Week 15: The Final Stretch

My time here is the nation's capital is up, for now. All-in-all it has been very rewarding. I have enjoyed my short spat as a city dweller, but as of this weekend it's back to the woods of NH. Even though I only have a few days left, things are not over yet.

Today I got to go to my first Senate Hearing; the topic was The State of Science at the EPA. George Gray, the Science Advisor/Assistant Administrator of ORD, was the headlining testimony for the hearing. Barbara Boxer was the official chair, being the chairperson of the Environment and Public Works Committee. However, the in situ chair was really Senator Whitehouse from Road Island. The two of them provided a substantial one-two punch to Gray. Boxer, with her enthusiastic, emotionally driven statements and Whitehouse with his cornering precise questions forced Gray to respond very carefully to their inquiries--at one point, in regards to the number of scientists at the EPA that feel their work is obstructed by political influence. Overall it was a very interesting hearing.

Being the tourist that I am at heart, I decided that I needed some pictures to record the event, I was especially excited to have one of Boxer. I tried simply holding my camera over my head and shooting from my angle in the back row of seats. This method was not effective at anything other than earning the painful glares of most of the other observes in the room as my flash lit up the chamber (I stupidly forgot to turn it off). No, I could not wait until the hearing was over, because you never know when the senators will need to leave. I turned off the flash and tried several more times to the dislike of my fellow onlookers, but I am leaving DC in three days anyways. I will share the pictures, however none are really distinguishable except the one of the crest on the wall.

Here is the crap that I took that earned me some of the animosity
that could have been aimed at the issues being discussesd!

This is the only decent photo I managed to get...pretty cool though,
good proof of my presence at the Seante.

We have meetings scheduled and documents to draft all the way up until my last hour; I am glad that I will be busy though. My internship has served me very well during my time here. I came in wanting to see the process of creating environmental policy and contributing factors. I was able to see and/or hear about every step of the process: identifying potential issues, research, synthesizing the research, making recommendations, drafting documents/papers, debating how to create policy, creating policy, then debating how to enforce policy, and maybe even debating if policies that are created are justified or even sometimes legal. I may not have mentioned every step, but there are a lot. I still haven't seen all take place first hand. Additionally, I got to attend meetings, hearings, and conferences that I never imagined I could. Overall, this experience has given me a much clearer perspective of policy from a practical point of view. I think it has been an invaluable experience.

There are still museums that I wish I could explore, monuments I would like to visit, and events that I want to attend. Yet, I feel as though I spent my time well overall. Plus, I am glad to have reasons to come back again someday, besides job hunting (although I am still unsure if the city is where I want to be).

Thanks for sharing the semester with me...I am glad I came out in one piece!

Good-bye, D.C.!

Week 14

I finally got to go to The White House!! And here is the seal for proof:

It was a close call--I almost left D.C. without getting a tour, but my roommate's contact came through and three of us got to visit The White House last Thursday. I put on my blue blazer for the first time, just in case--you never know who you may meet at the White House. I should mention that I didn't meet anyone, but the tour was great. There were four of us in our group, so it was nice to get an intimate tour of the most significant residence in the United States.

We entered through the West Wing entrance, where I am told everyone important enters and exits the building. This entrance takes you right into the basement, so we saw where workers order food. The walls were adorned with many pictures of the President and the Vice President--pictures that made them out to be very normal, regular guys. Apparently George W. Bush is the first president to employ a digital photographer, and in doing so he is able to hang newly updated photos every week. Thus, we saw some great shots of the President with the Pope along the walls.

Here I am in the Rose Garden...well, next to it actually. I was to scared to step onto it.

Of course the Oval Office was something to behold, as was every other room. The White House is meticulously decorated, and since it's a historic building the architecture is incredibly detailed. I have no pictures from inside, as we weren't allowed to take any, but I do have one that I took from the outside looking in. It's almost like the real thing (or like a picture a stalker would take).

This is the creepy one where I tried to get a glimpse into the White House through the window...Peeping Tom

At the office I am able to work very independently now, which I think is a great asset to my supervisor. He has so much going on that the more I can tackle on my own with minimal explanation from him the better. I am happy to be more self-sufficient as well; it makes me feel as though I have really learned some valuable skills from this experience. It has not hit me that I will be flying back to New Hampshire in a little over a week. I still have work to finish. I have scheduled meetings for my supervisor and I right up until my last day, so things will be fairly busy until I walk out the door.

Classic shot of The White House at night

Week 13

This week can only be described as hectic. Even though I am not in the traditional college setting, I am still experiencing the traditional end of the semester overload. I must admit, though, that this is a watered-down version of what I normally go through, so ultimately I am grateful. Many things are coming to a head in these next few weeks--the portfolio, registering for classes in the fall, and final projects for class. The real difference from a normal semester is that I have to learn to deal with all my academic responsibilities while maintaining a regular full-time work schedule. This is "real world" time management--the kind that I will need to utilize if I ever allow myself to enter the "real world."

Washington D.C. has again showed me the unique opportunities that our nation's capital holds. This time I didn't heara high-ranking official speak or sit in on a Congressional hearing, but attended a concert inspiring social change. I have always read about national concerts like Live 8 or Live Earth, but never before have any of these events been close enough for me to enjoy first hand. This time, with the Earth Day Network's collaboration with Green Apple Fest, I was able to see the concert on the National Mall. It was great. I was able to get into the second row of people, granting me a great view of the stage. However, my view was at times blocked by a shield of umbrellas protruding from the dense crowd of listeners. Oh well--what is a music festival without torrential downpour and a crowd of concertgoers running to seek shelter from an electrical storm? The whole things was fun. We got to hear some great bands like OAR, and see some notable celebrities like Chevy Chase (a great honor considering one of my all time favorite holiday movies is Christmas Vacation) and Edward Norton (I don't think he has ever been in a bad movie). I happen to like the rain; it adds some more adventure to the experience.

OAR--one of the headliners for the concert. At this point the rain let up, so people put away their umbrellas and I could actually see.

CHEVY CHASE! When I saw him being blown by heavy wind and staggering on stage I thought it was a gimmick, it wasn't. As soon as he came out the electrical storm that sent us all running into the Smithsonian (which would not let us in) also come out.

Edward Norton, I don't think he has ever made a bad movie. Based on
the aggression he had in his speech I can see where he pulled from to
do Fight Club.

We are loaded with work to do at OAR (the Office of Air and Radiation now, not the band). One of our main focuses is a Global Partnership on Mercury. The technology and innovations in this field are really interesting. Whereas I am very interested in international policy it has been an invaluable lesson in the function, scope, and operation of global environmental partnerships. Right now we are working with people from the UK, India, China, Russia, and South Africa. It has been really interesting seeing how this partnership functions. The only downside is all the international meetings are taking place once I am gone; my supervisor was in Thailand a few weeks before I arrived and next winter he will be in Africa. There are meetings in Geneva and Australia as well. If only I could go to any of theses places with him--but I guess there would probably be no need for a special assistant at these meetings.

Until next week?

Week 12

This week has been another to remember. It was one of my more “glamorous” weeks here in Washington. The week included fine dining, international government and business leaders, cocktails and notable speakers. Given my area of interest it may be the only event of the kind that I ever experience, so I tried to take it all in.

This event, as you may have guessed, had nothing to do with the EPA. My roommate is interning with the American Turkish Council (ATC), and every year they hold a four-day conference for American-Turkish relations—political, military, and economic. It is one of the largest, if not the largest, conference of its kind held in Washington every year, so I am told. Every year the conference calls for a number of volunteers to help out at the event. Volunteering involves fairly typical activities, including helping with set-up, check-in and getting attendees to where they are supposed to be. However, the rewards for volunteering are anything but typical compared to my other experiences.

This conference was no small potato (I have never used that saying before, but I think that’s how it goes) and was held at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel. Entrance to the dinner events alone cost more than I have made in a week at some of my jobs. The organizers allowed (even encouraged) us to attend all the events, so I ate gourmet salads and well-prepared steak and drank Turkish wine. Surprisingly, even with my relatively inexperienced palate I enjoyed and devoured every last bit of food that they placed in front of me. Even better than the food were some of the keynote speakers at the events. One of my personal favorites was a National Geographic vice president and editor, who spoke at first evening gala dinner to celebrate 100 years of National Geographic in Turkey. We each received two free issues of the most recent publications of the magazine as well!

That night I was losing my voice and sounded like a cartoon mouse (Tom, Mighty, or Speedy Gonzalez, take your pick), but with a great deal of effort was able to get the attention of the vice president long enough to compliment his speech and take a picture with him. Sadly, I didn't have enough time to explain why it sounded like I was still going through puberty at 21, or to make a legitimate contact. I was thrilled nonetheless.

I got that issue-the China one-FREE!! (Photo Source: National Geographic)

THEN, for the lunch the following day (for which dessert was delicious...each of the three servings I ate as satisfying as its predecessor), the speaker was none other than Secretary of State Dr. Condoleezza Rice! As would be expected, Rice ran a little late coming straight from testifying on Capitol Hill. I think that these figures may make point to be late most of the time just to remind everyone that they are a lot more important than the rest of us...which I can respect…because, well, they are. I was helping the State Department officials with security (in this case that is a fancy title that really means I acted as a ticket taker for the duration of the lunch) so that I could have the opportunity to hear Rice speak. As predicted, she proved her vast intelligence and knowledge of Turkey and the region. However, what I did not expect was that Rice would actually be brave enough to take questions from the audience--full of prominent and opinionated citizens of America, Turkey, and other nations. Overall I was very impressed, and she definitely surpassed my expectations.

Condoleezza Rice looked pretty much the same in person, although she was smaller than I imagined. I think She even used that gesture! (Photo source: El Pais)

This week at work was also good, but let’s face it--this event was definitely the highlight, so I'll spare you the internship details for now.

Until next week…

Week 11

Time is flying by now, only a few weeks remain. As is customary at the end of any semester, there are a lot of things I want/need to get done before it comes to a close. The amazing thing is that although the daily work routine has lost some of its luster, there are still meetings I have the opportunity to attend, events that take place, people I meet, or even sights that I observe, which astonish and excite me.

This week I took a short trip to the Freer Gallery of Art and Arthur M. Sackler Gallery. Included in the gallery are collections from ancient Civilizations the world over; Ancient Egyptians, South Asian and Himalayan, Chinese, and Art from the Islamic World. I am not a connoisseur of art, but I appreciate it. I especially enjoy ancient art because of the history and culture that it represents. Did you know that Buddha wasn't always depicted as a joyous chubby (almost Santa Clause-like) man, well it may just be my ignorance, but I didn't know! At the museum he took the forms of a very average man, a tall slender man, and even a large muscular man. I was not able to finish the museum, but I was sufficiently impressed enough to plan a second trip.

A more traditional Buddha

Buddah, after he called Jenny Craig?

(Both of the above are found at the Gallery; photo source:
http://www.asia.si.edu/collections/default.htm)

At work I was awed yet again. I had the opportunity to attend a National Academy of Science Roundtable with a very prestigious membership. The chair of the group was a former Congressman who helped write the original Clean Air Act. Throughout the meeting this kind old man proved that he was still sharp and very capable, making him a more than suitable chair of the roundtable. Only afterwards did I discover that he was actually 95! I just hope that I will still be potty trained by that age, let alone be leading a prestigious science committee in the nation's capital. Among his colleagues were former administrators of various federal agencies, faculty heads of very prestigious universities, and directors from NGOs. The conversations that took place throughout the day more than proved the merit of each roundtable member. It is comforting to know that people of such intellect are working on some of the world's most pressing issues. We can only hope that their advice is heeded.

(Photo source:
http://www.nof.org/donate/images/Rogers_P_187_HS%20Color.JPG)

This cheerful man (also known as "Mr. Health") helped write the Clean Air Act...which to me seems as ancient as the constitution (not really at all, but it was made before I was born so it may as well be), but he is still going strong.



Even in this, the eleventh of fifteen weeks I am still amazed about the things I get to experience down here--and that is saying something for someone that can have a short attention span!


Until next week...

Week 10 (double digits!)

Another great week gone by. The weather, usually, is great now and the semester is rapidly coming to a close. I find myself making a mental note of al the sites I still want to see and activities I still want to indulge in while I am here in DC. There are plenty of Smithsonians that I have yet to explore, restaurants at which I'd like to eat, and government buildings I cannot leave Washington without seeing (i.e. THE WHITE HOUSE), not to mention work that I must complete before I lose my window of opportunity to distribute my stress evenly over my remaining time here.

This weekend I finally had the opportunity to experience the Cherry Blossom Festival that EVERYONE talks about. Up north we have the fall foliage, which attracts a lot of visitors, but it is spread out over all of New England. The Cherry Blossom Festival is a large concentration of people around the National Mall.

I admit I was taken with the Cherry Blossoms; it was quite a sight seeing them all lining the perimeter of the basin. What's more, Saturday there was a kite festival as part of the opening events. Never have I witnessed that many kites afloat. To be honest I have not had much experience with kites. But it was a "kodak moment" seeing dozens of kites whipping past the Washington Monument. Accordingly, I tried to take some good scenic/artsy pictures with little success.

An attempt to be artsy...this is why I am a science major

I also observed that flying a kite is not really just an activity for small children--in fact, I would say that the adults accompanying each kite was more enthusiastic then their youthful counterparts. The adults were excitedly calling out commands, coaching the children on how to properly gain altitude with their kites. I some cases it was actually the children who were observing their parents as they scampered across the lawn with their pirate ship kites dipping and swaying in the wind. It is nice to see that adults can take joy in such a simple activity; it was at times hilarious, but nice. Although, I think their kids may have wanted a longer turn.

The pirate kite I was referring to...behind it is an ecstatic father, behind him a bored little girl

There were many photo opps at the festival and I was not the only one who thought so. Cameras were nearly as bountiful as the people themselves. Walking along the basin one needed to dip and dive out of the way of photos being taken by excited tourists and DC natives alike. I made many valiant attempts at shooting my own postcard scene with the Cherry Blossoms, the basin, and the Jefferson Memorial, with moderate success in only a few photos of the MANY I took.

Okay, so UNH Study Abroad does a photo contest...I think that they would eat this up

This was just a strange man dressed as Abe Linclon, riding a tricycle, lugging around a life preserver in the back...for your enjoyment, I have no comment

Artsy with the blosoms...this one I think is pretty good, it only took me about 13 tries to get it

An attempt at a postcard picture--I'd buy it...I wouldn't spend too much on it though

At work this week I had a new experience to add to my list. My supervisor's connection to a prominent think tank got us an invite to a briefing on a report assessing Coal to Liquid fuel production. We were not able to attend the meeting in its entirety, but we were there long enough to hear a lot of interesting things. Think tanks, are a very interesting prospect--and I may even consider working at one now. For all I can tell they have equal influence (in some circumstances more influence) on policy than a federal agency does. One of the interesting things at the meeting was that it was held to brief the environmental NGOs on the report. Representatives from NRDC, the Sierra Club, and Environmental Defense were all in attendance. Hearing the questions that they posed and watching their interactions with the presenter was of great interest to me. Yet another facet of the policy formation process unveiled.
Until next week?

Week 9

It’s week nine…wow, it’s really week nine. The time has really flown by; and while I have been working at the EPA, going to class, and venturing out in the city, spring has begun. This is a strange concept for me since it’s only March. In NH there are feet of snow remaining at this time of year, with more expected to come. Along with the springtime, the tourists have arrived in the nation’s capital. In my short time here I already become somewhat of a “native” in my own mind.

In other words, the tourists stand out, even from the perspective of this back woods hick. The tourists just don’t quite fit in. They don’t understand the escalator etiquette in the Metro, they always look lost, and they do not have to submit themselves to the same torture of wearing a tie everyday. I don’t really have any animosity towards them, although I have been warned by locals to heed their arrival. I just wonder if the true DC natives can pick out my naiveté of the city with the same observational ease. Does the way I wear my tie stand out? Does my slightly miss-fitting “professional attire” attract the eye of a true professional? Do I always look as amazed and stunned by everything new as the tourists do (and as I truly feel in my head)? Oh well, I am enjoying myself, I don’t really mind if I constantly look like a rube.

The National Cherry Blossom Festival, DC’s biggest annual event (I imagine the inauguration every four years is more significant) begins this weekend. This is a huge tourist event, one that the tourist in me is looking forwarded to anxiously. The main festivities take place at the National Mall—a field/park in downtown…not a shopping mall. Hopefully some great pictures will come next week.

Some gifts from the Japanese...I wonder what we gave them in return? (Photo source:
http://www.aolcdn.com/features/blossoms-monument)

Also this weekend I am excited to report that I will be participating in another DC tradition--The Suntrust Capital Marathon and Half Marathon (I'm competing in the latter). Despite my ankle injuries I feel that I will be able to participate. This will be my longest road race thus far, a milestone that I am happy to accomplish here in DC. I also feel that an unintended consequence will be a great look at the monuments and downtown DC from the street level as oppose to the tunnels of the Metro—a welcome opportunity with warmer weather approaching! If I write again next week, you will know that I survived this venture…we can only hope injury free.

At work, I’m steadily making progress on my projects. I feel really good about my own professional progress as well. My boss had to leave on Monday, and left me alone to complete my work. This is the first time he has done so relatively voluntarily. In my head this says that he trusts in my abilities and competence, and has faith that I will not ruin his good name when left to my own devices. I feel as though it is a gratifying milestone.

Until next week…