Stonehill, here are my words for you...
I consider myself pretty well traveled and I've always been one to look forward to meeting new people, trying new foods, and experiencing new adventures. Washington, DC is like nothing I've ever encountered! Although I'd have to say that people aren't quite as friendly as Stonehill (but really who IS?!) I've been blessed enough to have been offered a dream internship at the Catholic Diocese of Arlington - Migrant and Refugee Services. The small office that I work in is the most diverse group I've worked with in my life, there are Nepalese, Somalian, Colombian, Egyptian, American, Iraqi, and Europeans representing various religious differences as well....It's truly amazing to work with these people everyday! I work specifically with the Education office where we help students register for school, get tested for ESL (English as a Second Language), and set up mentoring and tutoring volunteers with the students in their transition to the new culture. Since beginning my job, I have already been given various tasks to complete, some fun, some uncomfortable, but always teaching me something new about myself or the life of an immigrant or refugee in the United States.
My internship search was pretty normal, nothing too exciting occurred. I applied to 4 places, but only ended up hearing back from 3 groups for interest in a follow-up interview. Some of the interviews were more casual than others, but I found it to be helpful to write an introspective paper before going into the interviews. By the end of my search, I was offered positions at all three of the groups and choose the Migrant and Refugee Services in Arlington, and despite the hour long commute every morning, I regret nothing in my decision.
The community at American University has been receptive to all kinds of people and the language barriers that are everywhere! I live with 2 french graduate students in the Tenley Campus dorms, and despite my 6 years study of French, I still understand very little when they speak. One thing I didn't know before coming to Washington was how much of an international program this was, I believe its somewhere between 50-55% of the program is foreign students studying for the semester or year. Ranging from French, German, Swedish, Colombian, Japanese, English, Ukrainian, Nepalese, Chinese, and Mexican, this program has some of the brightest students from around the world coming to DC for internships, networking, and experience. It can seem overwhelming at first, but it's a lot of fun to meet all these different people.
I am part of the Foreign Policy Seminar so my professor has found a nice balance between American politics and international relations. I have gotten the chance to meet with many different people as guest speakers in my seminar including Bob Scheiffer (CBS Washington Chief Correspondent), Senator Richard Lugar (Rep.-Indiana), Mr. Julius Menn (Holocaust Survivor), Ted Carpenter (CATO Institute VP for Defense and Foreign Policy), Dr. Theodore Bromound (The Heritage Foundation), and so many more! As you can see there is so much to say and I've only been here for a month!
Outside of classes, studying, and interning, I have taken the time to really explore various parts of the city including the National Mall, The National Archives (to see the Constitution which is the most important document in our nation's history and must be known for any class with Professor Ubertaccio... he'll even offer you a pocket Constitution.), the National Holocaust Museum, the U St. Neighborhood, and most importantly Georgetown Cupcake. As you can see things have been pretty busy down here in DC and things will not be letting up anytime soon...
stay posted for later posts.
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