IdEA: International Diaspora Engagement Alliance

Last week I attended the Global Diaspora Forum at the State Department hosted by Secretary Hillary Clinton. With people of over 70 countries, the global diaspora alliance summit served as stage for ideas and debate in able for diaspora communities to help their home countries. The US-Mexico Foundation (where I am interning this summer) was invited and our CEO Martha Smith took the stage and explain the challenges Mexico is facing and how diaspora communities can help overcome this challenges. Being the largest diaspora in the country, our Mexican-American Leadership Initiative (MALI) was set as an example among other communities. It was very interesting to see the rich diversity this country has. Diasporas from all over the world were present American citizens descendant from China, India, Mexico, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, Syria, Australia, Israeli-Jewish, Germany, Ireland and dozens of other countries. This gathering challenged diaspora communities to forge partnerships with the private sector, civil society, and public institutions in order to make their engagements with their countries of ancestry. 

The event was very eye opening, most of the topics mentioned revolved around the Arab spring and the challenges the Middle East face today. Countries like Syria are currently under big political stress for a rising revolution. Other countries like Egypt, Tunisia, and Libya have diasporas that are deeply concerned about their future development and the role of the US in it. Another hot topic was the Israeli-Iran tension. The Jewish diaspora is one of the most influential diaspora groups in the country. They play a big role in politics, particularly with Israel. A wide range of issues were discussed and it was an amazing experience being able to hear from academics, politicians, and leaders from all over the world communicating to help their countries of origin. 

This diaspora summit is a great evidence of how diversity from all over the world has shaped the United States and its values throughout time and makes it the great country it is today.

Luis T

The Congressional...

We might joke about it, but the Congressional Apartment building has been a solid place to live these past two months. Equipped with a full kitchen, living room, bathroom and room for 4 people, it has been a nice home away from home. Also, unlike some other rooms in the building (room 610), we have a full set of silverware.


Congressional Apartment Building

Yet what I like most about living in the Congressional Apartment building is the location. I am extremely fortunate to be able to walk to work every day to the Hall of the States building, just about a 10-15 minute trip. This helps me save big time on those metro rates that just recently went up.

Additionally, the building is ridiculously close to some of DC's most historical landmarks. We are literally a block away from the Supreme Court, and just about two blocks from the Capitol Building.

The location offers a perfect opportunity to get some exercise by running to various points of interest as well. The apartment is just 1.7 miles to the Washington Monument and just a little bit further for the WWII Memorial. Further still is the Lincoln Memorial, about 2.7 miles away. The White House is 2.1 miles away on Pennsylvania Ave., and the Vietnam Memorial is 2.5 miles away, close to the Lincoln Memorial. If you're feeling adventurous, you can take a run to the FDR Memorial, which is a bit over 2.8 miles away. If you don't want to go that far, there is always the Jefferson Memorial and new MLK Monument in that area, about a 2.5 mile trip (location distances courtesy of Google Maps).



WWII Memorial



FDR Memorial

Running to these historic sites adds some excitement to exercise. I will miss having the luxury and ability to run to "the tallest free-standing stone structure" (Washington Monument) when we leave!

 -Kevin Arndt

The Best 20 Minute Conversation

Through a very random series of events, I met one of the nation's most experienced and respected congresswomen in the nation. Her name is Congresswoman Eleanor Holmes Norton, and she represents our current home away from home, Washington, D.C.

Congresswoman Norton has had many remarkable accomplishments in her lifetime. She is the ranking member of the House Subcommittee on Economic Development, Public Buildings and Emergency Management, and serves on two committees. She was a full time law professor (and still teaches today!), board member of three Fortune 500 companies and attended Antioch College in Ohio for Undergrad! The list of amazing experiences continues (check out more information on her website Norton Biography).

On Monday, July 23rd I had the honor of speaking one on one with the Congresswoman. Just a block away from the Capitol, I met the Congresswoman in her office for a friendly visit and quick chat. The office was beautiful with walls full of photos from her experiences in the Civil Rights Movement, friendly staff members, luxurious furniture and classical music playing quietly. This was by far one of the nicest offices I have ever seen. We discussed my current studies, experiences in D.C., professional hopes for the future and even talked about the education challenges in D.C. In only a few minutes I was deeply inspired and hopeful that my generation would be able to deal with the economic and social issues that we will soon have to face. The Congresswoman's wisdom was unlimited, and I could quickly tell that she was a down-to-earth and an overall empowering person. The fact that she even took time out of her incredibly busy schedule to meet with me says so much about her genuine character. Again, it was an honor.

The highlight of my day was the Congresswoman telling me that I gave her confidence in the next generation's ability to deal with the difficulties we are bound to face.

One of the best twenty minute conversations... ever.

-Aiesha White

Visiting American University Washington College of Law

A few weeks ago I scheduled my first official law school visit. The only other law school I’ve seen so far was Ohio State’s law school. Even then, I’ve never went on an official tour. I’ve walked around it myself after my Phi Alpha Delta meetings in the building and I’ve been around it with a current OSU law school student but never on an actual tour.

So on Friday, June 27^th, I took the metro up to the Tenleytown Metro stop. The stop drops you right off in front of a bus stop. The bus stop not only is used by the MetroBuses but also by American University’s buses. AU provides free bus transportation from the metro stop to the main campus and the law school campus since the law school is about a 10 minute walk from the main campus.

I arrived in the area earlier than I needed so I took the AU bus to the main campus and then walked to the law school so I could see the sights and area. Between the two locations, there is a nice residential area. The houses looked very quaint and homey and the greenery by each of the homes was picturesque. Arriving at the law school, the scenery was just as pretty as the walk there. The law school building has a very nice fountain and seating outside in front which seems ideal for a nice break between classes.

Once our tour actually started, we were shown each of the 6 floors in the building and the significant rooms on the floors. We saw the moot court room, the basic freshman classroom, the dean’s lounge, the library, the students’ lounge, one of the journals’ work rooms, the cafeteria and finally the main mock court room where many lectures are held.  The tour guide then brought us back to the admissions office and answered our final questions about the school while providing us also with pamphlets.

Overall, the school was beautiful and as I was leaving the building, I thought of how I could see myself going here someday.

Brooke Koester

The Public University

As I think about my research paper on the rising costs of higher education, I’m reminded of the anniversary of the Morrill Act and ceremony commemorating this legislation that occurred in DC in late June this summer.  Public university Presidents from around the country, including Ohio State's own President Gee, came to the nations capital to pay tribute to the pioneering legislation that made the universities they lead possible.  The event ended with a closing ceremony fittingly outside the Lincoln Memorial.

With Presdent Gee and Vice President of Government Affairs Dick Stoddard at the Lincoln Memorial

The Morrill Act, named after the legislation’s author, Justin Morrill, was signed by President Lincoln in 1862 as the nation was in the midst of Civil War.

Some argue that this legislation was the most important in our nation’s history; it created land grant colleges – Ohio State included – that would educate people in agriculture, home economics, mechanical arts, and other professions that were practical at the time.  This legislation helped create the robust higher education system that we enjoy in America today.

Lincoln and Morrill Towers, OSU

While the future of public and land grant institutions is uncertain in the wake of decreased state funding and other concerns, it gives one perspective to look back at how public universities have evolved throughout the years.  Public universities grew not only in size, through legislation such as the GI Bill and others, but also in importance, notably during the Cold War when research in science and technology was of utmost importance.

Today, higher education in America is defined by a now over $1 trillion student loan debt crisis, partly due to substantial increases in tuition.  Ohio State leasing of parking assets and the firing (and re-hiring) of University of Virginia’s President Sullivan underscores the tone some public universities have during current times – in order to remain relevant and maintain excellence, change must happen.  Whether that change is for better or worse for public universities remains to be seen.

UVA President Teresa Sullivan

Ohio State Parking asset

  

- Kevin Arndt

  

Stories of Myself

My Monday morning was far from average this week. When I came into work that morning at my typical time of 8:45 am (thank you intern networking speaker motivation) my supervisors immediately told me to report to the Speaker’s Lobby. The other interns and I had unknowingly committed to participating in the House's Emergency Preparation training drill. I unluckily was given a guest card and had to sit in the gallery and act like a normal guest caught in some very bad situation. We went over drills for terrorist threats, biological weapons, and a stranger in the capitol. Whenever they ran the drill they set up mock real situation the representative would be in and I was allowed to simulate panicking which was fun. For one of the simulations when we had to stay in the room I acted like I had to pee and was very insubordinate to the security guards which I’m sure they appreciated. It was a really unique way to start my Monday.
Tuesday I got to take a tour of the White House and had to meet a group of people at the ungodly hour of 7:20 am. Needless to say I hadn’t had my usual 4 cups of coffee at this point in the morning but I pretended to be awake by keeping my eyes open as I slept like a wizard. The tour was lackluster. Maybe because I’m spoiled with access at the Capitol I really wasn’t impressed with the White House East Wing and Mansion. It was basically a series of different colored themed rooms where heads of states would be entertained. I have basically 0% interest in portraits of Presidents and furniture, so this really wasn’t for me. The highlight of my tour was Bo the President’s dog nonchalantly running by me all cute like.

        Today I got to take a Dome Tour which was fantastic. I got to go about 10 feet under the Apotheosis of Washington in the Rotunda and traveled to the top of the dome. There was a circular path on top of the building that provided a 360 degree spectacle of Washington, D.C. My favorite part was watching segwayers circle the Capitol's fountain like tiny robots. 




Alexander Hurd

Life as a Summer Associate

My internship at ServiceNation has been an experience that has encouraged professional and personal growth and development. The work I have done as a summer associate has enabled me to learn about the veteran population, their needs and expectations from their local communities, and what type of legislation needs to be passed to help reintegrate them into the civilian world. As a social work major, it is important for me to familiarize myself with a diverse spectrum of populations that are in need of advocacy in order to provide optimal services when I begin working in my field.

Sen. John Hoeven

Sen. Hank Johnson

Through ServiceNation I have had the opportunity to attend two events this summer which helped me understand what challenges veterans face when returning home from both Iraq and/or Afghanistan. The first event was the Visible Honor for Invisible Wounds, held to commemorate the third annual National Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Awareness Day. The event was set-up to help citizens understand the true nature of PTSD which will help remove the stigma that still surrounds this type of injury. It was inspiring to hear Senator Hank Johnson and freshman Senator John Hoeven discuss their commitment to pursuing legislation that will open the discussion about treatment for veterans who suffer from Traumatic Brain Injuries (TBIs). I was moved to hear Sergeant Major Ray Chandler discuss his PTSD, even as the Senior Enlisted Advisor to the Army's Chief of Staff. He talked about his deployments and how injuries from IEDs and other explosive devices caused his TBI, which lead to his PTSD. He explained how the Army's Chief of Staff appointed him as the best candidate because of how he sought out help with his PTSD and how he advocated for other members of the military to seek out help to deal with their PTSD injuries. Other speakers included a 10 year old girl who almost lost her father to suicide because he never got treatment for his TBI and PTSD, and an 88 year old World War II veteran who spoke about the psychological strains of war and how the discussion of mental health was seen as a weakness in his era. 

Sergeant Major Raymond Chandler

The Visible Honor for Invisible Wounds event was held in Upper Senate Park on Capitol Hill. Although the day was extremely hot, several supporters were in attendance. I felt very patriotic as we stood for the national anthem and the presentation of the flag. I left that event with a new perception of how PTSD affected not just the military but family members, government officials and society as a whole. From the research I have conducted through my organization, I have found that only a small percentage of veterans actually experience PTSD, and more surprisingly is the fact that so many civilians actually suffer from the disorder without their realization. Grievances, car accidents, bad grades on papers, mid-term or final, sudden loss of income, even witnessing something horrific can cause the average citizen slight to mild PTSD. This summer I have learned that veterans don't expect a handout, they expect to be transitioned back into the civilian population with ease and the confidence that we appreciate their education, talents and skills that they have acquired from serving this nation.

The second event took place at George Washington University and I had the opportunity to actually be a part of (when I say "be a part" I mean, work the registration table) the Pat Tillman Foundation Gala which recognized the Pat Tillman Scholars as well as unveiled the Education Pillar of the Got Your 6 campaign. So, let me explain what I just said so that you have a clue what I am talking about. Got Your 6 is an initiative of ServiceNation. I have done a ton of work with my hiring manager, who happens to be the Military-Civilian Director of the Got Your 6 campaign. "Got Your 6" is military lingo meaning "I got your back." To illustrate, if you were the hands on at a standard clock that is sitting on a table, 12 o'clock would be ahead of you and 6 o'clock would be behind you. It's like when someone says, "check out that person over there at 3 o'clock" and you look directly to your right. So, Got Your 6 means "I got your back," on the battlefield.

The Got Your 6 campaign works to help organizations who provide services to veterans collaborate in an effort to provide a veteran with an array of services. The "6" also stands for the 6 pillars of Reintegration for veterans which are Education, Employment, Health, Housing, Leadership and Family.  Essentially we are saying "We got your back with Education, Employment, Health, etc." This event was to introduce the Pat Tillman Foundation as an Activating Partner for the Education Pillar. Briefly, the Pat Tillman organization was set up by veterans to honor those veterans who have become stellar students. The organization provides scholarships to those veterans as well as networking opportunities which give them an advantage in the job market.

The event was very enlightening. The speakers were all leaders in the non-profit world, military and academia. It was excellent to see the support that the student veterans have and their professional candor helped me to recognize them as more than just veterans, but as outstanding individuals who served our country and still continue to excel in their education. It's funny because although I know that it is an honor to be here as a Glenn Fellow, it is very humbling to have my "peers" from other institutions who have walked the battlefields of Iraq and Afghanistan come up to me and thank me for my advocacy. The whole time I wanted to be like "stop it, I am doing NOTHING compared to what you have done," but I was reminded by my boss, Chris Marvin who served and was wounded in a helicopter crash in Iraq, that it takes the passion of educated civilians like myself to advocate for veterans and other disparate populations. Because of his words, I felt as though I was part of a movement during the Pat Tillman event.

Chris Marvin, My Boss

An Afternoon at the Supreme Court

Throughout this summer we have embarked on numerous study tours each Friday. We have visited places such as the National Gallery of Art, the Library of Congress, and the Smithsonian Air and Space Museum. In addition, this past Friday, we toured the Supreme Court, which was a very intriguing experience. Being someone who is highly interested in attending Law School after undergrad, the Supreme Court was a very fascinating place to visit. Each day as I walk from the Congressional to Capitol South Metro Station, I watch the tourists take pictures of the Supreme Court building, anxiously awaiting going inside. I have also had the opportunity, on days such as when the Healthcare ruling was announced, to see camera crews lined up rows deep and camped out in front of the court from my morning trip to work and still there as I walk home from work. Evidently, I couldn’t wait for the day that we would tour and spend an afternoon inside the court.

When we first arrived at the building we briefly looked around at the different exhibits on the ground floor. One particular statue we looked at was that of John Marshall. In general, the entire building was beautifully constructed. We also had the chance to look at the marble spiral staircase, which is pictured below. After browsing around, we went and listened to a courtroom lecture. This is lead by a Docent in the actual Courtroom on the first floor. This lecture was very exciting to me. Not only did she talk about the history and architecture of the building, but she explained the ins and outs of the Courtroom and what takes place on days when Court is in session. I was surprised at the size of the Courtroom, as it was much smaller than I was expecting. The room set up is also very different from other courts, as it is an Appellate Court. There are no seats for a Jury and the Justices’ bench is almost arms reach from the tables where the arguing attorneys sit.

After the informative lecture from the Docent, we went and viewed the Visitors’ Film in the theater. It was noteworthy to hear the Justices’ (current and previous) point of views and thoughts throughout the film. The film also showed different parts of the building not open for touring and talked a lot about the history of the court. Overall, the Supreme Court was a remarkable building and everything I was expecting. My interest in the duties of the Justices has only further sparked my interest in attending Law School in the near future.

-Ariel Cohen

Listening to Justice Scalia

Every week, there are guest lecturers for the congressional interns.  Throughout the entire summer, I have not had a chance to attend one until last Monday.  Monday’s guest speaker was to be Justice Scalia and this was one of the few lectures that required an RSVP. The Thursday before the lecture all of the interns were allowed to email in to reserve our spot. Within the first five minutes of the opening of the RSVP window, over 1,000 interns emailed their RSVP. With the limited seating in the Supreme Court room they were only able to take a little over 200 interns on a first come, first serve basis. I was lucky enough to be one of the few who RSVP’d early enough to get a spot at the lecture.
We were told to arrive 45 minutes early, where we stood in line waiting to get into the Supreme Court room. Once we were allowed in, they led us single file into the seats in the room. Representative Dan Lungren (R-CA) entered the room first where he gave us his advice for interning in D.C. and then introduced Justice Scalia.

Justice Scalia had an intimidating initial presence but quickly started making a joke here and there and opening up to us.  He started by telling us his main piece of advice he wanted to get across to us; don’t judge judges. He explained that so many people solely base their opinions on the Justices by if they voted for a specific case in the way they wanted them to. They do not pay attention to the fact that the Justices are only interpreting the laws, not writing them. He feels that most of the people mad at them should be looking across the street to the representatives.

After the first 15 minutes of Justice Scalia’s lecture, he opened the floor up to questions. Some people questioned him about specific issues whereas other questions were broader. My favorite question happened to be, “What was your most difficult case to decide while on the Supreme Court?” His reply was when he had to determine if the states were allowed to create their own terms for their representatives. The lecture was very interesting hearing his views about a wide variety of issues. The only negative part of the event was that the lecture was only an hour long and I had to return back to work right after it.

Brooke Koester

Can't "Beat It"

When I realized that my participation in the Washington Academic Internship Program was imminent I began seeking out interesting things that I would want to do while in D.C. Obviously, we have the museums and the monuments, and as I have mentioned in previous blogs, those are all great, yet I was looking for something more, something memorable, something amazing. During my search I found the Michael Jackson-Cirque Soliel show at the Verizon Center. Back in April, when I was looking at ticket prices, I pretty much determined that I would not be able to afford the show given its $200+ ticket prices for any seats worth purchasing. As a snob for live shows, I pride myself in having one of the best seats in the house in any show for which I attend.

I continued to monitor the ticket prices on Stub Hub and finally I found an offer and I could not "Beat It"! It was 1 ticket for under $200, on the Club Level of the Verizon Center, and the seat was center stage. Now, every other fellow agreed that the show would be awesome just not "$100+ awesome." I, however, am a complete Michael Jackson fanatic! Prior to his passing, I had always planned to see him perform live. My grandmother even has an unopened copy of his Thriller LP on Vinyl stored for me in a safe place in her home! I have coined my "Moonwalk" and I even own the Moonwalker movie, Oz, and I have a program from one of the 1980s OZ plays in which Michael performed. FAN!

So, I purchased my tickets and I have to say that the show was amazing! All the acrobats and pyrotechnics were awesome. They played all the Michael Jackson songs I have grown to love and some that I had forgotten. It made me sad to know I will never have the chance to experience the King of Pop in a live setting, yet I was humbled by the tribute Cirque Soliel did on behalf of Michael Jackson. If there were to be a show that was as spectacular as any live performance by M.J., I know that the Cirque Soliel show captured the likeness. Donniecia

"The Land of the Free because of the Brave."

 One of the major downsides interning at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) is that I am constantly surrounded by personal stories of suicide. Nearly everyone in my office has loss a family member or close friend to such a tragedy. The good thing is, since one of our goals is to erase the sigma of suicide, it is never an awkward or uncomfortable situation when the discussion turns to their loss.

A major project I have been working on is helping with a partnership AFSP has made with various congressional spouses. The first meeting AFSP had with the spouses occurred just this month in one of the Senate buildings on Capitol Hill; I was on hand to help with the event.

While the meeting primarily served as a kickoff for the collaboration, Major General Mark Graham and Mrs. Carol Graham were in attendance as the keynote speakers. Maj. Gen. Graham and Mrs. Graham have three children. Unfortunately only one of their children, Melanie, is still alive. On February 19, 2004 their son, Lieutenant Jeffrey Graham, 23, died when a roadside bomb exploded as he protected his platoon in Iraq. Just months earlier on June 21, 2003 their second child, ROTC cadet Kevin Graham, 21, hanged himself from a ceiling fan in his apartment at the University of Kentucky. While the lethality of the roadside bomb that took Jeff was easier to see than the lethality of Kevin's depression, the Graham's lost both of their sons to two very different evils.

Meeting and hearing the story of the Grahams was chilling and inspiring at the same time. Upon first meeting me the Grahams gave me a giant hugged and thank me for my work. Without even knowing who I was or just exactly what I was doing they were thankful that I was working with AFSP. They treated me like I was part of their family and as though I had known them for years.

After some mingling everyone settled in for the Graham's presentation. They made it clear that they were not here to talk as advocates, military personnel, or lobbyists, but as down-to-earth, average, parents, and that is exactly how it felt. Maj. Gen. Graham spoke first, and then Mrs. Graham. The stories and glimpse into their lives that they shared was astonishing. I could not imagine how they could go on after losing both of their sons, however they made it clear that they were going on in honor of their sons. 

By the end of their speeches the room was somber and everyone in the audience, including myself, was struggling to hold back tears. One congressional spouse, who had lost a son to suicide but never publicly talked about it was especially touched. It would be nearly impossible for me to convey the message that the Graham's left me, and everyone else in the audience, with.

Normally I spend most of my days at my internship doing research, listening to hearings, and preparing for events. The Grahams were a staunch reminder of what all the work I have done truly means. I can only hope that my work for AFSP has helped in the smallest way to fight the sigma of suicide.

When the event was over the Graham's once again offered me a hug, thanked me for my help, and were more than happy to take a picture with me and Emily, the other intern in the office. It was overwhelming and powerful to be in their presence.

Maj. Gen. Graham ends every speech he gives with the same phrase and I believe it is only appropriate for me to end the story of my time meeting the Graham's with it. He always reminds 

  his audience that is it “The Land of the Free because of the Brave.”

For further information about the Graham's story you can visit the website in honor of Jeff and Kevin Graham.

Also, I will make sure post the link to their presentation once it is on AFSP's website.

- Jenn Meyer

Crab Cakes And Football

            Washington D.C. has everything, from incredible people to historic landmarks and some of the best food anywhere. Despite the intimate size of D.C., there is so much to experience that it could take years to truly become acquainted with the different neighborhoods and local popular spots. With so much to experience It may be tempting to become immersed in the capitol but I recommend that after you have had time to explore the immediate city and experience a lot of what is has to offer, that you also venture to the surrounding cities in the area. I am fortunate enough to have a friend who lives in Annapolis, Maryland, which definitely helped when planning a trip out of D.C., but is not necessary. Last Friday, after our study tour was over, I headed to the metro and traveled to the outer belt of the Capitol area on the Metro. Involving the Metro makes traveling cheap, quick, and painless. After being picked up at the New Carrollton Metro station, my friend gave me a tour of downtown Annapolis, Maryland. The city looks a lot like the Capitol but is much smaller and borders water. Fortunately, for me my friend owns a boat and so we headed out onto the Bay. A unique feature of Annapolis is the ability to dock your boat at the local bars and restaurants. So after a boat tour of the U.S. Naval Academy, downtown Annapolis, and parts of the Chesapeake Bay, we docked at a local bar and enjoyed the night there. The next day my hosts took me out and taught me how to properly eat crab, a skill that you have to have if you want to fit in on the Bay, according to them. I was also able to learn some boating skills, like how to tie a flying cleat hitch knot and see Tiger Woods’ old yacht, as well as a huge number of other boats worth well over a million dollars. During the rest of the weekend I had the privilege of biking on the beautiful hiking paths located right on the water. Despite wiping out on a mossy bridge and being run into to by my friend, who was following on his bike, it was another great way to take in the area. Overall it was a great weekend and I highly recommend getting out of DC and enjoying the slightly slower pace of another beautiful place.  Regardless of if you have friends in the area, make an effort to get out of D.C. and see what the rest of this unique location offers.

-Anthony DeThomas

Summer Glenn Fellows on Capitol Hill

Today, the Summer 2012 Glenn Fellows visit the Supreme Court.  Too bad we couldn't get a picture with the Court in the background, as it was draped with scaffolding.  Thankfully, we were able to get this nice building peeking through the trees. 

Arlington Cemetery

On a simmering afternoon after visiting the Holocaust Museum, my roommate and I decided to venture out to Arlington National Cemetery in Fort Myer, Virginia. SinceI have family members buried in the cemetery, I had been there before. This time was different, though; I was planning something more tourist-focused. Upon arriving at the cemetery I used one of the grave site finders in the welcoming center to find the plot where my grandmother, grandfather, and uncle are buried. The plan was to visit their plot first, then visit the tourist attractions, such as the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, presidential graves, and various memorials.

Since the cemetery is so vast, they offer passes to ride their bus system to various tourist hotspots in all corners of the cemetery. On our way out of the welcoming center we came across the counter where they sell the bus tickets. Unfortunately, there had been a relatively disastrous storm the night before, which resulted in a wide range of power outages throughout the Mid Atlantic. The Cemetery happened to be one of the places that lost power. They were only selling tickets via cash payment. Since I use US Bank, I had no cash on me because there are no US Banks in DC (take note US Bank customers). My roommate had some cash, but not enough for two tickets.

We were left to our own mode of transportation, our own two feet (something we’ve become very used to in DC). Since my family is buried in Section 52, tucked away next the welcoming center, but a little ways from the tourist attractions, we decided to go there first.

On our way there we, luckily, stumbled upon the The Women In Military Service For America Memorial. Coming from a family where both of my parents served in the military, and as a woman, it was personally meaningful for me to see this memorial. The memorial consists of a giant pond and water fountain surrounded by a semi-circular castle-like structure that almost looks like the inside of a rotunda in the center. After observing the water and structure, we rounded the monument and climbed the steps to the top. We were welcomed by an awing view of the cemetery. As we walked around the top of the structure we also observed the historical facts about women in the military that were on display, as well as numerous quotes engraved in the glass panels.

After soaking in the view and full experience we made our way down to Section 52 where I searched for my family’s plot. One thing I recommend to visitors is to visit a section similar to Section 52. It is not a hot tourist spot. There are no presidents buried there, no decorated tombs, no giant memorials, and no freshly dug graves. These sorts of sections represent classic, old time, American heroes who died during long ago wars or died years after their retirement. Walking through, it felt like a part of the cemetery that is overlooked and sees few visitors. I was glad that we got the opportunity to walk through and pay our respects. What was even more rewarding was finding Plot 469, Section 52 and seeing the final resting place of my family members for the first time in nine years. It was a very personally emotional experience.

After visiting my family we decided it was way too hot to walk any further around the cemetery, so we decided to leave and come back in the future, either on a cooler day or when we could utilize the bus system. From there we decided to use my Military ID to enter Fort Myer Army Base where we enjoyed dinner and discovered that all of their commissaries were closed due to the power outages (which was a shame because shopping is a lot cheaper on bases). Overall, though, it was an educational and humbling day. 

- Jenn Meyer

An Evening at the Holocaust Museum

This past evening I was lucky enough to attend A Washington, DC, Next Generation event at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum as a guest of one of the senior fellows at work. The event was the private screening of La Rafle (The Roundup), which is a French film that recounts the story of the Vel d’Hiv Roundup that took place during WWII.  

The film at times was too difficult to watch, each moment was filled with sorrow and raw emotion. After viewing the film the audience was instructed to sit in silence through the credits. After the movie the Rose Bosch (the director), Mélanie Laurent (the lead female actress), and Scott Simon (the producer) were to speaking and answering questions from the audience about their experiences making and researching the film. As we sat in silence the sounds of gentle sobs and the sniffles of strangers echoed in the large theater. I sat in the silence, filled with sadness, but I was moved by the emotions of all the people around me.

The lecture that followed gave me a new appreciation for the film. The director, Rose Bosch, spent three years prior to the film researching La Rafle.  She stated that everything we had witnessed in the film, down to the smallest detail was true. She gathered stories from the men and women of this tragic event and intertwined the stories to create a seamless film that told the truth about the tragedies that occurred during WWII. Listening to the director, Mélanie, and the producer speak of their own connections to the event and what inspired them to participate in the production of the film inspired me. 

Ceara C

Exciting Two Days

Tuesday and Wednesday offered perhaps my most exhilarating two days in D.C. so far this summer. At 9:20am yesterday morning, my very first policy piece was posted on the ThinkProgress website (the blog of my internship site, Center for American Progress). The post was about what the Federal Reserve can do to further stimulate the economy, and it came out just before the Chairman of the Fed, Ben Bernanke, was scheduled to deliver his semiannual testimony to the Senate.

I am particularly proud of this piece because I came to my supervisor, an economist at CAP, with the idea and he let me do most of the heavy lifting. I researched the policy ideas, we talked about how to frame it, and he molded it into a more salient package for the public. Monetary policy is an area that I care deeply about, and it was fitting that it was the subject of my first published policy piece.

I was in attendance at the Senate Hearing (and the House hearing today), which I can prove by pointing you to the 2.5 hour video on c-span. I can be seen throughout the video just over Chairman Bernanke's left shoulder.

Tuesday just happened to be my birthday too, and I can't think of a better way to spend it than being in D.C., being published, and appearing on national TV in the same frame as the Chairman of the Federal Reserve.

-Cameron DeHart

Smile Like You Mean it.

I noticed something today on my way to work. No one smiles. A friend and I were riding the metro to our respective internships and she commented that it was quiet as a morgue. It wasn’t until she said that to me that I looked around and noticed everyone looking solemnly forward. If I had never been on the metro before I would want to get off because I would assume the train was going somewhere unpleasant. Which is too bad considering one of my favorite parts of the day is the ride to work. My friend and I catch up on what we did the prior evening, what we had planned for the day, and talk about work. We always end up laughing and having a good time, which may be why we get the occasional stare. 

Then it occurred to me that maybe we were the ones being weird. Maybe people don’t smile because it is early in the morning or maybe they don’t want to go to work. Regardless, the D.C. metro reminded me a lot of the metro in Moscow. Not because no one smiled on the Russian metro system either, but because both seemed to only use the metro as a place of business. It took them from point A to point B and occasionally point C on the weekends but that was it. Maybe people didn’t smile because the metro was an extension of work, or maybe the gentle hum and rocking of the train kept them on the brink of sleep. The ride to and from work could much more of a social experience if people talked to one another more, especially with how close they are sometimes forced to stand. I guess next time I’m forced up against the wall with some important people on my way to work, I’ll have to try handing them my business card. -ES

Inspired by Women in Politics

This week my mentor invited me to another wonderful event. This time I attended an event for Women in Government Relations at which Congresswoman Suzanne Bonamici, Former Congresswoman Nancy Johnson, and Dr. Jennifer Lawless spoke. I was moved while listening to their testimonies, these women were truly inspiring. They have dedicated their lives to careers in public service. Each woman spoke of their different experiences in politics and discussed the problems that women face in holding political office today. I was especially shocked to hear some stories from their time campaigning for office. They spoke about how constituents would write or call to discuss their dissatisfaction with their hair, make-up, or outfits opposed to the issues facing the American people. Although this issue is very slight and rare the simple fact that this occurs proves that there is still much to be done for the equality of women in politics. The time I have spent in D.C. has allowed me to witness female role models that are still paving the way for the future of women equality. I am inspired by them and inspired to help join their cause and make a difference for the future of women. 

Ceara C

Lions, Tigers and Bears... Oh my!

Okay, there were no bears, or tigers, but I did see a very playful group of lions on my trip to the National Zoo! On a very hot day several weeks ago, I decided to go to the zoo with a group of friends. Little did I know, the animals were in no mood to model for the curious tourists.

We searched high and low, but quickly discovered that half of the animals could not stand the heat. Most hid under logs, scurried into dens and lurked from well-shaded trees. However, some animals were willing to appeases us! Of course the pandas were the stars of the show. Chomping on bamboo, the cute (not so little) creatures did not mind the flash of cameras and screams of joy. One of the workers kindly, and jokingly, told us that she has never been able to hold the babies because there is too high of a threat that she will sneak them home as pets.

Yet, it was not all about the pandas. We also caught a glimpse of strange birds whose names I could not pronounce, a cheetah that was in no mood to run, elephants that were surprisingly not in their large pool, and of course the lions! The lions enjoyed the weather. Some relaxed in the shade, a few laid by the pond, others played tug-of-war with an old blanket, and a few others decided to start a wrestling match. I was highly entertained.

The most fascinating fella, however, was the gorilla. To be frank, he was bored. He paced back and forth in his indoor space, sat down and scratched a little, looked at us, and gazed out of the window. His mannerisms were so human-like, it was a little bizarre. Did I mention he was huge?

Overall, I enjoyed my time at the National Zoo. I loved seeing the animals that decided to come out of their hiding places, and especially the lions who were having quite a good time. I do wish the weather was a bit nicer, but that only gives me a reason to go back! Although the zoo was very large and equated to quite the work out, I would have loved to see more space for the animals to roam. The National Zoo is also free. If anyone has time, I would recommend going!

-Aiesha White