Adjusting

So many of the experiences I've had here in DC were completely unexpected: sharing a cubicle with a fabulous intern (and now friend) who has the ability to naturally charm anyone into being her best friend, wandering around H Street in search of indoor mini-golf at 12:45am, or my boss's boss wandering around the office barefoot with a giant plate of challah to share. This city is filled with friendly people who appreciate intelligence and passion. I have met a security guard with fabulous fashion sense and great advice, a homeless artist who serenaded me on the Circulator bus with his harmonica, a belly dancer/Peace Corps hopeful who has quickly become an amazing friend, and many, many more people. I suggest coming into this experience open-minded, you never know what you are going to get or who you will meet and you can learn so much from every person you encounter.

Again- feel free to leave comments!

Things I have learned:

1. There is so much to keep track of and so many assignments. There's the internship of course, which is plenty of work. On top of that there is the service project, the seminars/Monday programming, extra TWC assignments, our night class, plus a social life (and for me studying for the LSAT). I have a feeling working ahead will be really important. Each assignment is different and interesting but it can feel a little overwhelming. I really suggest bringing a calendar to keep you organized; you will use it.

2. Networking is actually really helpful. Before this program I was really intimidated by the idea of networking. How do I network? Who do I network with? How do I approach someone? Do I give them my email or do I take theirs? I'm still figuring a lot of that out but I have learned that it is much less difficult than I thought. It's just like making friends but a little more professional and the friends tend to be a little older. Sit next to new people over lunch or talk to people in your office about what you are interested in; odds are they know someone who does something similar and could introduce you. It seems like everyone knows everyone else in this city. (Also TWC gave us each business cards. I'm still not sure what to do with mine, but I am feeling really official.)

Making sure my clothes are ironed before every event! (Probably should have done that before I got dressed though. I'm learning.)

3. When I scoped out the neighborhood I would be living in (I stalked the building before move-in) I was a little unsure about the neighborhood. It seemed like there wasn't too much close to the RAF and that it would be hard to get around. That is definitely not true. We live in the NoMa District (North of Mass. Ave.) which is an area that is just developing (though, don't be surprised if no one has heard of it. I have yet to meet someone that doesn't give me a weird look when I tell them that's where I'm living. It's very new). Within walking distace there is a grocery store, CVS, a handful of restaurants and cafes, H Street, Union Station, Capitol Hill, and probably more that I have yet to discover. I added links to each of the things I mentioned in case you want to check them out or see how close they are to 3rd St. NW (the RAF). TWC also has a shuttle just for interns that takes you to the grocery store or either of the two closest metro stops (Union Station and New York Ave.) every day about every 20 minutes.

In front of the White House with my roommate, Rachel!

4. The majority of people living in DC are not from DC. Most aren't even from the surrounding suburbs. This makes living here much more interesting. I have made friends from all over the country (and world) and I get to work with people who have grown up, gone to school, and worked in completely different environments. This makes learning from them and living with them much more interesting.

5. Georgetown is awesome. It is my favorite place so far. I thought it would be difficult to get there since there is not a metro right in Georgetown and I don't have a bike here in DC. But that is not the case. The Foggy Bottom metro stop is just a 15 minute walk past a park and through an area filled with retaurants and shops. The circulator also drives right down M and up Wisconsin Ave with plenty of stops. Georgetown is filled with shopping (which I love), restaurants, and cupcake places. There's also a movie theater, parks, kayaking, and nightlife. It is definitely worth the trip. I'm hoping later this week I will have gone to enough of the cupcake places that I can write a blog reviewing them all, and which ones you should absolutely check out.

Just one small part of Georgetown. (M Street)

There are a bunch of cool things on the side streets in Georgetown. I found this park on my way to a cupcake place! (Thomas Jefferson St. NW) It's the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park.

There is so much to see in this city!