Elizabeth Butler
Senior, Marketing
Internship: The Peace Corps
D.C. is a city of vibrant energy and constant bustle. The whoosh of the subway breezing past you, voices raised in protest, endless conversations over endless happy hours. It’s hard to miss home when so much is going on around you.
Thus far I have loved the city and my job, and the toned calves are an amazing bonus! Interning at the Peace Corps is a dream, the third goal office has welcomed me into their family as their own. I have inherited the cat book, a daily reminder of my current mood. The office consists of a plant sanctuary on one end and bouncy ball chair on the other, and in between lots of personality. I have luckily found a group of friendly Canadians who include me in their weekly Friday night antics, as well as casually invite me to their bourgeoisie embassy events.
I have discovered my favorite spot for catching up on work, Calabash Teahouse which offers freshly brewed Kombucha tea on tap. My favorite restaurant thus far has to be Indigo, a colorful joint serving up flavors of India.
Amongst all of the exploring and new friend making something very special has occurred as well. I have started taking time every day to truly be grateful for life. My dad sent me up here with Thomas Merton the Trappist monk’s Thoughts in Solitude. In the book Merton talks about God, and life, and happiness.
On a quiet evening last week, all four of us Bauer kids had a conversation about religion. It was unexpected as people who do not know each other very well do not often bring a topic like this up. We all come from different backgrounds and upbringings: Evangelical, Hindu, Jewish, and Catholic. I found it beautiful that we were able to talk about this in a peaceful way.
Everyone I have met in D.C., and a lot of people elsewhere, have a lot of conflicting views on the world. As I listen to everyone’s thoughts I can’t help but think how similar we all are. The daily struggles and triumphs we face have the potential to be defining moments. I believe living with humility that no one has all the answers, and having the courage to see the world from another’s point of view are crucial.
I feel so fortunate that I had the opportunity to go to UH and meet all kinds of lovely different people. That was the best part of my college years. I hope to truly reflect upon these thoughts during my time here.
Brinda Penmetsa
Junior, Finance
Internship: U.S. Committee for Refugees and Immigrants
I completed the first full week of my internship and am excited to continue learning. I’ve had a wonderful time exploring D.C. with my fellow Bauer students and look forward to our upcoming adventures. There is so much to see here, and I’m glad I have time to see what the city has to offer.
Michael Scheinthal
Senior, Finance
Internship: The Energy and Commerce Committee, U.S. House of Representatives
Being in Washington, D.C. during an inauguration was amazing. Irrespective of any political leanings, there was so much energy around the ceremony and the protests that followed. I had the opportunity to see both firsthand. I had standing tickets to the swearing-in ceremony that were close enough to clearly see President Trump on the balcony. I also took to the streets the next day to walk and talk with protesters. It was very worthwhile to see both perspectives.
