WAIP is great. I get to intern in the best office,
experience the nation’s capital, and meet new people – many very driven and
successful – who share similar interests.
Plenty of the people that it attracts are those that self-identity as “Type
A” people who are extremely high energy and outgoing. I on the other hand seem to be a mix between
an intro/extrovert who needs me time to recharge before hanging with what can
only described as professional socialites. At first I tried to function as a more extrovert
than I was and I burnt out. After coming
to the obvious realization that this was not working, I have made an effort to
get me personal time beyond the usual time I spend at the gym or reading to
allow me to catch my breath and relax.
At times that means taking a night to myself instead of hanging out, and
it seems to be a good idea to give myself the break I need to function. This city is fast paced and it will leave
people behind; however, that does not mean people like me should rush and
change who we are. Instead, let’s take a
deep breath, and treat ourselves to the personal time we require.
On a completely unrelated
note this city can be very polarized politically. I personally experienced this in a couple of notable
and unexpected ways. At the same time, I
can say from my personal time as a WAIPer, the political discussions amongst
ourselves have been the most respectful ones I have experienced. It gives me a little hope that if people that
are so politically charged can be civil about politics maybe there is some hope
for things to become less polarized here without a massive overhaul of
political practices.
John Christenson
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