Weekend Escape

This past Saturday, April 21st, Alex and myself decided to take a little day trip up to the city of brotherly love. We used the popular bus service Megabus, and it was really quite fun. I was expecting it to be a cramped smelly tour bus, similar to those we took while in high school. To my surprise we were riding up on a huge 84 seat double-decker bus, it was basically an airplane on wheels. Now of course I had to sit on the top level and I was glad I did. As we came into the city I could see above all the other cars surrounding us, I was really surprised to see miles and miles of seemingly abandoned industrial sprawl. It reminded me of driving around old closed down factories in northern Ohio.

When we disembarked at the Amtrack station on 30th street, we faced quite a long walk to get to our destination, Independence Hall, nearly 3 miles across the city. As we walked there we were really surprised at the sheer lack of people in the downtown area. Aside from a few locals Alex and I were the only people on the street. It was very unusual and especially shocking considering how D.C. is always bubbling with people. Even the malls were practically deserted!

Eventually we got to our destination, but were a little bummed because they actually charge admission! After weeks of free museums and historical monuments we did not anticipate being charged again. So we just stuck to as many free exhibits as we could, we managed to get some good pictures of the Liberty Bell and Independence Hall, it was a very nice day so we didn't mind taking our time. By this time it was only about 3pm, our bus didn't leave until 9 that night. Fortunately I have family in the Philadelphia area and my cousin came over and hung out with us and took us to dinner at Pat's King of Steaks. One of the classic philly cheese steak restaurants and man was it good. I ate way too much but it was worth it. Unfortunately I may have ruined all future cheese steaks for me because I may not have another one that good until I go back. I really enjoyed seeing my cousin, I hadn't seen her in several years and dinner with her was easily the highlight of the day. The way back was much better, mainly because my cousin drove us back and we drove through what was evidently the night life center of the city. It looked like a lot of fun.

This is just my experience of a weekend getaway, I highly recommend it to anyone who is interested. Megabus goes to almost every major city along the east coast and is very affordable. I had a great time Saturday, hopefully someone will take my advice and take a day trip of their own.

Zach Prouty

The Hideaway

Ive always wondered what it would be like to sit in a dimly lit, smoke filled steakhouse and talk politics over a fine filet.  Ive always wondered what the conversation would be like.  Would it be like all of the political movies?  Would it be as exciting?  This evening, the Glenn Fellows had the opportunity to sit in a private back room of a restaurant and talk politics with Herb Asher.  Dr. Asher is a prominent figure at The Ohio State University, and is also very active in the Washington D.C. political realm as well.  After ordering a plate of crab cakes, we began to discuss everything from Ohio politics to who will be named Mitt Romney’s vice presidential candidate.  It was so exciting to sit in a suit and talk about such important things for two hours of my day.  I was wary at first of forced conversation, cheesy talking points, and bland discussion.  This was proven totally wrong.  Each Glenn Fellow is more than capable of maintaining a detailed conversation about the world and how it works.  It was so refreshing to sit in a room full of intelligent people who cared about the same issues that I did.  It really did feel like the movies, granted we were not making secret political deals.  I felt like an important “Washington Insider,” which was the title of a previous post.  I truly believe that a few hours of meaningful discussion about things that matter makes students stand out from one another.  Students who take time to talk with peers about real issues tend to be more exciting and refreshing to talk to.  I am so excited to continue these discussions throughout the quarter, and cannot wait to meet more incredible role models for me to look up to.
-Drew Calabro

Run This Town

Since the time when I arrived in DC three weeks ago, I have promised myself to go running around the Capital City whenever my mentality allows.  I have been running for the past eight years and many of those years were spent running almost every single day, but now that I am actually working from 9 to 5 in an adult job, even I cannot bring myself to go out for a solid jog on a daily basis.  That’s why I make my workouts here count; I aim to get the most out of the city and of myself every time I start the run down Capitol Hill.

I know for a fact that running can be one of the most stress relieving things someone can do for themselves after a long day.  Whenever I am in Columbus, I sometimes wish I was back in Cincinnati running in a park near my home or going on a jog near the Ohio River.  But now that I am in DC, I only imagine all the other places around the city that I haven’t been to yet.  Simply knowing that I am running by the White House, the Lincoln Memorial, or up to the gates of Arlington National Cemetery is, in a way, humbling to me.  I am pushing myself to put in a good workout, and I am also getting to be a part of our nation’s capital in the process.  I enjoy every single second of these runs, which can be a hard thing to do even after eight years of running. 

Basically what my running comes down to is that it is almost like an escape for me here.  It is an escape from work, being a student, writing a policy paper, eating junk in our apartment, etc.  It is just a way for me to go out and do something productive with myself and get to know this amazing city in a much more meaningful way.  I think everyone who is here in DC should try and find some way to do that for themselves.  Find an escape to know Washington better and appreciate the very fact that your life has led you to this point.  You won’t regret it, I promise. 

- Alex Polivka

Taste and Tell

 

At the end of week three here in Washington and I can’t help but look at my bank account and ask myself what has happened? It is quite easy to come up with a brief and reasonable answer…food.

There are many wonderful aspects about being here in Washington, DC that my other fellows and I have and will encounter outside the office such as tours, museums, monuments, and new people, but we must account for the dining as well. When accepted into the WAIP program I did not think that this would be a city where food would be a major perk, but I was mistaken.

In only three weeks the group as a whole, sometimes only a few, and occasionally me alone have found some of DC’s affordable but wonderful dining experiences. I am a fan of many cuisines, but affordable is perhaps my favorite!

If some of you DC visitors or incoming fellows feel like an inexpensive breakfast I would definitely head to Pete’s Diner right near the Capitol Building. Although, it may look a bit small and sketchy, don’t let that deceive you. You will be pleasantly surprised to find out that you are spending practically nothing on a great breakfast. This is somewhere that we will most likely become weekend regulars at!

We have also experienced some wonderful meals at Good Stuff Eatery and We the Pizza. Both are owned by Spike from the show Top Chef and happen to be just a short walk from our humble abode at The Congressional. But perhaps one of my two favorite meals in DC came in the form of BBQ this week near Gallery Place- Chinatown. If you are looking for karaoke, live music, meat straight out of the smoker, delicious tea and lemonade in a mason jar, and a whole lot of people, then Hill Country BBQ is the place to be! This was the perfect restaurant to enjoy a night off of papers and studying.

There are many more that I could mention, according to my bank account, but it would be a mistake to leave out the dessert. Cupcakes do not just come in short supply here in DC and are not limited to the name Georgetown Cupcakes that so many are familiar with. I have not had this famous cupcake due to the line that curves around the building, but I have had Sprinkles also located in Georgetown and indulged in Red Velvet Cupcakes near down town. Being a wannabe baker myself, I give these two cupcakeries two thumbs up!

I am sure I will experience more great tastes of DC in the coming weeks, but so far I am far from disappointed.

-Shannon Ryan

In Good Company

I had always known that being a Glenn Fellow would be a rewarding experience, but it wasn't until the trip to the Air and Space Museum that I began to realize the full extent of being a part of WAIP.  We were shown around the different display rooms of space expeditions and leaders in flight travel throughout the museum by our charismatic tour guide, Larry.  Most museum visits are a chance to explore history and learn the stories behind some of the greatest heroes of the past.  The Air and Space Museum, however, holds some of Ohio's most regarded heroes very close to their heart as well.  The groups of school tours and families assembled to make their way through the pathways of exhibits are welcomed at one of the entrances of the museum by the famous Friendship 7. 

When our tour guide talked of the bravery and ambition of John Glenn training for his missions, I was immediately hit with a sense of extreme pride at the notion of being a member of the Glenn Fellows.  We are being given the chance to follow in the footsteps of a man who is truly an American hero.  Senator Glenn has paved the way for many of us Glenn Fellows to dream big and hope to achieve even a fraction of the success which he has accomplished in his lifetime.  During orientation or upon speaking with former members of WAIP, there is an overpowering sense of honor and prestige which can be felt when the topic of discussion turns to the John Glenn School of Public Affairs.  Now that I have begun to feel at home in D.C., I'm starting to feel that sense of welcoming into the network of Glenn School graduates.

Being a member of the John Glenn School Fellows program is an opportunity to carry on his legacy and take some of the first steps towards starting our careers in politics, public service, and government.    Someone once gave me a hint of advice on seeking success in the realm of politics and public affairs. She said, "there are some people who are too busy saying their own name to remember the names of others."  There are so many who view the world of politics as a corrupt and broken system.  I aim to prove them wrong.  Taking into account the humble nature of Senator John Glenn and his motives to better our society through his work in public office, I've found that my desires to make an impact through my WAIP experience are not so far out of reach.  Our time here in D.C. can be that chance to prove that we have names worth remembering.

Face of the Franchise

As the only intern in Congressman Patrick Tiberi's office I have been given the responsibility of leading the guided tours of the Capitol. At first I was very apprehensive about leading these tours for a few reasons. Obviously learning all the information about the Capitol and being the focus of attention can be a bit daunting at first, but as I got more used to it I became more and more comfortable.

I soon realized that of all my duties as an intern, leading tours was perhaps the most important. It is really the only time that constituents get face to face time with the staff and sometimes the congressman himself. I am in essence the office's ambassador to those that come into our office. In many cases, how well I do as a tour guide greatly influence how they remember their vacation. If they have a great time then they connect the great time they had with me to the congressman himself. At my time at the office I have learned that constituent relations is probably the most important facet of our work in the office. Considering that more often than not I am the only member of the office who interacts with the constituents for an extended period of time, it makes what I do very important. 

I feel a great sense of accomplishment when I give a tour and people have a fun time because I know that I just made a memory with them. I have already met people from all over the district, many with a connection to my hometown. It is overall a great experience and is probably the most enjoyable part of my internship. I strive to be the best I can be because it is not just about the constituents having a good time or about my sense of pride. I represent the office and everything I do reflects upon the congressman. That is why I enjoy tours so much, it makes me feel like I am an integral part of something bigger than just myself and my personal intern experience.

-Zach Prouty

May I have a few with you?

I wake up to wipe the sleep from my eyes. I face another day of responsibilities. As I list my daily doings I realize the "I can't handle this feeling" hasn't exactly gone away yet. But, some of my old habits have snuck quietly into my new DC lifestyle and while it's not exactly second nature, it's the beginning of a routine. 

I had all these thoughts before 7:25 AM on the Friday we went to the Newseum and only one quote from our trip comes to mind:

"Throughout the centuries there were men who took first steps down new roads armed with nothing but their own vision. Their goals differed, but they all had this in common: that the step was first, the road new, the vision unborrowed, and the response they received, hatred. The great creators, the thinkers, the artists, the scientists, the inventors, stood alone against the men of their time. Every great new thought was opposed. Every great new invention was denounced. The first motor was considered foolish. The airplane was considered impossible. The power loom was considered vicious. Anesthesia was considered sinful. But the men of unborrowed vision went ahead. They fought, they suffered and they paid. But they won."

-Ayn Rand

It's a strange juxtaposition, seeing visitors and natives (workers) here in DC. At first, I wanted to be here as a visitor, a vacationer. Now, I want to walk past the faces that stop and smile for the camera. I want to be apart of the 9:00 AM rush to work. 

Seems silly, wanting to be the fast walking cell phone talking group of people who always look a little over dressed. But those people, they are the thinkers, the pushers, the creators. They make all those pretty buildings light up at night with energy-efficient bulbs. They protect the monuments tourists look at with special police. They create open-government policies that allow protestors to get information on the ideas they are protesting. And that, while not easy, comforting, or slow, keeps me waking and walking. 

I am here to make a difference not only for me, but for others. 

One day, when I do want to be tourist somewhere, I can thank those who help make it possible. I can begin to understand that every day is still hard for them, and that even though it will always be a struggle, it's worth it some way. 

Melanie Joy Kaufman

Getting Lost

For the first time in over a year congress is in a two-week recess, which began last Monday. For all the hill staffers it is a welcome break for the 8:30am-? schedule that they maintain when congress is in session. As for us interns it means things are quite a bit slower than normal, and it can be a struggle at points to fill every minute from 9-5.  Today I realized that getting lost in the Capitol building is the perfect remedy for the down time in our office.  Prior to this morning I had been a little weary of wandering to extensively for fear that I may not be able to find my way back or I may find myself in some trouble with my office or the Capitol Police, but this morning amidst a slow period I couldn’t help myself.

 As a disclaimer I highly recommend taking a tour of the Capitol Building if the chance ever presents itself, but I must admit that the true gems are hidden behind the velvet ropes and the “Authorized Personnel Only” signs. In fact it turns out that Constantino Brumidi completed far more impressive artwork than you will find in the rotunda. All of the ceilings on the Senate side of the Capitol are adorned with his elaborate murals representing the history of America (in fact these hallways are known as “The Brumidi Corridors”). As I looked carefully I realized that Brumidi had left a fair amount of his murals empty so that we can further expand his artwork as history progresses. There was one more recent addition that caught my eye, that painting is represented to the left. It was added as a tribute to the crew of the space shuttle Challenger and was painted in 1987 by Charles Schmidt. Although this painting is the result of a tragic event it is still an amazing addition to Brumidi’s artwork that will forever live on in the halls of the Capitol Building.

            Sadly this was where my unguided stroll through the Capitol ended for the day, but I am determined to make the Brumidi Corridors my most frequently visited part of the Capitol. As for you the reader, if you ever plan to visit Washington and take a tour of the Capitol, I recommend that you ask your Senator’s office to take you through the Brumidi Corridor’s, it will be more than worth your while.

-Dave C.

Feels Like Home

As my second week of work is coming to an end I find myself stunned that I feel quite at home in this monumental city. This is quite the opposite of what I expected from this adventure with the WAIP program. My conjecture was that I would be walking with my head in the cherry blossoms for weeks to come while feeling overwhelmed by the sudden change of my residence, friends, classes and last but not least having a job to go to every day. I can’t say that I am disappointed.

Sitting at lunch yesterday afternoon, soaking up the gorgeous DC weather, I found myself wondering if this was in fact any resemblance to what the people that built our Nation’s capital had in mind, people such as Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison that have been discussed already in seminar. I am sure they were not thinking of the sky scrapers, sidewalks full of men in ties and women in heels, which I might add have done a number to my feet for it only being day ten.  They most likely didn’t even project the amount of people that it takes to run this city and the country as a whole, but I believe that they did have knowledge of what they wanted this city to mean.

From reading the documents that these founding fathers created to admiring this grand and historical city, I believe they meant for it to mean home to so many. Perhaps that is why I am so comfortable at only week two of this adventure, because although it may not be my permanent residence, it still means home in many more figurative ways.  

-Shannon Ryan

Out of a Rut

            As winter quarter began at Ohio State, I found myself dreading the thought of beginning another monotonous ten weeks of going to class, working, doing homework, sleeping, and repeating.  Entering my eighth quarter at Ohio State, I had gotten myself into a bit of a rut.  The quarters were beginning to blur together as everything became a routine.  I started to search for opportunities that could provide a new experience while still continuing my course work at Ohio State.  That is when I stumbled upon the Glenn School.  As I did some research into the Washington Academic Internship Program (WAIP), I knew I had to take advantage of this fantastic program offered by Ohio State.  Now, ten short weeks after first discovering the opportunity, I find myself living, working, and learning in Washington D.C.

            I am looking forward to learning not only about public policy, but also some of the ideas that have set the foundation for how our nation operates.  In our first week in Washington, we have discussed theories posited by Alexander Hamilton, Thomas Jefferson, and James Madison.  These men all set forth ideas that have withstood the test of time.  It is especially interesting to be discussing our forefathers at a time when politics are filled with partisan tensions and gridlock on Capitol Hill.  Many of our current issues appear to be problems that were warned against by the nation’s early founders.  In The Federalist #10 by James Madison, he speaks of complaints “that the public good is disregarded in the conflicts of rival parties, and the measures are too often decided, not according to the rules of justice and the rights of the minor party, but by the superior force of an interested and overbearing majority.”  When reading this section, I could not help but to think of the parallels it shares with the current party rivalries plaguing Congress. 

            Making connections like this is one of the many reasons that spending a quarter in Washington is so valuable.  I am able to immerse yourself in the political atmosphere and decision-making process that runs this nation.  I have the ability to draw connections between what you are learning in the public policy seminar and the founding ideas of this nation.  This is an example of the advantages that the WAIP program provides over traditional classroom learning.  I am sure that as the next nine weeks fly by, there will be many instances where I will make connections and enjoy learning experiences that I would not have had the opportunity to do had I remained in my rut at Ohio State.  

Eric Nash

Underbelly

Earlier today I caught myself worrying about work, as if this week was the real beginning, and last week was a "take your kid to work" day or something. As I went over the lists and the agendas for this week I realized the tasks associated with being an intern are endless. I wondered as I worried about my input and progress, do I "work to live" or "live to work"?

It's a fine line I never crossed during my quarters at OSU. I always was working on my degrees to take my life a step further in the right direction. Simply, I lived to work. Now balancing school and my internship, I find myself sitting on that line and I have realized that it's actually an uneasy see-saw. Struggling with this dichotomy, I find myself making sacrifices, questioning priorities, and feeling extremely tired (mentally and physically). I thought I had been grown up. I thought getting an education and landing my dream job was the goal, now I see it differently. I want to work to live, but not in the vacation home in Florida way. 

People in my office battle everyday for tax payer rights, freedom of information, and better business, but still have themselves in mind (in the good way). They bring friendship to the office and produce as a team; at my internship, no man is an island, even if he tries. This concept ties into my understanding of education, which is that knowledge is a work in progress. Learning a concept, interpreting it in your own way, and returning the information with a fresh perspective is what makes up the black box of academics. The people who I work with take this mantra to the next level and share their thoughts on every subject. They try to improve  company ideas "in-house" before putting them out there for the rest of the world to soak up because they want to be a critical contribution.

They are not living to work. The do not placing their whole hearts into blog posts, testimonies, and research papers just to advance their name, they do it to make a change for others and themselves. They are the taxpayers they are working to help, they are the consumers of better business, and they are the people who want to know the truth. They work to live better lives and just happen to contribute to the public good by doing so. 

My new goal is to be hard working, not for resume purposes, but for real life purposes. While having a great job makes living easier, feeding the pool of thought and helping others (while helping myself) seems more rewarding in the end. Did I just grow up?

Melanie Joy Kaufman

A City's Seductive Powers

Dr. Kolson alluded to the seductive power of Washington D.C. in Friday's lecture. His warning came too late, however, as the city had already won me e during a prior trip many years ago.  I had fallen in love with this place far before this past week of emersion into this lifestyle.  I can still recall the moment during a  family trip to the nation's capital where I made a promise to myself to return to this amazing city to live later on in life.  Now the WAIP program doesn't exactly fall into the category of a full-time career on Capitol Hill or qualify me as a Washington insider, but it puts me one step closer to my dream. 

I never imagined that I would be given this type of opportunity so early on in my life.  Just reading the schedule for the tours and events which we will be attending as Glenn Fellows overwhelms me with excitment.  These first few days have already exceeded my expectations for what is to come over the course his quarter.  It's a bit disheartening to have to mark down one week of my stay here working and exploring Washington.  I will have the privilege of calling D.C. my home for the next nine weeks.  My experience so far has given me hope that I can one day be a peer and coworker with the professionals that we have come to observe everyday. 

Our "behind the scenes" tour that the group went on within the Capitol Building gave me that same feel of wanting to become a part of that world of politics and business.  This past week alone has given me an extra boost and momentum to realize that my dreams are not so far out of reach.  That little identification card with my name and face proudly initiating me into the role of a government worker and certifying that I am in fact qualified to gain the access to a whole different environment.  I've always been taught to dream big.  The sky is the limit if I put all of my effort into my accomplishments.  Passing along the same halls that our members of Congress and Senate walk gave me the confidence to believe in myself more than ever. 

The time that we spent walking around the rooms of a place so rich in our nation's history and future endeavors of politics and goverenment allowed me to imagine myself being given the opportunity to return to those hallways with a different purpose than tourism.  Being in the company of the other Glenn Fellows who share the same love for Washington D.C. is so comforting to know that I'm not the only one with high hopes of success and dreams of a career.   I can't imagine that I am the only one who has been so easily seduced by the magic and beauty of our new home near Capitol Hill.  It's a great feeling to know that we are all on the same mission to create change and make our impact in this city.  Just as there is an extensive amount of possibilities of discovery throughout Washington's streets, our options for the future are just as abundant and endless. No matter which career path we decide to follow, I know there is no better canvass to begin that journey than right here in Washington, D.C.

Erin Ryan