The Beginning

I have always associated the beginning of fall with the first day of school: new pencils, expensive textbooks, and not knowing where any of my classes are. I actually loved the first day of school (even the first-day-of-school picture my mom would insist on taking every year. You know what I'm talking about). But the night before I started this DC program I realized that I wouldn't have the same first day this year. Instead it was the first day of an internship, which came with a leather portfolio, dress clothes, and having no idea where my office building is within this huge city. Slightly more intimidating. On the first day of school you pick your seat, meet your professors, and get your homework. This time it was finding my cubicle, meeting my coworkers, and learning how to apply past homework to a real job (yes, sometimes it does apply. I was surprised too). It's time to see what all these years of school actually taught me, and what more I can learn.

I want to introduce myself just a little before I get started. My name is Katie Teigen and I grew up just outside of St. Paul, Minnesota. I moved to Boston three years ago to go to Emerson College as a Theater Performance major. I am now a senior majoring in Political Communications and Theater with a minor in Political Science. I am hoping to go to Law School after I graduate at the end of the year, which means a lot of LSAT prep while I'm here in DC. I love chocolate, I collect the fortunes from my fortune cookies, and I am attempting to teach myself to cook (so far I've got pasta, soup, and cheeseburgers. I think I have a bit left to learn). I have an amazing family that I love and am lucky enough to have a brother here in DC with his wife and my four week old nephew who I get to spend some time with this semester.

I know many of you who will be reading this blog throughout this semester will be considering The Washington Center for yourselves and I want to encourage you to send me any questions you might have. You can either add them as a comment or send me a personal email (Katie_Teigen@emerson.edu) and I will be more than happy to answer as best as I can!

Ok. It's time to talk about what I have actually been doing this last week! I've been rambling for a while now and I want to make this easy for you all to read (and for me to write) so I'm going to give a few highlights (and maybe a couple lowlights) about the different things I did this week. And of course, I'll throw in a few pictures.

Move-In and Oreintation:

- The majority of the interns at TWC stay in the RAF (Residential and Academic Facility). It is less than two years old and absolutely amazing. Each room is different but they all come with fully furnished kitchens and living rooms and the bedrooms have plenty of space for both roommates. I will make sure to post pictures of the apartments in another blog.

- Most people have one roommate and two suite-mates which, just like freshman year of college, is actually a good thing because it makes it much easier to make friends and start exploring the city. Coming into the program I had requested a friend I knew from Emerson as my roommate but we had no idea who the other two girls would be. As it turns out there are a lot of international students with TWC and both of our suite-mates are from Belgium! This program is really diverse and I have learned so much about different cultures already, it really is an added bonus to the program. I have met interns from Belgium, Canada, Mexico, Russia, China, and all different parts of America.

- On the first day of orientation (which takes place over the first two days in DC) we were given our syllabus for the semester. It's by far the biggest syllabus I have ever seen, which automatically makes me feel a little overwhelmed. But we went through each assignment in detail and after I put the deadlines onto my own calendar I realized it would be difficult but manageable. I think any stress will be worth it because of the quality of the assignments.

The City:

- I already love DC and I have only been here one week. If you are planning on coming here, take advantage of it. There are so many different things to do in this city!

- Transportation is relatively easy here, but not necessarily cheap. The area the RAF is located in is a little rough around the edges but getting better. Luckily there are plenty of people to walk to the grocery store or metro with. There is also a shuttle just for TWC that will take you to either of the two closest metro stops or the grocery store. DC Is a beautiful city to walk, but if your trip is a bit longer I suggest using wmata.com. My brother recommended the site when I was on my way here and it has been really helpful.

- I have quicly learned some of the basics about this city:

1. When you are on the escalators in the metro, stand on the right, walk on the left, or get run over.

2. You have to tap your metro card when you leave the station which is when you will be charged (this is something I cannot ever seem to remember).

3. Busses are cheaper and there are plenty of them, there is even a Circulator bus that costs $1.

- One of the first things I did here was go to the National Mall with some friends. It's a great walk (though, a little hot in the summer) and each memorial is amazing. Unfortunately, since the earthquake, the Washington Monument is blocked off. You can still see it but you can't get close or go to the top. Also, I was told that the reflecting pool was under construction but when I saw it, I was shocked. It's gone! It has been completely torn out and what's left is a pile of dirt, which was really dissappointing.

First Internship Day:

- I had no idea what to expect going into my first day, but it was definitely better than whatever I had imagined. Everyone was welcoming and happy to help and the work I will be doing exactly matches what I hope to be doing after I graduate (and after Law School).

- I am lucky enough to be working with two other TWC interns. They are both fabulous and it is definitely helpful to have a couple of friends to stumble through this first week with.

- For any of you considering this program I do have a few suggestions about your first day:

1. Dress up. Even if you aren't sure you have to. It is a sign of respect and effort.

2. Iron your clothes and look professional. It really makes a difference.

3. Jump right in. Be friendly and prove that you are willing to take on whatever your office can offer you.

4. Don't be afraid to ask for help. Usually your boss will enjoy helping you or understand that by helping you, your quality of work will be better.

- The work TWC interns are given is mostly substantive and difficult work. Of course there will be some copying or filing, but TWC ensures that there is a significant percentage of real work. I know we will be challenged and thrown right into the work of this agency and I am so excited.

Me at the WWII Memorial representing MN

New friends! (you might recognize Jessica- she's one of the other bloggers!)

The Reflection Pool..?

The beautiful city!