In Good Company

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

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

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