Welcome

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Hello everyone, and welcome to my blog brought to you by The Washington Center. And if you don’t know me (most of you don’t) or haven't seen me before (which I'm sure you have...check the profile picture...hint, hint!) I'll make this blog an inside look into the mind of Gamal Gittens, and hopefully you’ll get an idea on who I am as the year progresses.

In this blog I am here to not really discuss the beauties and wonders of DC, or sell you a product that I haven’t fully used to my advantage yet, but I will discuss my First Impressions.

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You often hear the phrase “First Impressions Are Everything”, and if you ever been to a place that you have no idea what to expect, then you should understand where I’m coming from.

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DC is DC, the capital of the United States of America. Everything is not what it seems, but that can be mostly said about every city in the US.  I traveled all the way from Tampa, FL so obviously I expected a different environment.

So, Gamal, what are your first impressions on TWC and DC as whole so far?

Well, my first impression of DC was the same kind of city feeling that I have experienced when I use to live in Brooklyn, NY (BK represent): a lot of people, transit systems, diversity, high prices (get back to that later), and the "city feel" in a nutshell.  And my first impressions on The Washington Center were good. I felt like prince Akeem from the movie “coming to America” when the TWC staff was right next to the taxi that I came out of. There were greeters almost at every door welcoming all the new students, and that was my first impression of TWC.

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But on a serious note... :(

I have experienced a different environment and a different way of living. I was fortunate that I am able to be a part of an establishment like this, in which I hope to gain knowledge when entering the professional world.  There were many customs that I had to get accustomed to, such as new living conditions, the realization that you are living with 3 other individuals with different goals and aspirations, and the concept of networking for the future.

The ideas of “priority” and “responsibility” have been the consistent underlying themes throughout my stay in DC and being an intern.  In DC I realized that I have to accept responsibility head on when it comes to my life, and that there are people out there who don't seek out that responsibility but want to obtain the benefits. By going to DC I saw that there is a split between people who want to achieve more, and people who like to live a stagnant life, waiting for opportunities to come instead of proactively seeking them....

Now WAIT there’s more…

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Don't think I'm not going to talk about those bit sized keys...

Now if you’re a resident at the RAF (Residential and Academic Facility) then you should know about these keys they give us.

I like the technological advancements that TWC is implementing, especially dealing with student housing, but these keys are far from convenient. It was like they said to me “Here, Gamal, take these keys with no key chain and lose them please.” So if you’re a person that always misplaces things, then I recommend you get a large identifiable key chain and lanyard to help you avoid that key replacement charge.

Now don't get me wrong. I'll tell you, that the housing quality of the RAF is top notch, and it sort of gives you that 4- to 5-star hotel feel, and it kind of overpowers my mini-key venting.

Well, folks, that's all I have to say for this blog. Just make sure you tune in to my next post:

Tips for the current and prospective students

You can get a blimpse on what to expect, but also find ways to live comfortably in DC.

Bye, au revoir, tchau, and hasta luego (Google translate is the best).

-Gamal