doubt, however, I just walk. Walking in this city is incredible. My favorite part about walking here is casually walking past such beautiful and historic buildings such as the Capitol and the Supreme Court. I love seeing people taking jogs along the National mall, and just appreciating the nature here.
I absolutely love living in D.C., and I can’t thank Bauer enough for this amazing opportunity!
Kuruvila submitted these photos:
Meera Shahin
Accounting junior
My first month in D.C. has been absolutely amazing so far. I have gotten to experience this beautiful new city with such a great group of people.
I started my internship two days after I arrived, and I have already learned so much. Working for the government is so interesting and something I definitely would not have experienced without this amazing program! I truly feel fortunate to get to represent my AWESOME College here.
During our first week, I was able to see snow! My roommate, Rachel, and I played with the snow while walking to work and it was so surreal. The people in D.C. have all been very welcoming and they truly want to help you in any way that they can! We were also able to have dinner with a Bauer alum the day after we arrived, and it was interesting to hear about his career path as well.
My favorite part of D.C. so far was Georgetown. It is so beautiful and there are great coffee shops and restaurants around there. I still need to check out Georgetown Cupcake because the line was very long when we went! I hope to explore new states, as well as cool new restaurants and coffee shops in D.C. in the months to come. I can’t wait to see what more this semester brings since I am now all settled in!
Shahin submitted these photos:
Andrew Teoh
Accounting and finance junior
Every day I am in awe. Whether walking through the Capitol, biking past the White House, or picnicking in front of the Washington Monument, the city never fails to impress.
These first three weeks (wow, three already!) have been a whirlwind of exploration and education. Interning in a Congressional office has given me a new perspective on American politics and the legislative process. In just two weeks of work, I’ve learned more about government than in any social studies, history, or democracy class. Witnessing the legislative process unfold is incredible, especially when I get to play my own small role in it.
With no former experience, I have had to write vote recommendations for my Congresswoman, research topics for policy proposals, and call offices to get cosponsors for a bill. By attending briefings in the Capitol, I’ve learned about policy areas from healthcare to hunger to Asian affairs. My roommates and I cycle through different news channels; knowing current events is a job requirement, but one I enjoy. Never have I felt more civically engaged, and frankly, never have I felt more personally fulfilled.
I am honored and humbled to have this incredible opportunity to represent Bauer and the University of Houston in the nation’s capital. If these first few weeks are any indication, Washington, D.C. is a place where awesome happens.
Teoh submitted these photos:
Waleed Vohra
Management information systems junior
As my first few weeks in D.C. come to a close, I am overwhelmed by different thoughts. This has been the first time I’ve had the opportunity to spend awhile on the east coast, let alone D.C. The first thing that stuck out to me was the completely different culture. The city feels different. As my fellow interns and I have been exploring the city, we feel a sense of urgency and buzz. There seems to be an air of importance and energy that is constantly over the city. This is a big shift from Houston’s primarily slow-moving culture. When I think back on it this change seems obvious; the D.C. economy is structured around fast-moving politics, whereas Houston is around monolithic oil and gas corporations.
In this first month I’ve visited most of the big Smithsonian’s and the “postcard-esque” monuments. The historical and political significance of different American figures and events and tragedies is evident everywhere in this city. On one street corner you’ll see a statue of a Founding Father, and on another you’ll see an ornate inscription of the importance of Freedom and Liberty.
Working in the city has also been exceptional. I feel that in these few weeks I’ve been granted an “inside” and “secretive” look into the political world. From Houston, it’s easy to relegate the political process to sensationalized talking heads on different media channels, but, by virtue of the city, the process comes alive. I’ve seen Senator Bernie Sanders walking on the street, met Republican Majority Whip John Cornyn, attended a seminar by Governor Jeb Bush, and also met various diplomats and academics. My first few weeks have been truly exceptional, and I am excited to see what else this city and experience has in store for me.
Bauer Honors Academic Advisor Colleen Davies, who coordinates the Bauer In D.C. Fellowship Program, submitted these photos:
