Category: United States

Submitted by Rachel Evans on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

I’m continuously thankful to be living in this city and to have experienced so much in such a short time. Many days, I find myself exploring the streets of Georgetown. From Union Station there is a bus station where anyone can ride the Circulator for free to Georgetown. In Georgetown, there are many places to explore including my favorites Grace Street Coffee, South Block, and Falafel Inc. Georgetown is a wonderful place because it offers a reprieve from the city and allows one to admire quaint pastel townhouses while also visiting the familiar feel of a college town. I would encourage all to visit Georgetown when in D.C.!

Submitted by Maxwell Lasher on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

The grant consulting and lobbying law firm where I am working could not be more of a challenge.  The job is taxing, difficult, and requires high levels of organization and drive.

However, the chaotic environment brings out somewhat of a competitive feeling in me, to step up to the task.  There is nothing more that I love than a challenge.   The work to life balance is a struggle, but I know the sacrifice will be worth it.

I have the motivation to succeed because of all the successful and prestigious people around me all of the time.  Their output has a certain stoic vibe, especially because with my job I am so close to where the action really happens, lobby and grant wise.

This firm is so high profile and it is absolutely surreal that I am here.  Thank you so much to my family and the university for making this happen.  I encourage this experience to anyone who is looking for a challenge, to better themselves, and to learn how to evolve into a professional worthy of the capital of the United States of America.

 

Submitted by Jillian Cullen on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

After a long and eventful week, I can’t help, but miss my home, family, and friends.  However, I am trying my hardest to remain positive.  I think it is okay to admit that you are homesick, however, it is also important to remember that you are studying abroad to make amazing memories and challenge yourself along the way.  This has definitely been a challenging experience, however, it has also been extremely rewarding.  This past week, I had the opportunity to attend the Michael Cohen hearing, a moment of history that I got to witness first hand, as well as tour the FBI Headquarters.  As a child, I would have never imagined that my life would allow me to experience such incredible things.  This study abroad experience, although challenging at times, has resulted in extremely rewarding experiences and outcomes that I am forever grateful for.  Being homesick is inevitable, however, surrounding yourself with wonderful peers and doing amazing things truly makes it easier.

Submitted by Jillian Cullen on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

This past week, I had the incredible opportunity to meet the United States Attorney General William Barr.  Although brief, I appreciated every moment I was in his presence.  I knew that this experience was not one that should be taken for granted.  Never before did I think I would meet someone of such magnitude in federal government.  I am incredibly grateful for this opportunity and to have been selected to attend this program.  This, along with every other amazing experience I have had thus far, has erased all my original worries and fears from my mind.  These three weeks have flown by and have provided wonderful memories that I will remember for the rest of my life.  I cannot believe I was once so nervous about participating in a study abroad program.  I am proud of myself for persevering and recommend that others also try to go outside their comfort zone.  You never know what incredible experiences await you!

 

Submitted by Maxwell Lasher on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

Now, I’m going into my third week and the business class atmosphere can be overwhelming.  You have to learn to pace yourself through a multitude of work tasks that pile up endlessly.

The work ethic required to succeed here is on a level that I have never imagined.  Throughout the last couple of years, I have pushed myself very hard 50 to 60 hours a week at times, but this pushes the ceiling on that work methodology that I have created thus far for myself.

I have already begun planning to stay at my current internship because as challenging as it is, I think it is right where I belong.   I will continue to push myself to adapt and succeed.

Lastly, I have been euphorically thrilled with the opportunities that have opened up for me.  Next Monday, I have an interview with a state grant consulting agency in Arizona.

Submitted by Jillian Cullen on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

Living and working in Washington, D.C. has been extremely rewarding thus far.  However, I did have to adjust to commuting and working 9-5.

It has been a much different experience than previous internships and jobs I have held.  However, even though the hours are long, I thoroughly enjoy my internship.  My fellow interns and staff have welcomed me into their work family and have trusted me with interesting and exciting assignments.  I am excited and eager to get to work each day to see what awaits me.  I also have come to enjoy commuting each day, as it provides me the opportunity to reflect on my experiences.  It is only the second week, yet I couldn’t imagine being anywhere else, but here in D.C. I am so grateful for this opportunity.

Submitted by Gillian Williams on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

This week was the perfect definition of transitioning and re-acclimating to a new environment. Move in went surprisingly well and with less nerves than I thought I would encounter. I think that DC will be challenging to me. From the outside, everyone in the city looks like they are working all of the time and consistently in business professional, rushing from one meeting to the next. This makes me question my own abilities and confidence. My outsider’s view sees that everyone knows what they are doing and is climbing the ladder, while I don’t even know how to answer the phone or scan paperwork. I bet that they all started where I am now and had to learn just as I have to now. I just have to reassure myself that this is a learning process and that I will not be perfect in the first couple of days or weeks. It is all about the growth that you show throughout this experience. I find myself trying to impress  those in my office and I don’t think I’m living up to their expectations. I hate to feel like I am in someone’s way or making their life more difficult, which is how I feel about working with my Staff Assistant. My daily reminder to myself is to be patient with my growing process. I am excited to keep building relationships with my housemates and explore the city. I am taking a peak into a potential future for myself which is sometimes overwhelming, but should be very refreshing. Overall, I feel comfortable in my surroundings and my abilities. I will become more resilient through this process and I am interested to track my growth.

Submitted by Rachel Evans on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

Living in Washington D.C. has been a dream come true. I feel beyond fortunate to live and work in this city. It’s surreal to step outside of my house and to have such an amazing view of the Capitol. To then commute only ten minutes to work in the Senate is a privilege and one that I am continuously amazed by every morning. While I have many stories to tell already from my time in D.C., a particularly special moment is my day exploring D.C. in the snow. My solo exploration led me to discover a new brunch spot, coffee shop, and book store. I felt comfortable in a way I didn’t think would be possible in a new city. Yet, my snowy trek showed me that I am capable of exploring D.C. on my own and enjoy my time doing so. Of even greater clarity, was the fact that I could see myself living, working, and exploring D.C. for years to come.

Submitted by Gillian Williams on the 2019 spring semester program in Washington, D.C. …

This week was full of trying new things and becoming more comfortable. At the beginning of the week, I got the chance to explore the different buildings for the House of Representatives and Senate as well as the Capitol Building. I took to House and Senate subways, found my way around the tunnels, took my picture on the Speaker’s Balcony, and gave my first tour of the Capitol. Answering the phone calls coming into the office has become more comfortable and I’m enjoying speaking with constituents. It was interesting to be in the office during the votes for appropriation and the possibility of the government shutdown. I gained more context of the situation by interacting with the other staffers in the office and asking questions to learn more. I also had the chance to attend a briefing about climate change and environmental policy. Although it was very interesting and informative, I realized that environmental policy is not something that piques my interest. It gets more and more exciting everyday to be in the United State’s Capitol, experiencing in real time, policy action and history-making. And to top off the week, I had the opportunity to meet the Congresswoman and speak with her a bit. Her passion for positive change is inspiring and I cannot wait to help her team reach their goals.