Farewell, DC: A reflection on my experience

As I had dinner with my professor and classmates it was interesting to hear how everyone has grown from their experience in The Washington Center. Many of us were first timers in DC from states and countries as far as California, Vermont, Mexico and Korea. As we shared our experiences, I realized that your experience in DC is really what YOU make of it. Whether you had a dynamic internship versus a not so productive internship, met numerous people or did not feel connected to anyone, you learn from your experience and will hopefully take something from it. It is important to learn what field you would one day like to get into or a field you can cross off your list.

I got a lot out of my experience in DC. It was great to experience a new environment. I realized many parts of California are very laid back in comparison to Washington, DC. I can take back from this experience a professional work ethic. Networking has never been so prevalent as how I have noticed it to be in DC. I don’t think I have ever once in my life given and received so many business cards. The networks I have created in DC will be a great resource for me even when I return home.

My internship at The Foundation for Democracy in Africa has definitely given me a great amount of hands-on experience that I have yet to receive as an intern. Whether I am promoting FDA at a Charity Fair, assisting with a conference in Miami, attending and taking minutes at meetings, or writing a proposal, I am being productive and learning something new. I really felt like a full-time employee and I felt as the work I was doing was very important for the organization. My internship opened my eyes to how non-profit, non-governmental organizations in DC work. In the beginning I was expecting many employees and staff and to my surprise I only saw two staff members. I continued to see this pattern within numerous non-profit organizations in Washington, DC. Furthermore, my internship educated me about African Affairs. I have never gotten such a diverse perspective about issues in Africa through conference meetings, the AfrICANDO conference, and attending outside events.

The International Affairs Program enhanced my knowledge of the issues around the world. The embassy visits were my favorite because I enjoyed listening to issues from the perspective of country representatives. The opportunity to participate in elections was very rewarding especially while in DC. I can always look back and say I was in DC during an historic election.

Overall I believe the people that I met through The Washington Center, really shaped my experience in DC. It was amazing to be around so many enthusiastic and driven students who are all here to succeed. It is hard to be away from your friends at home and family for four months and having roommates and making close friends through this experience has provided me with the support to stay active and have fun while working hard. Most of my time here I was busy with the election, my internship, and planning and preparing for graduation. It was great to have met so many people at the same stage of their lives and who are still willing to meet new people. I must not say farewell to DC because I will one day return.

"Congratulations, you have graduated from TWC"

The Commencement Ceremony on Monday was a great opportunity for me to reconnect with students that I have not seen consistently throughout the program. During the ceremony we listened to individuals from the Washington Center share recommendations for the future. It is mind-boggling to think that many of us are at the stage in which we are preparing to go into the professional world, whether it is post-undergraduate programs, working, or volunteering. Many students have even been fortunate to land a job offer upon completion of their internship. I feel as my time in DC went by quickly and once I return to campus I am one step closer to graduation. Ironically, I landed a position in California. My ability to do an internship, course, and seminars showed the interviewer that I was able to multi-task.

Also during the ceremony, several students presented their civic engagement projects. I especially enjoyed the video presented by students showing ways in which people abuse the environment. The humor in the video was enough to keep students interested. After the Commencement, we were presented with TWC Alumni t-shirts, certificates, and refreshments. During the reception I made sure to get contact information from other students. I realized that I have developed a great network among other TWC interns, which was also discussed by one of the speakers. I have to admit that the Commencement Ceremony felt like a graduation ceremony. I felt so accomplished to complete another chapter in my life.

After the ceremony many students went to happy hour at Big Hunt’s and Front Page. I was very glad to share this time with students that I have bonded with throughout the internship. We were able to talk over appetizers and great hits from the juke-box.

On Tuesday I completed my last Charity Fair for my internship. I went to a building containing many small businesses. Another intern and I presented our organization in the lobby of the building. Our table contained The Foundation for Democracy in Africa memorabilia as well as pamphlets detailing our organization and programs. It was great to speak to many people as they entered the building or as they went on a coffee break. I felt as the day was a success, I met a lot of people and I got my organization’s name out there.

Wednesday was the last day of my internship and it was very nice to know that all four of us interns were well appreciated. We all worked hard and completed many projects as a group and individually. It is very nice to know I have contacts in South Africa for the future. I would love to one day visit another part of Africa that is not home to me. Our supervisors surprised us with a festive lunch, certificates, and FDA memorabilia. I enjoyed taking plenty of pictures to remember the moment. I plan to keep in touch with everyone at FDA.

In addition, Wednesday was also the last day of my Intercultural Communication course. Our instructor took us to California Pizza Kitchen. That definitely rings a bell in my head? One that screams HOME SWEET HOME! During dinner we all reflected on our stay in DC and what we plan to do in the future. This was a great opportunity for me to bond with all of my classmates over good food. It is nice to know that I could stay in touch with my professor, who was always there to speak and help with anything throughout the semester. Our conversations in class went from globalization to finding jobs in DC to issues at work. Seriously…our class could go on and on.

These last few days have been filled with many bonding moments. I look forward to seeing more of DC over these last couple of days. I also look forward to staying in touch with a lot of students and professionals I have met throughout my time here.

The Last Weekend in DC

This week started with a Panel on Gender Issues and HIV AIDS for primarily students in the International Affairs Program and the Ford Program. The panelist consisted of Elizabeth Anderson, Program Coordinator, National Council of Women’s Organizations (NCWO) and Josh Lozman, Deputy Policy Director, The ONE Campaign. Mrs. Anderson spoke about her work through the NCWO to improve women’s rights in America. She started her presentation by questioning students’ opinions about whether equality exists among men and women and whether there should be equality among both sexes. In an audience with progressive students the answer was quite obvious. The second panelist, Mr. Lozman, discussed the effects of HIV AIDS all around the world, and encouraged students to join the ONE Campaign. He used facts and statistics to show the impact that the ONE Campaign has had in delivering an effective and sustainable means to decreasing the spread of HIV AIDS. The panel was very interesting and was able to answer numerous questions raised throughout the seminar.

Since it is getting to the end of my internship at the Foundation for Democracy in Africa, we are bringing our projects to an end. During the last week, I will complete my final Charity Fair. I feel accomplished when I look back at all the work I have done this semester. It was definitely rewarding to have the opportunity to intern in DC. On Tuesday, I planned for all the FDA interns and I to have an informational interview with Dr. Sarah Moten, Chief of Education Division, Africa Bureau, US Agency for International Development (USAID). She is a very influential woman who has committed her life to education in not only Africa, but also in DC. The interns and I first met Dr. Moten during AfriCANDO 2008, in which she was the Medal of Glory recipient. It was incredible to be able to follow-up with her after the event. The interview allowed us to learn more about the opportunities available in international development, especially in Africa.

I was excited to celebrate my last weekend in DC. And for the first time I did not plan the nights in advance; I just went with the flow. My Saturday night was spent on U Street. A bunch of students and I went to Ben's Chili Bowl, a historic fast-food restaurant on U Street. I was excited to try chili for the first time. I was very satisfied with the food, especially the chili-cheese fries. After dinner, we went to a hip-hop concert at Black Cat in DC featuring Jean Grae. Black Cat is known for featuring local DC artists, especially underground rappers. The show was very exciting and the acts leading up to Jean Grae were definitely a great addition to the show. Jean Grae’s performance really brought the crowd together. I enjoyed her original lyrics which I felt reflected her personality and experiences. I found the underground artists’ music to be very conscious about issues in our society that mainstream rappers ignore. I spent my Sunday having brunch at Open City at Adams Morgan. After brunch I spent the rest of the day in the National Museum of American History since it was too cold to walk around. The Star-Spangled Banner exhibit was very interesting. I was in awe after sight of the massive size of the flag. It is amazing that they were able to keep it in such condition after so many years. I also enjoyed the presidency exhibit, especially the video showing how presidents are depicted in Hollywood.

Act 1

Act 2

Act 3 Main Act Jean Grae

Overall this was a great last weekend in DC. Now I have to make it to the places on my to-do list before next Friday.

Thanksgiving in DC and Baltimore

Like many students participating in The Washington Center this fall, I decided to stay in Washington, DC for the Thanksgiving holiday. I was actually surprised by the number of students who stayed in the DC area. I agreed with several students'opinion that it would be a tease to go home before the ending of the program. Those who decided to stay in the area enjoyed the good food involved with the holiday.

Thanksgiving festivities started on Wednesday with the Housing and Student Life Department’s International Thanksgiving Bash in the Fenestra Building. Many students came to the event and brought their cultural dishes. It was great to have a pre-Thanksgiving dinner consisting of a rather large turkey, mashed potatoes and gravy, apple and pumpkin pies, and a Mexican chip dip among several other dishes. I enjoyed listened to music, playing pool and catching up with fellow Washington Center students.

On Thanksgiving Day, I went to Baltimore to have dinner with my aunt, uncle, cousins and other members of my family who live on the East Coast. I am glad I had the opportunity to share Thanksgiving with family because I believe that is the essence of the holiday. I was especially happy to have home-cooked Nigerian food because that is something I have been missing since August. My aunt’s family did something different that I would love to bring to my home next year for Thanksgiving. We all took turns around the table to say what we are thankful for. I found this fun and interesting because it makes you more grateful for the holiday.

After completely stuffing myself with numerous plates of food, I returned to DC that evening. Upon returning to Grosvenor, I was curious to see what everyone else was doing to celebrate. I loved the diversity in the way people chose to celebrate Thanksgiving. I went upstairs to a friend who admitted to never having turkey for Thanksgiving. Instead I saw tables filled with Greek dishes that were home-made and well-prepared. This resulted in me having a second, or must I say a third, Thanksgiving dinner because the food looked too good to turn my back to. I ended up falling fast asleep after joining other students in enjoying the food-filled holiday.

Thanksgiving Dinner

Useful Tips for Seniors

Like many students in The Washington Center program, I am preparing for a career in law. If you are a current TWC student looking to go into this field, you are definitely not alone, and if you are a perspective student and reading this, then you should know that D.C. and The Washington Center has resources to assist you with what is a very time consuming process. Aside from putting numerous hours into studying for the LSAT while here in Washington, I have taken advantage of being near several law schools in the immediate area. During my first month here, I attended a law school fair at George Washington University that was attended by numerous representatives from law schools throughout the region.

The Student Life Office has been a great asset to those of us preparing for graduate studies, in addition to helping seniors looking to go straight into the working world with resumes and interview skills. I have taken part in the George Washington University Law School Tour and the American University Washington College of Law Open House/Tour, which were both organized by the Student Life. I was also able to sit-in on a Criminal Law class at GWU Law that I found to be a great representation of a teaching method used in law schools.

These types of services are especially important for seniors like me who are far away from the network and career/graduate fairs offered at their respective campuses. I think it is always important to take advantage of all of the resources you have. If you are one of my fellow students and never realized that The Washington Center offered such resources, don’t worry, you still have the opportunity to attend Get Ready for the LSAT coming up this Friday and the Georgetown Law School Tour on December 5.

Although you are busy studying for the LSAT or putting together that personal statement or application, I think you should not forget that you are in DC to have a great experience. Here are some side notes for those of you seniors that are preparing for LSAT or other graduate assessment tests:

1. Do not lock yourself in the room for 24-hours. You will become claustrophobic and people will wonder whatever happened to you.

2. Do not avoid human beings. This includes your roommates, family and friends who may start to believe that you hate them. Give them at least 15 minutes of your time, whether it’s a phone call or face-to-face conversation. They will appreciate it and you won’t feel guilty. And remember you are in DC to network, right?

3. Do take breaks and do something you enjoy. I know the LSAT is so exciting that you won’t be able to put the book down. But let’s get real; your brain can’t study for five hours straight. Do something fun or relaxing… go dancing, watch a favorite show, or go to the gym. If you are one of those that like to keep your mind stimulated, go to a museum. DC has several free museums.

4. Don’t forget to eat! Food is great and helps your mind stay energized. I definitely forgot to go grocery shopping for weeks until I realized cereal was becoming my most common meal. Basically, cereal and coffee is not a meal.

5. And lastly, take care of yourself…Sleep, shower, groom, etc. You don’t want to become that person who comes in late to work with puffy eyes and is wearing a stained blouse.

Being in DC for an historic election

Unlike past Washington Center participants, the students in TWC for the fall got to experience an historic election in Washington, DC, a city that lives and breathes politics. Each student has a different story to tell about their experience on November 4. Many students from the Washington Center went to John Hopkins University, where a big screen was set up for them to watch the election results while enjoying free pizza and beer. Quite a great deal...however, I decided to watch the election with a group of friends from Grosvenor. It was very exciting to switch from network to network and to find the latest poll results, especially as more and more states turned blue. The excitement continued to grow until 9 pm, when several students insisted that they knew the winner. I remained skeptical throughout because we've all witnessed past elections that ended with shocking results. Once Obama was announced as the next president for the United States, the room was filled with cheers and laughs. It was exciting to get phone calls from family and friends at home and from other parts of the world sharing the good news.

I was especially happy to take part in history by taking advantage of my first chance to vote and by canvassing in Loudoun County, Virginia. Both made a difference. This was the first time that the youth vote reached 18%, which surpasses the amount of older individuals who voted. And this was also the first time in decades that Loudoun County elected a Democrat and the first time in 44 years that Virginia went blue. I am glad I did not have to arrive at work until 12 pm the next day, although this resulted in never having the opportunity to buy a newspaper. I was not surprised that the newspapers were already sold out. This election was definitely an historic one that cannot be forgotten. Who knows, maybe I will return to DC on January 20th for the inauguration speech. This is where students deciding to come to The Washington Center for the upcoming spring semester will benefit.

The next day in my Intercultural Communication class, the professor brought in a speaker who works for the government to generate discussions about the elections. We talked about any questions and concerns we had about the election and what we expect for the future. It was interesting to have the discussion because people have different expectations for the newly elected president and it is important to understand that it will take time to implement many of the changes discussed during the campaign. I thought it would have been interesting to have at least one Republican or McCain supporter in the class just to hear a different perspective because the discussion was quite one-sided.

Diversity at International Fair

In addition, to the election frenzy the Washington Center held an International Fair this past week. The Washington Center Program takes pride in the diversity of students that come from all over the world. This was a great opportunity to learn about the different cultures represented in the Washington Center program. Among the participants were Mexico, South Korea, Nigeria, Puerto Rico, Russia, Brazil and India. There were numerous flags spread throughout the area and tables with crafts, food, and drinks from each country represented. I enjoyed going to the tables and learning something about each country. Further into the program there was a buffet of food from different countries, videos, performances by TWC students, and music. Overall, I enjoyed the event and there was a very good turn out. This was the perfect way to end such a hectic week.

Mexico table at International Fair

Nigeria table!

A friend wearing tradtional Indian attire

The Countdown is Coming to an End

A day of canvassing in Loudon County

One more day until the election! I urge everyone to make their voice heard and get out and vote, especially since many of the issues addressed in this election will affect young voters. I must say, this week was quite productive. Last Monday the International Affairs Program had a panel of representatives speaking on US-Korea Relations. The panel consisted of three speakers (from the Department of State, Korean Embassy, and John Hopkins University) who had a tremendous amount of knowledge about the United States' relationship with Korea. The panelists not only addressed the history of US-Korea relations but also engaged students about ways they could get involved in international affairs in Washington, DC. Both approaches were important in capturing the diverse interest of students in the audience. The panel definitely freshened up my knowledge about US-Korea relations. I enjoyed the breadth of knowledge of each speaker, especially since they clearly answered the questions presented by the students in the program.

For those of us who celebrate Halloween, this weekend was quite exciting. On Halloween night many of us headed to the streets of Dupont and Georgetown for some excitement. Earlier in the week, I happened to stubble upon the High Heel Drag Race in Dupont Circle on my way home from a coffee shop. It is a tradition in Washington, DC to have the Drag Race a few days before Halloween. Despite the low thirty degree temperature, the crowd was quite thrilled to watch men in glamorous costumes and male cheerleaders strut and dance through the streets of Dupont as if it were the red carpet in Hollywood. I found it amusing especially since it reminds me of the traditions of my home town. I must say, the most popular costume of the night was Sarah Palin. I found it typical of DC to have an incredible amount of political costumes. But this is a very historic election that has gained the attention of people who have never had interest in politics.

Cheerleaders in the streets of Dupont

Glamorous Marilyn Monroe

Furthermore, I had the opportunity this weekend to canvass in Loudon County, Virginia, one of the most conservative areas in Virginia. It was very exciting to campaign for Obama in a swing state, especially since I believe he has a strong chance of winning over sporadic and prior Republican voters. Despite the extensive banners for McCain and Palin seen on the drive into Loudon County there was a tremendous amount of support for Obama when knocking on doors of individual homes. Many individuals were responsive and have been or were looking to volunteer for the Obama campaign. I felt accomplished to cover over 60 homes in the county and to see signs for Obama throughout the lawns of residents. I am looking forward to the end of the count down and am excited to be in Washington, D.C. for the end results.

Afterward tourists were taking pictures of us because we were holding Obama signs.