First weekend

This weekend I checked out The National Book Festival - which had been on my agenda for a few weeks now. I recently purchased Laura Bush's memoir, Spoken from the Heart, and was very excited to read online that she would be at the festival. While she did not offer signatures like I was hoping for, she did give an incredible speech (which was more memorable than a signature)! Mrs. Bush explained her role in organizing the first festival ten years ago and then gave a reading from her book. The section of her book which she read from described her every emotion, action, and thought experienced on September 11, 2001. The manner in which Mrs. Bush read her story brought out emotion in every person in the crowd and still gives me

goosebumps when I reflect on her reading and the day in general.

In addition to The National Book Festival, I stopped by the Eastern Market and thoroughly enjoyed the experience! The booths filled with arts and crafts and the smells of local businesses cooking up some of your favorite "down-home" meals offered for a fun afternoon. It also made me feel like I was back in small town, Ohio at a county fair or community event :) All in all, it was a fantastic first weekend in D.C.!

This week at my internship things have been slowing down for the most part since the House is taking recess at the end of the week (supposedly) and heading back to their districts to campaign. Today, I sat in my second House committee hearing. Both hearings I have attended so far have been for the House Committee on Financial Services. The first hearing was last week and involved members asking Secretary Geithner their various financial reform questions. Today was a subcommittee hearing on the trends of terrorism financing.

Oh, and I gave my first tour of the Capitol this week to a group of Vietnam veterans, which was a fun time!

L. Wilson

My first week in DC!

I have traveled to Washington, D.C. once before. On that trip, I was the ultimate tourist doing such things as fumbling on the Metro and stopping in the middle of the sidewalk to stare at the grand buildings. On this trip to D.C., knowing that I will be living here for ten weeks, I have really been trying to fit in and be a local. My first week at my internship in Congressman Steve Driehaus’ office has gone well, and I have begun to unlock the maze of the city streets on my way to work each morning. Later, I did something as common as taking the Metro to Target without getting lost. This morning I visited Eastern Market and got to take my fresh produce back to my temporary home. It is almost like I live here – oh wait, I do!

T.Brenner

Muskies Go To Washington, Swimming In a Sea of Buckeyes

As we were the first institute of higher education John Glenn attended, we thought we should claim the first blog post of the fall quarter [laughter].
This week two muskies (students of Muskingum University) embarked on a new voyage in our nation's capital. Originating from a small campus, in a town where Circle K is the "happening" place on a Friday evening, our first experiences as proud Glenn fellows in D.C. were definitely memorable ones.

I (Brock) began my first day of work this morning at the Library of Congress in the manuscript department. Nearly ready to throw up or pass out or a combination of the two I entered the large marble building known as the James Madison Building. In all my nerves, I forgot to take off my belt and, of course, set off the metal detector. With my first set back behind me, I walked confidently up to a map of the building and tried to find the location of the room I needed to be. After five minutes of confusion I asked a security guard who pointed directly to my right and there was the room. So, with my first two setbacks behind me I walked confidently into the manuscript reading room and met the staff. Everyone was extremely friendly, especially, the very kind security guard in our division who was quick to complement my suit. Anyways, the day went fairly smoothly from there on out, I was presented with some very interesting work throughout the day, and even managed to avoid any shrapnel from the Chinese food, which I foolishly purchased at lunch.

I (Lindsey) started my day with a joyful hello to all "passerbys" (this we call the Muskie Hello on campus), but many were more focused on their Blackberrys and walking as fast as possible to their morning destinations. <- just a small example of the contrast between New Concord, Ohio and Washington D.C.
Today I began my internship in Congressman John Boehner's office. I am very excited for this opportunity and the experience I will receive working for a leader in Congress. I was given several responsibilities and tasks as an intern, of which I will not bore you with - just know that I am quickly becoming an excellent tour guide!
One important piece of advice for future Glenn fellows, refrain from wearing new shoes your first day - I promise it's not worth it!