Sometimes I am taken away by how extravagant my God is. I have felt called for almost all of my life to come and work in Washington, DC but I never dreamed I would ever have the means or opportunity to make that happen. But God had a plan, and provided the perfect opportunity through TWC. I hope this blog will be helpful for other students in your decision to experience life here and live out your own calling.

A little about me...I was born and raised in San Antonio, Texas. Thanks to a Father who is passionate about history and politics, and a Mother with a willingness & patience to listen to me talk for hours, I grew up discussing current events and the values and principles that make our country so exceptional. I love the USA, and a lot of what motivated me to come here was a desire to find out how things really work here in DC. I ultimately traveled to our Capitol because my family & close friends cultivated my desire to think critically for myself and know what I stand for. TWC's Political Leadership Program was a perfect fit me, and as it turns out, my internship at the Republican National Committee.

As I am from a large city in Texas, I have never had to use public transportation. While it seems a little silly after being here a week, I was worried I would not be able to figure out my way or get where I needed to go without a car. I have a propensity for getting lost, but thankfully the Metro is very navigable. The RAs at TWC's Residential and Academic Facility (RAF) took us on a quick explanatory tour of the Metro before our first day, and they were very helpful in getting us settled in to our new living space. ....And by the way, the RAF is a great place to live! It is close to the Metro, grocery store and pharmacy, and feels very comfortable and safe. Another wonderful part of living at the RAF is getting to know all of the other interns that live here. I have two suite-mates and one roommate...they are from all over the country and the world. I'm sure you will hear more about them as I give you a little taste of my life here every week. I have a feeling the people and connections I make during my semester here will be rewarding and special.

Our Living Space

New Roommates and Friends

Orientation at TWC was thorough and detailed on our first two days. This will not be a tourist-y 15 weeks...it is already full of substantial academic and professional development. My internship has me busy four and half days a week, and TWC classes and programming fill up the rest of my time. Thankfully, there is at least a little time on the weekends to do a little sight-seeing!

Taking a tour of the Capitol

Happy Chinese New Year! – In Chinatown

The hardest part of moving here is missing my family and friends back home. (Although keeping my luggage bags under 50lbs was a close second!) Thankfully, modern technology allows us to Skype and talk over the phone... and see my dog Liberty! =) I am blessed that my family has supported and sacrificed to help make this happen.

I am looking forward to sharing more about my internship, classes, Civic Engagement Project, and other adventures in DC throughout the next 15 weeks...If you are thinking about applying for TWC program, feel free to leave questions or comments and I will try to respond to you quickly. This is an exciting and important semester to be here with the nearing election and business of 2012... Here we go!