Meeting Hillary: A Timeline

9:45am: After traveling to Pentagon City from The Hill via Uber and waiting in line to pay $55 for a Costco membership (wasn't execting that one), I was finally in line to meet Hillary Rodham Clinton. If you've met Andrew Zuk, you understand his obsession with Lady Gaga. As I explained to Andrew, Hillary is my Lady Gaga. I had been practicing my script of what I would say to her, which included a promise to move back to Ohio to work on her campaign if she decided to run, for two weeks at that point. Once in line, I made friends with the couple in front of me and the mother and daughter behind me (this came in handy later when one of them went to get a water bottle and brought a bunch back for the whole group). I marvelled over how diverse the crowd of people was.

The Hillary Bus

About 600 people already lined up

10:30am: They closed the line for the book signing at 1,000 people. Looking at my ticket, I realized that despite having gotten to Costco around two hours early, I was still in the 600's. The Ready for Hillary PAC handed out free posters and stickers, including the fabulous one below.

I'm #READY

1:15pm: I finally entered the paper towel fortress surrounding Hillary (no, seriously. The people in line behind me dubbed it "very Middle America." The Costco employees must have been busy.) I could see her and her aides across the maze, and I was starstruck actually seeing her in person. For some reason, I expected her to look different from the pictures I'd seen in newspapers and online, but that wasn't the case. At this point, I was so nervous and excited that my hands were shaking. The signing was supposed to end at 1:00pm, so of course her aides were working double time to try to push people through, in the nicest way they could manage.

She's up there somewhere!

1:30pm: This was the big moment! As I got to the table, I could barely get my mouth open as her aide passed her a book to sign. She signed it and then passed it to the other end of the table, and I realized that I was almost through without having said a word to her. I turned and practically yanked her hand over, embarrassingly blabbing "Thank you for being such an amazing role model!" as tears welled up in my eyes (like I said, she's my Lady Gaga). I honestly don't remember what she said, but I can imagine it was something like "You're welcome…do you need a tissue? Are you gonna be okay?" or possibly something along the lines of "Security, take this blubbering creature away from me," for how ridiculous I was acting. Just kidding, obviously. But I had met my role model and I couldn't have been happier.

See those shorts across the table? Those are my shorts.

1:35pm: To the left of the paper towel fortress was a little tunnel that led out into the rest of the store. I walked out of it and saw Huma Abedin, Hillary Clinton's top aide since her time as First Lady. I had seen her that morning when I was waiting in line, and Googled her just to be sure. Being the Hillary obsessee that I am, I knew quite a bit about her and her relationship with Hillary, and I knew that she was Hillary's Chief of Staff and would probably have an integral role in her potential 2016 campaign. So, I decided I had nothing to lose. I walked up and introduced myself, and thanked her for being in DC and making my summer! I explained that I am a huge supporter and wanted to help out in any way that I could was Hillary to run, considering Ohio's importance in the election. I was nervous about seeming too bold or presumptuous by giving her my business card, but I was lucky enough that she saw it in my hand and asked me for it! Even though I probably sounded like a babbling idiot, my fingers are crossed that I'll get an email in a few months from someone on Team Hillary asking for my help. 

No matter what comes (or doesn't come) of my interaction with Ms. Abedin, Saturday was an incredible experience and one that will surely be a favorite memory from this summer. I met other supporters of all different stripes in line and bonded with them over shared ideas and passion (and cold water bottles on a 85' day). I shook hands with the woman who has inspired me since she was my senator from New York. And I was able to express my appreciation to another woman I've admired, and whom will possibly (however unlikely) be a great connection to a future job! Lessons learned: don't be afraid to get out there and do something by yourself, and you have nothing to lose by trying to network!

--Leah

Never Leave Home Without It

A city with such diverse inhabitants, like DC, gives you the opportunity to meet more people across the cultural spectrum than anywhere else.  With that thought in mind, people forget that their own story is just as interesting as the story told by some stranger they meet on the metro.  Where you have been in your life makes you different from everyone else and it makes you a valued member of the networking community.  I was reminded of this fact this past weekend.

While on my weekly (at least) trip to Chipotle with some fellow WAIPers, we were stopped while passing by a random stranger.  One of the guys I was with was wearing a shirt with "Knuckle Bucks" on it over a picture of the beloved Brutus, which sparked the strangers curiosity.  He asked what the shirt was, and we explained how it was the Ohio State hockey team student section.  The man was intrigued as he dug a buckeye out of his pocket, "Do you guys carry one of these around with you?"  I immediately got chills, and had to throw out a "Go Bucks!" as tradition goes.  

The conversation continued as we learned about this man's affiliation with the best school in the country, he had none.  He did not go there for school or for a graduate program, he was simply a die hard fan (can you blame him?).  As a matter of fact he is attending school in that state up north, not in East Lansing or with that nefarious woman Ann Arbor, so we forgave him.  He had been born and raised a buckeye guy and he takes that fact and the buckeye with him every where he goes.  He starts conversations with people, he establishes a mutual connection, and he gets people (at least me) ecstatic to talk about THE Ohio State University.  

Even though you may think your story doesn't compare to the stories and connections you make with the culturally diverse community in DC, never forget that your story has something offer too.  Just because you may not have a cool accent, haven't traveled the world, or have an exciting job history doesn't mean you can't make get people to be excited to know you.  Carrying your story in pocket or in your heart, be proud of it and what is has done for you, even if it may not be as cool as carrying around a buckeye.

Markeezy is a little camera shy.

Go Bucks,

Neil Miele

Paris Hilltern's Guide to Being a Yo-Pro.

Hey.

For those of you who don’t know me (which, I mean, is pretty unlikely since everyone knows me), my name is Paris Hilltern.  This past spring I was feeling ambitious and decided that I needed to experience the “real world” and get a “job,” just to see what everyone was always fussing about.  But at any rate, here I am in Washington, D.C., spending the summer as a Capitol Hill Intern.  Once I accepted the fact that I was the plebeian of the Washingtonian hierarchy (How does that prayer go? Give me coffee to change the things I can and the wine to accept the things I cannot? Pretty sure that’s it.), I began to realize that this might not be the worst decision.  This city is actually an exceptionally trendy place and somewhere someone as fabulous as me could really thrive.  And since I’m a totally generous person, I’ve decided to be your personal guide to a yo-pro (young professional, FYI) experience in Washington, D.C. You’re welcome.

The first thing you have to understand about D.C. is the lifestyle of everyone else here.  Personally, I was thrilled to find myself in a place where ambition is abundant, and everyone power struts and no one wears athletic wear unless they’re actually exercising.  For some of my Mid-Western peers, the social norm of wearing real clothes that aren’t meant to absorb sweat, like, on a tour of the National Archives or to the grocery store was a tough adjustment, but I was relieved to finally be surrounded by people who value self-appearance as much as I do. 

If there’s one thing that yo-pros enjoy more than calling themselves yo-pros, it’s doing things that they can later Instagram and then a. validate their self worth based on how many likes they get, and b. craft the perfect caption to let all of their peasant friends know that they’re #cultured.  Luckily, D.C. is somewhat of an international hotspot, so finding sophisticated/cultured events is not particularly difficult.  One #selfie at a monument, and you’ve fulfilled your quota for the week.  Side note.  Can we talk about the fact that America has built like, a billion monuments to old dead guys who like, founded the country or whatever, and yet not one has been created for the Queen?  I’m talking about Beyoncé, duh.  Everyone start calling your representatives now; the interns who answer the phones love hearing your craziest ideas, promise. 

The great thing about D.C. is that there are as many free events as there are Starbucks lattes in a Congressional office building on a Monday morning.  They probably did this on purpose because this way, you have more funds to invest in your non-athletic wear wardrobe, and you can up your cultured factor!  I have two personal favorites.  The European Union Embassy Open House lets you pretty much tour all of Europe in like, three hours, basically.  I learned all about Austrian folk dancing and fancy cheeses from the Netherlands, without having to subject myself to the horror of a hostel (like, ew).  The second is Jazz in the Garden.  Anyone who’s anyone in yo-pro land knows that the Sculpture Garden of the National Gallery is the place to be on Friday night in the summer.  Even though you have to like, embrace nature and sit on the ground, and be sure to pack your own après-dinner snacks, when your friends from home ask how you spent your Friday night, you can wow them with your appreciation for the finer things in life seeing as you surrounded yourself with classy art and jazz music. 

Well, this has been fun and all, but I have to go plot ways to stage a casual run in with Olivia Pope and so I can give her my resume and become a gladiator/the next star of Scandal.  So I hope you all enjoyed these tips, and I’ll see you on Friday, obvi. 

xoxo,

Paris Hilltern

(AnnMarie Graham)

Student Town Hall on College Costs and Access with Secretary Duncan and Under Secretary Mitchell

On Wednesday, June 11, at the University of California center in Washington, D.C., U.S. Secretary of Education Arne Duncan and Under Secretary Ted Mitchell hosted a town hall with college students about college affordability, access, improving educational outcomes and other issues affecting higher education. 

Duncan and Mitchell elaborated on the actions taken Monday, June 9th, by President Obama to make student loans more affordable and help borrowers manage their student loan debts, as outlined in a new Presidential Memorandum. Executive actions announced included proposing regulations to allow nearly 5 million additional student loan borrowers to cap their student loan payments at 10 percent of their income, new steps to ensure that active-duty military receive the relief to which they are entitled, and strengthening communication strategies to help vulnerable borrowers.

Some of the main discussion points included ways to help students with debt by having programs such as the public service exemption program, and moving more loans from the private market to the public market. Duncan and Mitchell also expressed concern that in order for America to remain competitive, we must have more people going to college, but the current high tuition costs are making that very difficult for some. 

In addition, Wednesday's town hall was an opportunity for Duncan and Mitchell to hear from students about the college-going process, including all aspects of applying for and receiving federal student aid as well as managing their loan obligations. Mitchell, who was confirmed by the Senate in May and oversees the Department’s higher education programs and initiatives, plans to have ongoing conversations with students about ways the Department can further the President’s goal of helping students access, afford, and complete a post-secondary education. 

Catherine Rogers

4 Ways Not to Get to Georgetown

1. Take the Metro.

While this may seem to make the most sense, Georgetown does not actually have a stop. Whether you believe the story that the geography prohibits a tunnel being built or the more likely reason that Georgetownians don't want the riff raff of the city (and yes that includes the pledges of the hill aka interns) invading their sacred land of cupcakes, there is not a stop nearby. The closest stop is many blocks away so unless you fancy a fifteen minute walk after a decent metro ride, don't bother.

2. Walk.

This would be an even worse idea than the time I decided to walk home from my Pilates class in DuPont Circle. 

3. Use the bike share.

This one is debatable. On one hand you get a scenic tour of the Mall and the Potomac River. On the other hand your spend 45 minutes biking around cars and tourists only to wind up in the heart of all things classy and preppy looking like a creature. Also, after doing this myself I found out that the bike share puts a $101 freeze on your account in case you decide to steal the bike. My recommendation is to buy your own bike and go anywhere but Georgetown. 

4. Have Patrick Lipaj be your tour guide.

While I am mostly joking, anyone who went with us to Georgetown last weekend knows

what I am talking about. Anyone else just take my advice.

Emily Law

Do's and Don'ts of the DC Metro System

Most interns in this city, including myself, take the metro to and from work each day and for day-to-day expeditions. Even though it takes a while to get the hang of, once you know the rules, you'll be good to go. There are fives lines: red, green, yellow, blue, and orange. (There is supposed to be an up and coming "silver" line, but we can't hold our breaths for that one.) The commutes are decently quick and contrary to popular belief, there aren't that many delays-but maybe I'm just lucky. The metro is a wildly convenient public transportation system that makes getting around DC extremely easy. Rides are usually $1.70 or $2.10 during rush hour, but the price can very depending on how far your trip is. The metro has been a huge part of my experience here in DC. For your convenience, I've provided the do's and dont's of the DC Metro system.

Do: Only stand on the right side of the escalator. The left side is for walking and people take this very seriously. No better way to stand out as a new kid in town than by standing on the left side

Don't: Listen to music without headphones.

Do: Wait for everyone to exit the metro car before you enter.

Don't: Stand too close to the edge. Accidents do happen and you don't want that to be you.

Do: Leave the front seats open for the elderly and handicapped.

Don't: Eat or drink on the metro. You will most likely get asked to throw it away.

Do: Hold on tight if you're standing. Rides can get jerky and stop suddenly.

Don't: Mess around. I personally found out that the Metro Police take their jobs very seriously:

Peace, Love, Metro.

Blaire Goodrick

Run D.C.

Spending time outdoors has always been one of my favorite things to do.  Although DC’s swampy summer humidity is overwhelming at times, this has not stopped me from being outside as much as possible.  One of the best ways to both explore the city and get a little vitamin D is running, and since I’m beginning to train for my first-ever marathon, I need to run pretty frequently! I’m very lucky to have a soccer superstar for a roommate who loves running too and sets a fast pace.  Together, we’ve been hitting the streets of Capitol Hill and beyond to experience a good run in a whole new way.

            One of our favorite routes takes us to the center of it all, the White House.  It is only about two miles from where we are staying on Constitution Avenue on the Hill.  The first time we wanted to visit America’s most famous address, it was only a few days into our stay in DC, and we definitely got a little lost on what we now know is now a very straightforward course.  We were looking everywhere for the White House and even saw signs and plenty of tourist busses, so we knew we had to be close.  Suddenly, we turned around and realized it had been right behind us the whole time—oops!  Now I’ll always remember how to get there.

            It’s also a unique experience to run through the National Mall.  Sometimes it’s hard to stay away from all the ice cream trucks that line the streets, but we are usually able to remain focused on the trek across the gravelly path, bobbing and weaving through pedestrians and locals alike who stroll along at all times of day.  Monuments on either end make for a picturesque and patriotic view, an inspiring way to keep motivation high even when oxygen level and stamina might be low. The grassy areas are great for a stretch break and a rest, too.

            One anomaly I’ve noticed about running on the Mall, however, is that I always feel like I am closer to reaching the other side or the next landmark than I actually am.  From our apartment building to the Capitol to the Washington Monument is about two miles, but that last mile always stretches itself out along the vast openness of the mall.  This especially happens on the way back to The Congressional.  At first, one might not think there is much of a “hill” to Capitol Hill. But my roommate, Becca, and I, along with many other DC runners, have surely found out the hard way that there is most definitely a hill, and it hurts when the only way home is up on the back half of a long run.

            Needless to say, running in a new city has been one of the most memorable parts of being in DC so far for me.  It’s something so special to run alongside such meaningful pieces of our country’s great history. Whether on a weekend morning, an evening after work, or any time in between, there is almost always a great time to take a run through Capitol Hill and the beautiful surrounding areas.  I know I will always remember these experiences and carry them with me on future runs in whatever new city I find myself in, especially in October when I’m putting my summer training to use during the Columbus Marathon.

The monuments are beautiful at night!

(Necessary White House selfie with Becca)

Thanks for reading (:

-Ellie LeBuhn

Dollar Dogs with my Dawgs

Interning in Washington this summer has been one of the most exciting experiences I have had as a student at Ohio State. I have learned so much about DC and various areas of public policy, and have also been fortunate enough to make some great new friends along the way.

One of my favorite things that I have done so far is attend a Nationals Game with all of the Glenn Fellows. In May, we headed to Nationals Park, the stadium for the MLB team, to watch the Nationals play the Cincinnati Reds. I love watching the Clippers play in Columbus, so seeing the Reds play was a nice way to have a taste of Ohio here in DC. 

The atmosphere at the game was absolutely perfect. It was a Monday night and the stadium was brightly lit for everyone to relax after a long day of working. We were all very excited to be there not only to see some baseball, but to also enjoy "Dollar Dog Night," a special in which hot dogs were only a dollar for anyone who was at the game. No college student can resist a night of fun with food for only a dollar!

The Reds represented Ohio well and ended up beating the Nationals 4-3. Some of us were happy with this result, especially my roommate who is originally from Cincinnati, but I cannot say the same for some of the WAIP Fellows from Cleveland. 

After the game, we enjoyed a few more laughs on our way back to the Congressional. The whole way home we could see the Capitol building in the distance. 

That night made me realize how lucky I am to be interning here for the summer. I cannot wait to make more memories with my new friends and hopefully find a full time job here post graduation. 

Rebecca Sheldon

Soccer Saturday

There is no doubt that one of the most unforgettable moments of this summer in DC came last weekend when three of us went to FedEx Field to see Spain beat El Salvador, and then the Columbus Crew play DC United.

The day started with Spain’s last World Cup send-off match, and it was simply amazing to see one of the greatest teams in history, in person. It was almost surreal to see so many world-class players, many of whom will retire as true international legends, rotate into the game. Even as Spain dominated, it was at the same time amazing to be in a stadium dominated by Salvadoran fans. Their passion was unlike anything I’ve ever seen in soccer, and it was impossible not to join in as they mocked even the tiniest Spain mistake and loudly cheered every one of their few, fleeting moments of possession.

Even more fun came during the second half of the double-header, as we moved down to join a small group of Crew fans. Being a loud away fan is always fun, but seeing your soccer team in a rival’s stadium beats absolutely anything. Because of the abnormal setup at a football stadium, we didn’t have a proper supporters section so we couldn’t stand the whole game, but when things heated up it was a lot of fun to get up and chant, sing, and generally annoy our whole corner of the stadium.

The game ended 0-0 but we still got to leave the stadium on a high note. DC was awarded a penalty in stoppage time of the second half that should have been the winner. Our whole half of the stadium, even quieter people who sat the entire rest of the game, got up to taunt us. But then the DC player completely blew the chance sending it straight to our goalie, and the wild celebration with about 25 of our fellow Columbus fans will live on as one of the most unforgettable moments for me as a soccer fan. I am very glad that while here in DC I had the once-in-a-lifetime chance to see not just Spain, but my team as well.

Marcus Andrews

Chinatown DC

I have always had a passion for experiencing different cultures, cultural environments and ethnic backgrounds. One of the most unique and culturally exclusive places in DC is Chinatown near Gallery Place. During my walk through the area I was intrigued by the diversity of people and festive atmosphere. Stepping off the top of the escalator at the corner of H Street NW will put you right in the heart of this historic area and Friendship Archway. As you walk along the street you will see many American based food chain restaurants. Next to the English name of the restaurant is the name written in Chinese.

I consider it one of the best areas in DC to dine with numerous restaurants, cafes and outdoor food markets. Chinatown features restaurants from various foods of ethnicity including Indian, Thai, and Mongolian. I decided to stop and enjoy a meal at the popular Full Kee restaurant. When I got my orange chicken dish I began making comparisons to its proportion of chicken compared to what I am use to seeing in my home city of Columbus, Ohio. The proportion of food is much larger and I was excited that I was getting more for my money. 

-Marcella Hoard