I started my internship at the Trust for the National Mall a month ago. And since then, I have worked on seating charts, RSVPs, menu items, table cloths, and logistics, all for one big event. The Foundations of Freedom event served as a thank you dinner for some of the Trust’s biggest supporters. The night included a speech by key-note speaker David Rubenstein, which was followed by a panel discussion with Mr. Rubenstein and three professors, one from Georgetown University, one from George Washington University, and one from Duke University.

Tuesday morning I threw a small tantrum because I didn’t feel like getting dressed up for work. The office where I have my internship requires business casual attire every day except for “casual Friday.” My roommate laughed at me as I rolled around on my bed whining with the blanket pulled up over my head, “I don’t wanna wear a dress!” By 8:25a.m., I decided that showing up in my pajamas would definitely not be acceptable, so I pulled on some nice pants and a blouse, tossed my PB&J in my purse, and walked out the door.

Living in rural America, when I think of rush hour, I think of bumper-to-bumper traffic. But in D.C., rush hour means shoulder-to-shoulder traffic, butt-to-butt traffic, chest-to-arm, back-to-face, you name it, its touching -- and its uncomfortable. At 5 p.m. on Friday, there was a delay on the red line. Arriving on the platform for the train toward Glenmont after work, I met with hundreds of tired, sweaty, well-dressed people. The wait for the next train was five minutes. Not bad. I took to the edge of the platform, silently stared at my cell phone and waited.

Five sets of heels click on the marble floors as we walk purposefully through the United States National Archives. We aren’t tourists. We have a job to do. And from the way that the sightseers look at us, I know they can tell. It’s a rush to feel important in such an important place.

My dad borrowed my uncle’s SUV to bring me and all of my stuff down to Washington, D.C; he didn’t think the old farm truck would be able to take the 7-hour drive. I’ve been to big cities before, I’ve been to D.C. before, but rolling in this time was different… I’m going to be living here!