Why Spring WAIP is great! --Susanna Malacky

As we reach the end of February and await the start of spring in March, I’m excited to have some warmer weather in DC. But after living here during January and February I think that I’m really happy to have experienced some of what DC has to offer in these two winter months. Here are some things you can only experience during Spring WAIP!

• Getting to be in DC on Martin Luther King Jr. Day added more reflection to the day than it has for me in the past. That day, a couple of us caught the end of the walk which was being held and then went to the MLK Memorial along the Tidal Basin. I had been there before, but it was much more meaningful to read his quotes at his Memorial while surrounded by the respectful yet lively vibes from all the other people there.
• The past two years the Women’s March on Washington has been held at the beginning of the year. It was incredible to see how the National Mall filled up with people, and it reminded me that there are so many incredible people working together to better the world. Plus the signs were so funny!
• Watching the Winter Olympics together every night really made us want to try ice skating out for ourselves. Luckily, the Sculpture Garden offers ice skating through March. We learned the hard way it’s much more difficult than the athletes make it look on TV!
• It’s the year of the dog! Being in WAIP for spring semester means you can experience some Chinese New Year fun in Chinatown. My parents visited that weekend and we ate a restaurant in Chinatown and watched the Chinese New Year parade. Very atypical from what you would typically do during a weekend in DC!

Now, as we enter the second half of our semester, here are some special Spring WAIP things I am looking forward too!

•  I’m so excited to see the cherry blossoms bloom, something that only happens for a couple weeks in the spring! I also hear there are many festivities at the Cherry Blossom Festival that I can’t wait to experience.
• I will take any excuse to celebrate my home state and favorite place on earth!  I am eager for Ohio’s Birthday Party hosted every spring by the Ohio Society!

All in all, Spring WAIP gives you a chance to experience a good mix or indoor and outdoor activities, without being too hot or too cold. The best of both worlds!