Recruitment Workshop

Working in the Talent Acquisition department, the majority of staff are recruiters, or "talent advisors." I had the opportunity to participate in a recruitment workshop for two days during my internship. In this workshop, topics were covered such as job profiling/sourcing strategy, passive candidate sourcing, and client/candidate relationship skills.

The key to being a talent advisor is working with hiring managers, or clients, to make the best decision about a candidate through providing recruiting expertise.

It's important for recruiters to really be familiar with the business acumen and have a deep understanding of business line priorities and how it works. To do so, it's important to communicate regularly and effectively with hiring managers. In this workshop, I learned the importance of setting up a job-intake meeting, and the questions that a recruiter should ask the hiring managers.

The workshop focused on how to make relationships with clients, which ultimately concludes with a better hire and hiring process. It's crucial for recruiters to develop a sourcing strategy through pitching a compelling employee value proposition. This should answer the question "Why American Red Cross?" and "Why this position?". A sourcing strategy also involves knowing the success factors of the job.

Overall, this workshop provided me with an opportunity to see everything that a recruiter does, other than the obvious. Participating in this workshop was one of my favorite parts of the internship.

Aubrey Houston

Leaving DC is filled with both sad and happy emotions. I am reluctant to leave a city I have just begun to fully explore and appreciate. It's not often that people get to walk to work and pass the Capitol building, the Supreme Court, and the Library of Congress and that will be sorely missed as I return to Ohio. I will miss walking to the Smithsonian Museums, to finding delicious meals from the food trucks, to being part of a living environment that makes daily changes to the entire nation. The growing heat and humidity I can do without, however. So, although I am sad to depart such a exuberant and exciting city, it will be good to return home to share my experiences and to see how my perspectives have changed as compared to what they were before I came to DC.
-Rachel Gattermeyer

Farewell to the Library of Congress

Farewell to the Library of Congress! What a wonderful internship experience I had this summer. I had very enjoyable and interesting tasks, including cataloging over 1,000 maps of Belgium that dated from the 17th-21st Centuries and reading through French-language periodicals discussing international affairs. Not only did I learn through my work, I also attended many of the free lectures, concerts, and events, which included a talk about the anti-comic campaign in the 1950s and a Eastern European Folk Music concert performed by a group from Ohio. It was a terrific time and I am sad to see it ending.
-Rachel Gattermeyer

DC Night Tour!!

During one of the first few weeks of the internship, my friend Samantha and I (and her guy friend Naraj)...the three of us decided to do a DC night tour. Now, I've been to DC two other times, so I have done many tours by day. But the night tour was something I did not get a chance to do, and I was excited.

We ordered tickets with the Old Time Trolley, which were around $40. Although initially expensive (but it's everything expensive in DC??!!!), it was well worth it.

The evening was absolutely great. The tour guide was very informative and there were many stops along the way where passengers could get out and walk around the monuments for a bit. As we passed the Capitol, I noticed that someone was offering a horse-drawn carriage tour. I would have loved to tour DC that way too! But, that opportunity did not arise.

The trolley tour was great, though. We went to The Lincoln Memorial (at dusk), went by the Capitol and other federal buildings, went by the EPA, saw the Iwo Jima and Korean memorials and also the Vietnam memorial. We also saw the FDR memorial, and the Washington Monument from a distance. We also went by Arlington National Cemetery after dusk, and just the thought of going in there at night was pretty interesting to me. I really wish you could do a night tour of Arlington!

After the tour, Samantha's friend drove us to the Jefferson Memorial and back to the Lincoln Memorial so we could walk around a little bit more.

It was a great night, we had a lot of fun, and the tour was very relaxing and enjoyable. This was definitely $40 well spent and the memories will last a lifetime!

Do a DC night tour if you get the chance!

-Lauren

Taste of Georgetown

On June 1st, my friend Samantha (the first year law student from Alabama) and I took a bus out to Georgetown. The city is very pretty and the waterfront is absolutely gorgeous. On that particular day, Georgetown was having its annual "Taste of Georgetown". You order a set of 5 tickets for $20 and then you walk from vendor to vendor and purchase various samples from the local restaurants and bakeries. These were very legit samples! The strawberry shortcake was delicious! They only have the "Taste of Georgetown" once a year, so if you want to go, you have to wait until next June.

Georgetown was busy the day we went because of the festival, however there are many shops along the street as well. It is a quaint little city and as I stated above, the waterfront was absolutely gorgeous! They also had various waterfront dining places which looked really nice as well.

I wish I had a boat.
Or a yacht....Haha.

Check it out next time you are in town! :)

-Lauren

Paddling Down the Potomac

Spontaneous trips always seem to make the best memories and the day I went kayaking was a prime example of what I mean. One Saturday, while grocery shopping at 10:00 am, Nathan and I were trying to figure out how to spend this beautiful day. He had found a kayaking place right by Georgetown and said it was lots of fun! So an hour later, Me, Eric, Nathan, and my roommate Louise were on the metro. The weather was perfectly sunny and warm and definitely waranted some time in the water.

Once there, we hardly had to wait for our kayaks. I paired up with Eric while Louise and Nathan shared. Needless to say, Eric and I had great rhythm and were cruising around in no time! He even let me give up and lay back while he continued to paddle. Of course, I had to sing "Just Around the Riverbend" from Pocahontas, which other kayakers found funny.

It was just the kind of rejuvenation that I needed after a week of being cooped up in an office all day. Sometimes we forget how perfect nature is and that it really helps to revitalize us physically and emotionally. The day was a perfect day and easily one of my favorite days in DC.

-Lenae Horvath 

Visiting the White House

One of the most exciting times in DC was when my boss informed me that we would be attending a meeting at the White House with one of the President's staffers! Since there are no longer any tours being given due to sequestration, I was even more excited that I might be able to see the inside. The next day we found out that the meeting would be held in the West Wing.

Once we got White House we had to go through intense security that took forever. Finally I was on the other side and the grass was so green! As we walked closer to the White House I noticed a Marine guarding one of the doors. We soon found out the Obama had returned to the White House and therefore we had to move our meeting over the office buildings but still in the White House gates.

Our meeting discussed the President's desire to address mental health parody and what steps he plans to take to help decrease suicide rates. We also met with the First Lady's staffer and the Vice President's staffer. Since they are very busy, the meeting only lasted an hour but the whole experience was one that  really was amazing.

Me pointing to the presidential seal right next to the White House

-Lenae Horvath

THE ZOO!

Ever since I was a little child, I have a passion for animals. I thought for sure I was going to be a veterinarian, funny how things change! Either way I still love animals of all sizes, big and small. Fortunately for me,  DC has a zoo that is free of charge and happens to house my favorite animal, the giant panda! They are so fantastic and cuddly.

When we got to the zoo I was so excited. We were able to see the elephants and even the red panda, before he escaped for a day. The line to go into the panda's house was so long that we decided to wait till the end with hopes that the line would get shorter as the day progressed.

We continued on to see the monkeys and even got to see the chimpanzee swinging above us across the zoo! It was so cool to see how their bodies can move so easily. Then we went and saw the insects, which was gross, and the fish. When we reached the bottom of the hill we were able to see the lions and tigers. They are such majestic creatures and so beautiful.

Finally, we headed back up to the giant panda cage and the line was so short! It was perfect because we only ended up waiting about five minutes. I was so happy to see these pandas in real life. It is so adorable how they sit and waddle around. The cage was full of bamboo and they do nothing but sit and eat, what an awesome life! Visiting the zoo is definitely a day that I will always remember.

-Lenae Horvath

Visiting Arlington

This summer marks my second time visiting DC. The time before this was a memorable but not so enjoyable experience. In 2010 we lost my grandfather, Kalman Horvath, a great man and a great soldier. He served the U.S. Army in WWII and his plane was shot down over Hungary. I do not know much of the story because it was not something he shared with us. Due to his bravery while he was a POW he was able to be buried in Arlington cemetery. It was so great being able to go back after two years to visit his gravesite. While I miss him immensely, it is great knowing that his legacy will forever be remembered in this national cemetery. 

-Lenae Horvath

International Humanitarian Law

Most are aware that international humanitarian law exists and is recognized worldwide. About a month ago, the American Red Cross offered an afternoon class that taught the intricacies of IHL. What I didn't know about this universally recognized law, is how respected it is by all countries.

The international red cross and red crescent (ICRC) plays the role of making countries accountable. ICRC delegates visit prisoners of war and detainees to seek prevent disappearances, summary executions, torture and ill-treatment. They restore contact between dispersed or detained family members and trace missing persons. The ICRC provides food and other basic necessities to civilians. They are respected internationally because they remain impartial and do not report any violations of IHL, but instead tell the country in violation how to improve in order to adhere to IHL. Violators may be brought before an international tribunal, as well. The ICRC is recognized by the red shield, red cross, and red crescent, which helps people identify any red cross movement.

So what are the basic rules of IHL?
-civilians are not to be attacked
-Those protected by the law are entitled to fundamental judicial guarantees. No one may be subjected to physical or mental torture, corporal punishment, or cruel/degrading treatment
-Forbidden to kill or injure an enemy who surrenders
-The lives, dignity, personal rights, and religious convictions of those detained in connection with armed conflict must be protected
-The wounded and sick are to be collected and cared for by the party that has them in power.
-Medical personnel, transports, and materials are to be protected
-The protected emblems (red cross, red shield, red cresecent) must be respected

Besides learning what IHL all entails, more than anything I was inspired by all of the volunteers that serve selflessly internationally. It is humbling that so many people are willing to put their safety aside and help those affected by conflict.




Aubrey Houston

A Memorable Trip to Arlington Cemetery:
By Jennifer Stuhldreher
    The walk to the cemetery from the metro stop seemed long, but it was definitely worth it. The sun was out in full blaze, and I could feel the temperature rising. I put my sunglasses on and continued to walk forward. As soon as I made it to the entrance gates, I found a young boy awaiting our arrival. He smiled at me and handed me a rose, he said that I could place it anywhere that I wanted. As I walked further in I realized that there were a lot of boys and girls in boy-scouts and girl-scout uniforms all over handing out colored roses. I had received a yellow rose, and as I continued my walk up the hill towards the tomb of the unknown soldier I continued to smell the rose I held onto.

           Once I made it farther up the hill, I started investigating. I found older and older gravestones as I continued my climb. One stood out to me in particular. It was an old tomb, from 1908 that had the name Johnson inscribed into it. It was a large tombstone, but very plain. The reason it stood out to me, was because a tree had started to grow below it. This tree, which was rather large now, seemed to have molded around the tombstone. It looked as though its roots were supporting the gravestone. As soon as I realized how much this tombstone had intrigued me, I realized this is where I should place my rose. It didn’t matter who this person was in relation to me, but instead the beauty that I saw from his grave. Therefore, I thought he deserved the rose, and proceeded to place the rose on the base of the tombstone.

Eastern Market:
By Jennifer Stuhldreher
    The fresh aroma of pancakes infiltrate your nose, as you enter into a nosy and busy hall. I walked into the main hall of Eastern market, and first noticed the row of fresh fish and meat counters. As I walked down the hall past all of the fresh meat I saw a long line of people and was instantly greeted by the sweet smell of pancakes. I knew that I had found the famous breakfast spot and instantly began scanning the chalk board menu that was hanging over the station. Once I got up to the front of the line, I ordered some chocolate chip pancakes and breakfast potatoes. As I took the first bite into my food, my cravings were instantly satisfied! The chocolate chips melted in my mouth and left me craving more. Before I knew it, I had devoured my entire plate.
   

Though the breakfast may be the most memorable part of the market, it is not the only thing it has to offer. Outside the main hall there lines rows and rows of white tents that each house different treasures. There are fresh fruits and vegetables, clothing, jewelry, old maps, antiques, and much more. I wandered through the different isles taking in each stand as I went. One tent caught my eye in particular, because this tent had a beautiful necklace, with multiple strands of turquoise beads. I loved this piece, because I thought it was perfect for sun dresses, and work suits. I couldn't resist and got the necklace. I feel my trip to Eastern market turned out as a success, and even left me craving another trip.

Congressmen Wear Sunglasses Inside

On Thursday, July 25, I attended a House Judiciary Subcommittee on Intellectual Property, the Courts, and the Internet hearing on copyright reforms. Subcommittee Chairman Howard Coble (R-NC) recently had a hernia operation, so full committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte (R-VA) chaired the committee. I've watched a lot of the IP hearings during my time at Normandy, but this was the first IP hearing I attended in person. I waited an hour to get into the hearing, and there was not an empty seat in the room, when everyone had been seated. It wasn't a particularly colorful hearing. No partisan bombs thrown, as copyright issues don’t tend to cut across the ideological center.

It’s always interesting to watch how members act in the committee room. For example, Rep. Farenthold (R-TX) had no idea where he was supposed to sit and moseyed about until a young staffer politely guided him to his seat. Rep. Judy Chu milled about the room prior to the hearing, greeting several of the Patent and Trademark Office officials she knew—she is clearly very dedicated to her post on House Judiciary—and during the hearing, she demonstrated a remarkable knowledge of the copyright system, even being proactive and anticipating responses from the witnesses.

Full IP subcommittee wearing 3-D shades.

By far, the best moment of the hearing came early, when Mr. William Sherak, the President of Stereo D, LLC, a 3-D imaging firm, was describing his business. During his testimony, he casually remarked, “Now, if everyone would put on their 3-D glasses, I can show you what I mean.” I thought it was simply a rhetorical flourish. Nope. Every member of Congress in the room and some of his or her staff put on a pair of 3-D glasses, the lights in the room dimmed, and they all turned their attention to a large television set with a 3-D film. Rep. Mel Watt (D-NC), always ready with something witty remarked, “The Chairman is responsible for the popcorn.” At the conclusion, Chairman Goodlatte remarked, “Thank you for that, Mr. Sherak, now everyone in the room has a photo of all the members of the subcommittee wearing 3-D glasses, I’m sure we’ll be seeing those pop up soon.” Yes, Congressman, yes, you will.

Rep. Judy Chu being a boss.

Ranking Member Watt to Chairman Goodlatte:
"The Chairman is responsible for the popcorn."

--

Travis Madden

Day of Remembrance

As I have grown older I have continued to gain a greater appreciation for my Jewish heritage and how that makes me unique. So getting the chance to go to the Holocaust Museum was a very exciting yet emotional day for me. I had been once before about 6 years ago and I was curious in going again now that I am older to see how my reaction and emotions would be different this time around.

Walking through the exhibit was a very emotional and touching experience for me. Knowing that I had family who both suffered through the Holocaust and family who fought to beat the Nazis really came over me like a wave of emotions. It gave me a day to reflect on who I was, the history of my family and of the Jewish people and how far I have come personally as a practicing American Jew. The Holocaust Museum is an amazing place and even if you are not Jewish I highly recommend a visit if you can.

Even though the mood of the day was a somber one filled with many emotional feelings, I am glad that I went back and spent the day at the museum because I think it is important, especially as a Jew, to remember events like this and remember all the people who were murdered. It really puts everything in perspective for me and provides me with a greater appreciation of my Jewish heritage and lifestyle and it is one that I believe will continue to grow as a grow as a person.

-Josh

Take me out to the Ballgame

Whenever I am in a city with a baseball team I always make an effort to make it to a game. I have been fortunate to attend baseball games at over 20 different stadiums so I was excited about adding Nationals Park in Washington to my list. When I was younger, I really enjoyed drawing, in particular sports stadiums so I am always interested in the subtle details of stadiums and examining what they did well and what else they could have done from an architectural standpoint.

Matt, Jake, Nathan, Aubrey, Alex, and I made the walk from the apartment to the stadium, passing under the highway and through the newly build, and still under construction stadium neighborhood complete with high rise apartments and office buildings. Despite the game being a last minute decision, we were able to get great seats together, most importantly in the sun so we could work on our tans, or in my case my burn. It was an afternoon game so we had the chance to enjoy some baseball, some sun, and most importantly, some beer (responsibly of course....).

Taking in a baseball game in Washington was yet another fun cultural experience for me and and getting to go with my friends and have a great time made it all the more enjoyable. The Nationals Park was definitely one of the nicer and more beautiful baseball stadiums I have been to and I look forward to coming back for a game soon.

-Josh

Day at the Market

One of the great things about the location of our apartment in the proximity to so many cool cultural events and activities in the Capitol Hill District. The first time I visited Eastern Market it was a new and interesting experience for me. I had not been to a place like it before. I enjoyed walking around and taking in the scenery and the people. We walked through the market where the venders were selling fresh fruits and vegetables and homemade foods such as peanut butter, jam, and salsa. All of it was fantastic!

We then went and had lunch as a small bistro in the market. Sitting outside and watching the people walk by and soaking in the environment was an experience unique to me and one that I found to be very interesting. It amazes me how you can go to a place not far from home and be consumed with an entirely new and exciting culture. It is little places and experiences like going to Eastern Market that have made me love and appreciate living in Washington D.C. for these past three months.

Although I enjoy going to museums and see the monuments and all the historical sites, it is experiences and places like Eastern Market that really make me appreciate a place like Washington. Even though it is not big or overwhelming, it is the subtle aspects of the environment that make me really enjoy the atmosphere and everything about the Eastern Market.

-Josh

Embassy Day

The first weekend we were in Washington, the EU had an open embassy day where they opened the doors to the public and allowed people to get a taste of the various countries culture and lifestyle. Matt, Aaron and I made the trip up to Dupont Circle and embassy row and we made it to a few embassies; Poland, Spain, and Lithuania.

It was a fun experience, I got to explore the culture of my family, Poland, a nation in Spain that I was previously familiar with, and a country in Lithuania in which I was not familiar with. So it offered me a interesting mix of nations to see and learn more about. Going to these embassies shows me for the first how international Washington D.C. is the important role it plays for so many other nations around the world such as the ones I visited.

It was through this experience that I began to really appreciate all the Washington had to offer, not just domestically, but internationally and it was a good eye opening experience for me as I was beginning to acclimate myself to living in Washington D.C.

-Josh

Fireworks on the Lawn

Last summer, I was lucky enough to be in Paris on Bastille Day and watch an amazing fireworks show at the Eiffel Tower. It was a spectacular scene but one that I think would have been much more meaningful if I was French... So after having that experience, I was particularly excited to be in Washington for the 4th of July and get the opportunity to celebrate our nations birthday from our nations capital.

The day of the 4th was a lot of fun with so much going on around the city, but the real event was taking place that night on the national mall. I made sure to arrive early so get the best seat possible to watch the show. So after much anticipation it finally began and and it certainly did not disappoint. Not just the amazing fireworks display with the Washington Monument as the backdrop, but all the people and my fellow Americans taking in the entire experience together is one that I will never forget.

I have had the chance to be apart of some great experiences and events while in Washington this summer but the 4th of July and the fireworks show in particular sticks out to me as it was that moment when I was truly proud to be an American and filled with pride to have the chance to celebrate that moment with my friends and fellow Americans.

-Josh

Potomac, please

Although I do like seeing all of the historical sites in DC, nothing about the city struck me quite like spending time near or on the Potomac river.

Through the wonders of Groupon, I went on a DC harbor cruise one evening and first experienced the refreshing nature of the river. The tour went all the way down to Nationals Park and back.

The next weekend, I rented a bike through Capital BikeShare program and rode up past Georgetown and back. Along this path was the Potomac on one side and there was a long stretch where we could see the memorials on our journey, as well. Watching the people out on the river in their boats and kayaks stirred up some envy in me, so the following weekend a few of us from the program went kayaking on the Potomac. This was my first time kayaking and it was no doubt one of the best things I did during my time here. It was more relaxing than anything and was a chance to get away from all of the schoolwork and internship stress for the time being.

This image was taken during the bike ride along the Potomac.

I am certainly going to miss the calmness of this river and hope I can find something similar to enjoy back in the midwest. Future WAIP students...spend some time on the water!

Aubrey Houston

Tidal Basin Paddle Boating

   One Sunday afternoon, Josh, our friend Alexa, and I all decided to try out paddle boating in the Tidal Basin. I had been around the area a lot as a tourist and had always wanted to try it out as a kid. In the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom, it is one of, if not the most, beautiful spot in Washington D.C. The Jefferson Memorial is also my favorite monument, so I may be a bit biased.
  The three of us rented a paddle boat for an hour for $21. It wasn't too bad splitting the charge three ways,  but I am sure the company does okay for itself. After we left the dock, the three of us made our way toward the Jefferson. It turned out that a wedding party was taking pictures on the steps of the Jefferson, so it was a cool experience. Pictured below is the Jefferson, and another similar photo with Josh in the foreground.

   Where this might have not been the most informational experience while in DC, it was good bonding time and a great way to experience the District. We learned that paddling backwards is easier than forwards, Josh and I found out about Alexa's hate for spiders, and we discussed in depth dating programs where one single individual funds their date trip to an exotic weekend trip in a location like Paris or Hawaii. Paddle boating once was good enough for me though and I am confident that I have my fill for a long time.

-Matt Deptola

Oh My....

   We were hungry, yes... very hungry. After hours of walking around Georgetown with the sun beating down on us like we were in the Egyptian desert. We needed energy. Our group needed not only sustenance in the form of food and drink, but needed a boost  in attitude to get us through the rest of our day with high spirits. 

  Georgetown Cupcake was the answer we were looking for.

   Aaron, Josh, Jake and I all ordered multiple cupcakes in multiple amounts. After waiting outside the store for more than twenty minutes simply to get in, we knew we had to make the most of our trip. I ordered the red velvet cupcake, the mint chocolate chip, and the chocolate caramel. After ordering, the employees moved rather quickly and we were given our cupcakes in pink boxes within three minutes. After trying one cupcake outside of the store, I saved the other for home. They were amazing. I gave the other to Travis "Trav-Daddy" Madden who seemed to enjoy it as much as I did.

   Overall, a place every DC visitor must visit.

-Matt Deptola

How I made the best of my internship

My internship this summer was in the Talent Acquisition department at the Red Cross national headquarters where I worked a lot with the large internship program itself. Given  my interest for nonprofits, human relations, and leadership development, I saw an opportunity to combine the three at my internship.

Since I have no desire to go into the public sector, I knew I needed to make WAIP have the hightest return on investment for me personally. I saw an opportunity to create a detailed proposal for implementing a professional development program for interns at the Red Cross. This includes presenting workshops on topics such as communication skills, interviewing skills, networking skills, etc, as well as a mentoring component. Not only would it make an internship at the organization more appealing, but it could help mold potential future leaders of the Red Cross, as well.

Through extensive research, benchmarking, and conversations with internal staff at the Red Cross, I put together a detailed plan of what this program might look like and how it would be implemented. I even took the initiative to speak with Dr. Kolson about using this proposal as the subject of my capstone paper for the semester. I am so thankful that Dr. K understood the reality of exploring topics that are relevant to a student's internship and that the student has a passion for. In addition, the Red Cross appreciated my initiative and engagement in the internship and is considering implementing the program in years to come.

Aubrey Houston

All About Social Seurity

   On July 10, 2013 I attend a seminar titled, "Demystifying Social Security: 2013 Summer Academy". This seminar sponsored by the National Academy of Social Insurance was an all day informational session for interns in the District. Focusing on Social Security basics, panelists from multiple different organizations clarified information most seem to know, then went waist-deep into reform options.

 
   I was fortunate enough to attend this seminar on behalf of my company, The Charles Group. I was tasked with bringing back ideas for reform, so we could use this new information to help our clients create and support reform for Social Security. As the program is projected to run out by 2035, there is much debate on different options. As presented, reform can be split into three separate categories: increasing revenue, cutting benefits, and increasing care. Closing the financing gap was one of the biggest factors considered, and the presenting panelists all gave percentages on how well each alternative would do that.
   In regards to increasing Social Security revenues, two options were presented: lifting the cap on taxable earnings and raising the Social Security tax rate.
   In reducing benefits, three options were presented: means-testing Social Security, replacing the Cost of Living Adjustment (COLA) with an alternative like chained CPI, or raising the full retirement age.
   In increasing benefits, the following options were debated: increasing COLA, increasing the special minimum benefit for workers in poverty, increase benefits for all beneficiaries, and providing caregiver credits.
   Overall, I thought the seminar was a unique way to learn more about the topic and was useful for our client in attempting to select an alternative reform to support. When the alternatives were finished being presented, our tables were given the chance to come up with our own policy for reform. Our group decided that both cutting benefits and increasing taxes would be necessary, but had trouble agreeing on the best way to do it-- much like Congress I suppose!

-Matt Deptola

Washington DC for the First Time

For most of us, this summer in DC wasn't our first or even our second time in the city. Many of us were here with our 8th grade classes around 7 years ago (or 9ish for some of us old folks). In turn we weren't as super jazzed about seeing the sights when we arrived. My first visit to DC was so long ago now that I forget what it was like to see the White House, Capital Building and Supreme Court for the first time. This past week however I had a chance to relive this feeling through my best friend when he came to visit and see the city for the first time.

The first night of his visit, I insisted that we walk past the Capital Building at night. This has come to be one of my absolute favorite things about the city. Even still, I had not expected his reaction. This friend of mine is one of those cynical people  who often utilizes the word "overrated" in everyday conversation. This being said, he was blown away by the sight of the Capital Building lit up against the night sky and took no hesitation to tell me how impressed he was; aw struck, even. It was such a cool experience for me to watch him experiencing DC for the first time and being so amazed almost everywhere we went.

I thought, maybe, I was spoiled to have seen the Capital at a young age when we are all a little cynical and not easily impressed by the things around us. I was almost jealous of his innocence and ignorance as he discovered all of the cool things in the city.

The excitement continued as we spent his last night in town doing some night-time "monumenting". Our first stop was the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, which I have to say I was not so impressed by the first time I visited it, but in the night it was much more majestic (further proving my DC-is-better-at-night theory).

MLK was nice but the best view from this stop was most definitely opposite of it. The Jefferson Monument lit in the distance, reflecting off of the Tidal Basin is breathtaking and, I must admit, much prettier than a man cut out of a slab of mountain rock.

After MLK, we followed the loop to the Franklin Roosevelt Memorial which is my favorite of them all. I'm not sure how many times I've visited the memorial by now but it is always exciting for me; the lack of pictures at this stop serve as evidence to my attentiveness. Our final stop was of course the Jefferson Memorial. By this time we were coated in sweat from the muggy evening and sure we had been bitten by a handful of bugs so we set back for the Congressional. Despite the sweat, bug bites and very tired feet, we were excited about the night of monument visits we had as a capstone to a nice few days visit and first exposure to DC.

-Elena

Smithsonian Saturday

The other weekend I spent time exploring a few of the Smithsonian Museums with friends who were visiting town from Ohio!  The favorite of the group was the American History Museum, where we saw many cool exhibits.

The favorite of the group was the Julia Child kitchen, which was an exact replica of what she had in her home!  What a great way to see history with our own eyes, with the exact replica of what she used.  We also explored the history of food in America exhibit, as well as transportation that has changed!  We made a pitstop in to see the exhibit that shows different decades and the various changes in pop culture and politics throughout time!

My favorite exhibit is the area with the history of the first ladies and the presidents who have served our nation.  In this exhibit, you can explore the China Set selected by each first lady, their gown worn to the inauguration, and sometimes their fancy jewelry.  The history of the presidents goes through what occurred while they were in office, and a background for their presidency.

Aaron Clapper

Policy that hits close to home

Look a couple of rows up from the Speaker's right shoulder and you will see myself with a bunch of college students trying to keep our student loan rates at a reasonable rate.  I was honored to be asked by House Leadership to join the speaker in a press conference on an issue that hits close to home.  I am sure a lot of us in WAIP are like me and cannot pay for college out of our pockets.   This means we need to take out loans.  Most would agree this is a very smart investment.  Unfortunately, doubling the rate of a subsidized loan is an unexpected shock that most college students did not have on their radar.  Most college students also didn't expect the Republican controlled house to pass a bill which kept the rates down and based them off the market.  As a college student, I am used to hearing how Democrats represent the young college students.  However, this was a nice surprise to see the Republican Party standing up for students.  The Senate did not even attempt to bring this bill to the floor, and we may have a long time before they work to bring the rates back down.  Even though the rates of loans doubled, I had the opportunity to be on National TV with House Leadership defending our student loan rates. 

- Jake

Skyline's Hotter, Smarter, Cooler, Better, Cousin

To all you Skyline fans out there,


I regret to inform you that your beloved restaurant doesnt even come close to the food at Ben's Chili Bowl. I went there last week after watching the D.C. episode of Man Vs. Food and was astonished at the quality of the chili dog I ate. Ben's Chili Bowl has been visited by an array of celebrities and that is clearly seen within the restaurant as you look around see all the framed pictures of Ben with them. However, most famous of all, Bill Cosby would routinely make visits to Ben's Chili Bowl. His infamous order of choice was the coveted Half Smoke. I order one when I went and can only say that that chili dog was out of this world, and by far the best chili dog I've had in my life. And yes I have tried Skyline before too and I can confidently say that Skyline has nothing on Ben's Chili Bowl. Again, I apologize to any Skyline lover for inadequacy of Skylines food in comparison to Ben's Chili Bowl.


-Noah

4th of July

Needless to say there are going to be many details of the night that will be left out to accommodate the younger members in the audience. But what better way to celebrate Amurica's birthday than in the nations Capitol?! Simply put, there isn't. While consuming funny tasting liquids was certainly a part of all the madness, that has zero to do with the overall experience. Never in my life have I seen so many people all coming together and celebrating one cause...AMURICA!! The parade and all the comradery that followed was so much fun that only this blog post can explain it! Although my partner in crime wasn't here to watch fireworks with me, being in the mall for them was incredible. Over 500,000 people crowded the lawn to share in the tradition. The only thing that could've made this day and night any better was if the lady in front of me sat down...But all in all this was still the best 4th of July I could have imagined. 

General Dempsey

One of the many (HAHAHA) perks of being a Congressional intern is we get to attend lectures by various political figures. My favorite lecture was that by Gen. Martin Dempsey. This is one very, very powerful man. He walked around the Capitol Auditorium like he owned the place, not once using the microphone that was made available to him. I had the feeling he was more dangerous with his bare hands than his guards were with their guns. Gen. Dempsey was a truly amazing speaker and he talked about many current and important topics but one stood out above all. Someone in the audience asked about his position on Guantanamo Bay and the use of torture. His comments proved to me just how badass this guy is. He said he doesn't condone the use of torture but said it works. WHOA. Just thinking what he has control of and the things he knows, freaks me out and frankly, scares the living daylights out of me.

-Side note, he also has the biggest chest I think I've ever seen. 

Holocaust Museum

I have been to the Holocaust Museum before in high school but believe it or not, I was even more immature back then and wasn't able to really appreciate it like I should. When I went this time around I was with another Jewish friend who had never been. Neither of us are religious but knew this would still be an incredibly emotional experience. As expected, we both were brought to tears many times. My favorite part of the museum was the part that told stories of heroic acts of people throughout Europe to save the lives of innocent Jews. Although I have deeper, religious ties to the Holocaust, it is not only for Jews. This is a part of history that some of the world wants to forget. We can never let that happen. Everyone should go see this museum and know the history and stories behind the Holocaust. Speaking on a very personal level, this experience deepened my doubts of god and religion but strengthened my cultural pride as a Jew.

I know this post got a little serious, I will attempt to lighten the mood in my next one.

-Jarrod Baden

Softball in the mall

I know everyone has been dying to read my blog posts with more anticipation than the next Game of Thrones book. Well here we go! Like everyone else, this summer has been a truly amazing experience and I would like to think I've taken advantage of every opportunity available. One of my favorite parts of the summer has been playing softball with Senator Brown's office. I know Noah already mentioned this and it has probably lost its luster by now...well thanks a lot Noah, go work on your swing pal! But still, playing softball in the mall has been awesome. Playing in between the Capitol and Washington Monument has definitely been the coolest field I have ever played on. When I thought playing in the mall couldn't get better, ohhhhhh was I wrong!! Sherrod Brown actually came to play with us and hangout with us common folk. In between his diving catches and head first slides, it was truly a special experience being able to, for lack of a better term, shoot the shit with a sitting senator.

-Jarrod Baden

Natural Science Museum

The other day I went and visited the Natural Science Museum and was left in awe. I havent been to the museum since 8th grade when I came to D.C. on a class trip. It was amazing to see what had changed since my last time being there. What truly left me in awe was their Human Genome exhibit. To my benefit, I attended a briefing hosted by Genomics on the Human Genome project, which was a federally funded project to map dna sequences and pair. In the briefing they detailed some of the innovations that have been generated due to the project but the museum provided a visual experience that was astounding for me. Yet, another memorable experience in D.C.!


-Noah 

Columbus Partnership Reception

A couple weeks ago my office, The Ohio State University Office of Federal Relations, was in attendance of the Columbus Partnership reception, which was held in an amazing room in the Capitol Building that is designed for receptions of the sort. At the reception both Ohio Senators, Brown and Portman, were in attendance along with Ohio Congressional Delegates such as Tiberi, Stivers,
Turner, Gibbs, and even Speaker Boehner. Not only were Ohio politicians there, but also important Columbus actors like Cameron Mitchell, representatives from Nationwide, the Limited Brand, PNC Bank, AT&T, and Schottensteins.  During the reception they great served drinks and fancy hors d'oeuvers. I was able to network. I ended up meeting a photographer at the even and he was able get a picture of me with Speaker Boehner.This was definitely an experience I'll never forget!


-Noah

Briefings

   The other day I attended a briefing on education reform through the American Enterprise Institute (AEI). The panel member were well renowned in the education field and so were many of the attendees. At the briefing I sat at a round dinner table because the briefing supplied lunch. During the lunch break I was speaking with the person to my right and turned out he was and OSU alum. We continued to talk throughout the rest of the briefing and exchanged business cards and emails days after. It just goes to show, there are buckeyes wherever you go


-Noah Navas

Softball at the Mall

Throughout this summer I been planning for Senator Sherrod Brown's office softball team . It has been a great experience and has allowed me to talk and network with his staff at a less professional event. We play softball once a week on various days, which some have conflicted with WAIP events. Unfortunately one of those times, Sherrod Brown actually came out to play softball with the team and I would have loved to play softball with the senator. 

-Noah

Conclusionary Tale

...I survived the bus ride back from Philadelphia just in time to gather my thoughts and revel in the rest of the summer that was. 

I suppose I forgot to talk about Congress very much at all. I went to one hearing early in the summer concerning liquefied natural gas, and its potential in international trade. The talk was interesting but it was my first and only hearing. Yesterday I went to a talk in the Capitol building hosted by the Embassy of Argentina, and discussing the country's emergence from default in the past ten years. I almost fell asleep, but they had pastries so I guess it was worth the trip. Other than those two events I didn't attend any official business in the Capitol or its connected offices, but I did spend some time walking around the office buildings. I even saw Paul Ryan...and followed him down an escalator.

My last few weeks here was filled with endless joy. Myself, Nathan, Lenae, and Louise went kayaking in Georgetown and enjoyed some amazing sandwiches. There are parts of this city that I will certainly miss. I can't say that I've "falled in love" with Washington, but I will not be surprised if I'm back in the next few years. 

This summer was interesting, and I'm happy I came, but I am also happy that it is over and I can go back and spend time in Ohio. For now I feel more at home there. Perhaps, when Washington is truly ready for me I will be truly ready for it. 

Until then, story over.


Eric D'Angelo

My two day immersion in the public sector

As a part of the Washington Academic Internship Program, every Glenn fellow is assigned an Ohio State alumni mentor who works in D.C. As a result of my interest in the Human Resources field, I was quite excited that Joe, the program coordinator, was able to pair me with an alumni that works in HR at the Maritime Administration, an organization within the Department of Transportation. My mentor, Jack, was very willing to get involved in his first mentoring relationship with an Ohio State student. After having an initial lunch, Jack invited me to come to his office for two full days at the DOT to experience what Human Resources was like from a federal government perspective. After getting permission from my internship supervisor, that's exactly what I did.



For two days in late June, I talked to several people in his department about their different roles at the Maritime Administration. I spoke with a position description specialist for probably two hours, where we discussed everything from her day-to-day duties to her son's girlfriend's dog bowl in Seattle. I also spoke with someone that advises employees on benefits and retirement inquiries. On the second day, I had an opportunity to speak with the Training Coordinator, Robbin. She runs all of the orientations and schedules any in-house trainings for the employees.

I learned a lot about the Maritime Administration organizational structure, too. The average employee is 55 years old in this organization and the majority of the staff are at a grade 13 or higher. In the next four years, 75% of their SES employees will be eligible to retire. As a result, Jack and his team put together a succession plan for the organization to make the org-chart look more "pear" shaped rather than "mushroom" shaped. I was able to sit in on the meeting where Jack's task force pitched their "pear" initiative to all of the SES leaders in the Maritime Administration. It was an interesting and tense meeting, and most leaders seemed resistant to the proposed change. The problem seemed to be that employees continue to get promoted until they reach a high-grade level, and once they leave the organization, the organization replaces them with another high-grade level employee, rather than hiring at a lower grade level. This cycle perpetuates the "mushroom" shaped organization.

I have lunch with Jack again this week and will be interested to hear how their "pear" initiative has panned out in the last month.

Overall, the takeaway I got from my two days at the DOT was that Human Resources in the federal government does not focus so much on employee relations as it hones in on the rules and regulations that bind every action. This visit, while informative, solidified my original notion that I need to work in an environment that welcomes change and innovation.

Aubrey Houston

Jogging

About once a week, I would run from the Congressional to Arlington and back.  It was a great run and I love passing all of the DC landmarks while getting in the best shape of my life.  My favorite monument is the Jefferson Memorial.  The larger than life statue of Jefferson looks across the basin directly to the White House from his American Parthenon.  The beauty of the memorial is not the statue, but the words on the wall.  "We hold these truths to be self evident, that all men are created equal, and are endowed upon their creator with certain unalienable rights, among these are life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness."  After spending three months in Congress, it reminds me the importance of the institution of government.  In the modern age, we have to redefine life, redefine liberty, and redefine the pursuit.  We can now take the lives of unborn infants, we debate everyday on the sacrifice of liberty for safety, and defining the rules of the pursuit have dominated our government since day one.  My run around the great monuments reminds me that words are rarely static and must be redefined with each new age.  As I run to the entrance of Arlington, my mind drifts back to the words circling about Jefferson, "I have sworn upon the alter of God eternal hostility against every form of tyranny over the mind of man."  My run is not only exausting for my body, but my mind as well.  DC seems to wear out the mind of everyone working to move our country forward.

- Jake

Arlington National Cemetery

This past Saturday (July 20th)--on one of the hottest days of the year-- I decided to visit Arlington National Cemetery. Even though I visited towards late afternoon, it was super hot and humid. I have been to Arlington two other times (once on a family vacation in July and once for my senior class trip in high school), but it was still very moving to be there. I was holding back some tears because I was thinking of all the Americans that sacrificed their lives for this country and for our freedom. I was supposed to go to Arlington National Cemetery with my aunt and cousin, but they could not attend at the last minute, so I flew solo.

Signs reminding everyone to be respectful and quiet were placed throughout Arlington. At one point, as I was walking up a hill towards the Eternal Flame (which seemed itself like eternity in the oppressive heat), the only sounds were of buzzing cicadas. People were around me, but it was so quiet that the droning of cicadas set the mood. It was the height of summer. The heat was beating down on me, but at that moment, I looked past the graves and in my mind's eye, I could see them. Men yelling and dodging explosives in WWII on the beaches in Normandy. Women fighting for our freedoms as well. Countless lives sacrificed for everything this country represents. Inspiring.

As I approached the Eternal Flame, I just thought of President John F. Kennedy and how much life he had yet to live but did not get a chance to. It was so very sad. The 50th Anniversay of his death is this year. So much has happened in America in the last 50 years.

I headed towards the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. I saw the change of the guards twice and reflected on how these men in uniform never stop guarding the tomb (though rain, sleet, snow, or extreme heat (like the day I went)), protecting the soldier. I also love the inscription on the tomb (seen below).

HERE RESTS IN HONORED GLORY AN AMERICAN SOLDIER KNOWN BUT TO GOD.

I ended up walking around Arlington for 3+ hours. Yes, even in the 90+ heat, I enjoyed every bit of the experience. I love photography and had an enjoyable time taking some pictures. There were rows and rows and rows of marble grave sites....stretching into eternity and surrounding me. It just left me speechless. Each grave had a story. And each grave had a person and a face. I tried to envision what some of the heroes looked like when I read some of their names. In my mind's eye, they were looking back at me, fully dressed in their military apparel. Very powerful and emotional.

This is by far one of my favorite shots that I took that day. I just love how the lighting cast the robin in a silhouette.
As the day wore on and the sun began to set, the buzzing sounds of cicadas drifted into the chirp of crickets in the early evening and it cooled off a little, but not much. It was peaceful.

My visit to Arlington was very memorable. Thank you, soldiers, for your service.

-Lauren

We, the Pizza

At the very beginning of the summer semester, I took a walk down Pennsylvania Avenue with the idea that I was going to order pizza for dinner. It was a warm Friday night and right outside a restaurant called We, the Pizza, there was a huge line that went out into the sidewalk. I was shocked that so many people wanted pizza on a Friday night, but thought that it was probably busy because it was DC and the weekend. I wanted pizza, but thought that it was too crowded and decided to order a meal at Cosi (which is a restaurant right next door). When I was ordering my food at Cosi, a guy in line with me mentioned that the whole Obama family was next door eating pizza. I went back outside and noticed that a lot of people were there just to watch. I asked a guy coming out of the pizza shop if the Obama family was in there, but he said that just Michelle Obama was up on the second floor enjoying some Friday night pizza. As you can see in the picture above (the picture was taken on a different day), Mrs. Obama was apparently on the second floor eating pizza. Of course, they had the second floor blocked off (but I never went inside). There were at least three or more US Secret Service vehicles and even more personnel outside the restaurant waiting for her to finish her meal. This experience happened during one of the first few weeks I was here, and I thought it was interesting that the First Lady ate pizza at We, the Pizza on a Friday night. It was definitely a DC moment!

-Lauren :)

USA vs. German:
    A few weeks ago The United States soccer team faced the German team at the Stadium Armory field. This game was extremely special, because it also marked the 100th year anniversary of U.S. soccer. As I arrived at the Armory metro stop I exited the subway and was immediately swept into huge crowds of people. As I slowly made my way towards the stadium, I passed street vendors, huge tents from sponsors, and tailgates. Once inside the stadium I made my way up to my seats and instantly noticed the multiple German flags hanging around the stands. It seemed as if there was almost more German fans than American fans.
    My attention refocused to the field as staff members began to lay a large tarp, which looked like a soccer ball, across the center circle of the field. Then the flags of the American and German nations were displayed below the soccer ball, but before the teams emerged onto the field, the United States Olympic team entered the field. Finally the two teams emerged for the playing of the anthems, and the stadium seemed to become electric in anticipation.
    The game quickly went in the Americans favor, which seemed to create an air of tension, as the overwhelming number of German fans screamed in disbelief. The American team played a good game through the first half and had a solid lead on the Germans, but the tides quickly shifted again in the second half and the Germans started on a come back. With just a few minutes left in play, the Germans scored another goal and closed the gap down to one goal between them and the U.S. team. Luckily, the Americans were able to hold out till the end and win the game four to three. As the final whistle blew the stands went crazy, partially from the angry Germans, but mostly proud Americans. The afternoon will definitely go down as one of the craziest and most intense games I've ever experienced.

Spending Lunch a Little Differently

Today during lunch, I ventured to the St. Matthew's Cathedral across the street from my office on Rhode Island Avenue.  Since arriving, I have passed this building every day on my way to work but I have not known the history until recently.  When speaking with my pastor from home, he told me I should stop in and see the beauty of the cathedral, both for its religious and political aspect.

John F. Kennedy's funeral services were held in this building after he was assassinated during his presidency.  Though I am not catholic, to see this building was an amazing experience to understand the religious and political aspect of such a large church that has held a piece of history.  Today I took my lunch and ate near the church (amid the construction across the street and the hustle and bustle of the business gurus on their phones) as the temperatures have cooled off.  After eating, I stepped inside and saw a beautifully built church and felt the history of the past.

It's crazy to think that there are so many pieces of history around us, but sometimes we fail to take in the beauty.  With the last week of interning coming to an end in DC, I am glad I explored the St. Matthew's Cathedral.

Aaron Clapper

Nationwide Children's Lobbying Day

A few weeks ago, I was able to participate in a fly-in for one of our clients, Nationwide Children’s Hospital. The issues on which we were lobbying were TRICARE (the military personnel’s health insurance) and increased funding for pediatric research. The CEO of Nationwide, Steve Allen, and the Director of Federal Relations, Morna Smith, were both there, as well as the youngest lobbyist on the Hill, a two-and-a-half-year old, Patrick Bibbee. Patrick is a former patient of Nationwide, having been born seventeen weeks premature. He and his twin sister were both under 1.5 lbs. and suffered from many afflictions that are prevalent among preemies. Patrick’s sister, Paige, did not survive. But the doctors were able to use what happened to Paige and forecast what would happen to Patrick—in effect, Paige saved her brother’s life. After having multiple operations and spending six months in intensive care, Patrick is a bubbly, happy toddler today, and he and his family spend some time pushing for adequate investments in military health care (Patrick’s father is in the army) and in pediatric research are made. Though I was on crutches, I was very proud to be crutching around Capitol Hill, learning more and more about Patrick’s story with every meeting and providing support to the partners at Normandy who have worked so hard on this issue.

Patrick Bibbee and Congresswoman Joyce Beatty (D-OH-3).
I am in the top left. Can't you tell from my stylish power tie?

When in Congresswoman Joyce Beatty’s office, Patrick handed the Congresswoman a baseball card that had his picture on it and his story, then high-fived her, and jumped up and down excitedly. The Congresswoman reiterated her support for pediatric research, and said, “Patrick is a miracle, and we need more of these miracles.” 

Part Four Of All Of The Parts

...The lady behind me decided to loudly ask her neighbor about the condition of his smartphone. Apparently his phone is broken and apparently she works for the Smithsonian researching phone repair. At what point do you turn down that path? Anyway, I didn't mean to eavesdrop, but some people are so loud even eardrum-punishingly loud music can't drown their far-too-interested droning. 

Fourth of July weekend is the latest stop on my tour to epic remembrance, especially considered due to its unique length and unique Americanism. I spent most of the weekend with my girlfriend. On Thursday we walked the mall and ducked into the Museum of Natural History to escape the heat, and then left soon after to escape the equally extreme AC. The World War II Memorial sufficed for a resting point, and the cool water was quite welcome. I was thirsty enough to drink the water but sweaty enough to bathe in it, which clearly indicated that both choices would be terrible. We walked some more and stopped at a restaurant on F St, where I proceeded to eat so much America-in-the-form-of-hotdogs that I was sick for the next four hours. That night we walked back to the lawn to watch the fireworks. They were bright and American.

On Friday we went to Georgetown. It was the first time I had visited the famed neighborhood, and I was overcome with love. It was just so GREAT! Thankfully, we hitched a ride on the Circulator on the way back, because if we hadn't, I never would have experienced the 3 mile, hour long ride with a surely crazy lady who reserved a seat for her bag and fought off anyone who protested. That night I attended my first Nationals game. They played the Padres so no one cared, but the Nationals scored the most goal/touchdowns and won the match, so all was well.

Saturday I think we did almost nothing, but I don't remember for sure.

Sunday we walked to H St for the CVS minute clinic. It was a lot of fun. Then we went to the pool and went out to dinner. I said goodbye later that night and so ended an interesting weekend of memories and America. It was a nice respite but too long a break from reality that was rudely interrupted on Monday morning. The continued to roll along.



Eric D'Angelo

Part Three Of All Of The Parts

...I just saw lightning from the window of my bus (definitely one of the coolest natural phenomena; like, top five for sure, though I'm willing to hear other opinions) which made me think back to the middle of June. Things were certainly getting spicy at the German Marshall Fund. We were set to hold, on June 19th, the grand opening of the Richard G. Lugar Institute for Diplomacy and Congress. The Lugar Diplomacy Institute opening went swimmingly, hosting as many as 20 members of Congress. Senator Bob Corker spoke on behalf of former Senator Lugar and the institute, and Secretary of State John Kerry even made an appearance. I checked in a number of people at the desk in the hallway.

After the opening events slowed down significantly at GMF, and they still haven't truly picked up again. Two days after the launch event I again left for Ohio; this time for my cousin's wedding. It was a great week, and was topped off by the weekend. I started to look forward to the Fourth of July week, which was less that two weeks away. 

On June 23rd, I again took the lonely flight from Ohio back to Washington, and the long ride back to Capitol South. But, as it did the previous time, the flight into DC, one during which the airplane seemed to skim the Potomac, almost made the whole venture worthwhile. 



Eric D'Angelo

Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception

It is always difficult for busy college students to forget about the importance of religion, especially when studying in a new city.  Sadly, after twelve weeks I only made it to Mass 4 times, all in St. Josephs Church on Capitol Hill.  This morning though, I decided to wake up early and take the metro to see the Basilica of the National Shrine of the Immaculate Conception at the Catholic University of America.  It was the largest church I have ever seen!  The metro was running way behind, like usual, but I still arrived about fifteen minutes before the 10:30 Mass.  I walked into the Basilica and immediately looked up, there was a giant dome in the center and gorgeous paintings of Biblical stories along the walls and ceilings.  There was a small opening at the top of the dome, but it let in enough light for the entire Basilica.  It was very heartwarming that by the time Mass started, every pew in the gigantic Basilica was filled and people had to stand along the walls.  With all of the studies showing how religion is less popular than ever in the United States, this was a nice visual to remind us that religion is still a core foundation for our country.

  

The gospel was about Mary sitting and learning from Jesus while Martha was doing all of the household chores.  The lesson from the Gospel is balance.  In a city like DC, where hard work seems to take up the majority of our time (like Martha), we must remember to relax and enjoy the presence of each other (like Mary).  I am so glad that I spent my Sunday morning visiting and celebrating Mass in one of the great treasures of Washington DC.  As I walked out of the Basilica, I noticed a sign with the motto of the Catholic University: For God and For Country.  We always try to separate Church from politics, but both have the same mission of solving problems in the world.  This beautiful shrine was a nice reminder of that.  
- Jake

Part Two Of All Of The Parts

...I recall that in the following few weeks my adventures slowed down as the weather baked the cement filled Capitol neighborhood. The three day Memorial weekend was a nice break after nearly a month of almost-not-quite "full-time" work at my internship. There was much merryment to be had while also memorializing fallen veterans of American conflict. On Friday or Saturday night (I can't remember which) myself at three others attended the Memorial weekend concert on the Capitol lawn, which turned out to be an extremely sad, but worthwhile, undertaking. 

The following weekend I flew out of Reagan National to the great state of Ohio for a weekend of Ohio stuff with Ohio people. It was difficult getting back to Washington late on Sunday night, walking through the airport alone, and taking the long metro ride back to 215 Constitution. An underrated aspect of the flight into Reagan, however, is the landing. At night, when the city is lit up, the plane takes you directly over the Potomac for an spectacular and unrivaled view of the city. It's almost worth the price of admission. 

In the time I was gone I'm almost positive our room at the Congressional shrank. It could just be the heat.



Eric D'Angelo