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…

Week 8

I am going to preface this next statement by expressing that I have a genuine love for New Hampshire. Now with that being said, Washington D.C. is able to do things on a much grander scale then in the granite state. I have been attending the Environmental Film Festival here in D.C. this past week and it has been great. I have seen all kinds of movies ranging from Roman Polanski’s Chinatown to the documentary Galapagos: Born of Fire. Not only are there 118 films being offered, most of which are free, but they are at venues that are as enticing if not more so than the films themselves.

The festival has venues all over the city--The Museum of Natural History had many playing all day, the Library of Congress had a few showings, and tomorrow I will attend a screening and reception at the Royal Netherlands Embassy. I have seen film festivals in NH, and I have thoroughly enjoyed them, but you can’t have films of this notoriety at an embassy in New Hampshire. It just can’t happen. Not to mention the fact that in NH you would probably get charged for something like this, even though we are the "live free or die" state. It's events like this that makes Washington D.C. so appealing.

A Blue Footed Boobie from the Galapagos film, actually considered one of the most skilled hunters on the islands…I know they kinda just look goofy to me too. (Photo source:
http://z.about.com/d/animals/1/0/h/9/shutterstock_304958.jpg)

In the last week at the EPA I have had two fulfilling opportunities. I attended another Congressional Hearing for the House! I really didn’t imagine I would get the chance to go to two hearings. This one was very interesting; it was a hearing of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming. This was my first opportunity to see how charged this issue has become in Congress. The hearing was centered on the testimony of EPA Administrator Steven Johnson. Everyone participating was eager to get their opinions heard. In order to get a seat at this notorious event I had to arrive an hour early, at which time there was already a line. I was amazed at how many people attended the hearing. It felt like the most significant governmental event I have ever bared witness to first hand, and I am from New Hampshire--First in the Nation.

Steve Johnson (EPA Administrator) and Rep. Edward Markey (Chairman of the Select Committee on Energy Independence and Global Warming) playing nice before they meet in combat during a hearing. (Is there even a smile here!?!)

(Photo source:
http://www.daylife.com/)

The other opportunity I had was to conduct my first Informational interview. I spoke with a Director in the Office of International Affairs at the EPA. The woman was very helpful, She very amiably told me my resume is basically in its infant stage and that I have a long way to go if I want to work in the OIA office. It served as a good motivator, plus me providing me with ample ideas for opportunities to build my international repertoire. Overall, I thought the interview was very helpful, only in DC could I have the chance to check out such a unique office! I am now excited to follow up on her suggestions.

Until next week…

Week 7

We are almost halfway through this internship/semester and, as always, time flew by without my noticing it pass. Certainty this semester has been very different from any other I have had, at the very least I have been busy five days a week from 9-5 p.m. Additionally, there have been museums, events, restaurants, and monuments to see during my time off. Given those differences it is easy to see how such a packed schedule has allowed time to slip away so rapidly.

In terms of my internship, I feel that I couldn’t have been placed more aptly. I am learning exactly what I set out to learn. I have absorbed lessons on the science behind policymaking, the policymaking process, office politics and etiquette, and gained valuable career perspective. Coming to Washington I wanted to know whether the EPA and/or the capital were places where I wanted to peruse a job in the future. To be honest, I have not entirely answered that question as of yet.

Reflecting on my time at the EPA I have seen the inefficiency of the government first hand, I have also observed the impact and power that an administration has over policy making; at times this can be a negative or a positive. The only thing I have concluded is that it is a challenge and sometime even a battle to make progress working at the EPA. However, it is also rewarding and empowering. I have seen the influence that the EPA has in passing adequate legislation. I have also seen the brilliance of those who work at the EPA.

Seeing both pros and cons to employment at the EPA, and knowing that any career will contain some of the same conflicting characteristics, I really cannot conclude whether I want to pursue a career with the EPA or not. There is not doubt, however, that I have gained valuable insight.

As for Washington D.C. itself, being that I am a small town boy born and raised in New England, this city experience is very new to me. Maybe I am just indecisive, but I cannot determine if this is the atmosphere for me. I enjoy being busy and having a variety of things to do at any given moment, such as only the city can offer. At the same time I value quite, nature, and country life. The museums and culture are phenomenal here, but the constant pace and social politics are not appealing to me.

Perhaps by the end of the semester I will have more conclusive feelings regarding my future, the EPA, and the nation's capital. But for now I will just continue enjoying my time here and take in everything that I can. After all, there's no doubt that this is the opportunity of a lifetime!

Until next week…

One of the many sites of interest D.C. has to offer!

Week 6

This week I had some great opportunities come my way...

The professor for my Science and Policy class took us on what amounted to a private tour of the Library of Congress (LOC) Jefferson Building. Now, I must say I spend a lot of time at the UNH library studying, and I like to think that we have a nice library, but to compare it to the LOC is to liken grape juice to fine wine.

The LOC is so much more ornate that I had initially expected. After all, its main purpose was to serve as a library for Congress...how nice did it really need to be? I was way off; the LOC is one of the most elaborate buildings I have ever toured. The ceilings all have beautiful art covering every inch, the walls are filled with moldings and enclaves with statues, and everything seems to have a deeper meaning. In the main reading room, although books were absent from view, there were several intellectual themes represented. For example, philosophy was illustrated in the space where the wall and ceiling met with art and continued down a portion of the wall. Each theme was depicted in two statues--one representing a figure related to the theme in the “Old World” and the other representing the same theme in the “New World."

Some of the ornateness

The juxtaposition of the Old and New Worlds was evident all over the building. There were different colored marbles used, the colors being based on the marble’s origin in either the Old or New World. There were also some interesting representations of sports in the LOC. As our teacher explained (he gave the entire tour, providing us with information that I doubt the other docents even knew), the Old World way of depicting athletics--i.e. the Olympics--traditionally showed competitors in the nude. So, there were images of nude men playing both football and baseball--the two American or “New World” sports. It's funny because I find it hard to believe that either would ever really be played without a protective cup...nude seems out of the question.

Babies, representing the occupations of Americans (pre-Child Labour Laws?)

Overall I was very impressed with the LOC, I hope to obtain a reading pass before I leave DC so that I can go there to study, which in any case would be exciting, but for me would also being convenient given its general proximity to the EPA headquarters.

Minerva, goddess of wisdom (and war, among other things) and the "mascot" of the LOC.

At my internship, I had the opportunity to attend a significant meeting of the Science Policy Council (SPC). My experience working with the Science Advisor to the Air Office of the EPA has allowed me to see a great deal of interesting deliberation at the high management levels. Thus, I have had the chance to see some very real decision-making in action. There were representatives from a number of offices at the SPC, and it was interesting to see how they all interacted and discussed issues as a result of their different backgrounds. After all, some were more administrative...others came from the Office of International Affairs, the Office of the Science Advisor (for all the EPA), and others still came from the Superfund Office. So the conversations covered a wide array of issues pertaining to the orientations of the different offices.

I am glad to report no injuries this week, just some positive experience here in the nation's capital.

Until next week…

Week 5

This week has been less eventful than others, but there are some really exciting things on the horizon.

My roommates and I put on our best suits and got on the Metro this weekend to take a tour of The White House that one of my roommates graciously set up for us. Unfortunately, about two stops from our destination we got a call informing us that our tour would have to be canceled because our security badges did not go through. I think we are all upstanding citizens, but I suppose I have only known these guys for a little over a month now...haha. Everything worked out fine because we were promised that it would be made up to us in the future; perhaps a meeting with the president or one of his advisors. I certainty won’t hold my breath on that prospect, but if it does happen, I'll bring my resume just in case!

Instead of heading to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue, we just got of the Metro and had some coffee. Because it was a Sunday, suits did not blend in the way they do during the work week; we were even accused of being senators by someone on the streets. I don’t think they were particularly politically-informed. According to some in my family, I look like a twelve-year-old who had an overnight growth spurt, so I am not sure why there would be any confusion that I could be a senator.

Everyday it seems I see the city in a new way or find a new part of town. After attending a meeting for a group that helps refugee to adapt to life here in the U.S., some of my friends and I got a ride home from another woman at the meeting who lived close by our apartment. I finally got to travel on top of the ground instead down under it. The views of the skyline and even the views of the other cars was a welcomed change of pace. Plus I got to ride on the Beltway that I have heard so much about (more exciting in concept than practice, but I am glade to have done it). It made me realize how disoriented my sense of direction is here in DC from being in a tunnel everywhere I go. The woman that drove us home was French and eager to point out the irony in the fact that she was teaching us about navigating our own nation’s capital.

Thursday is when a lot of the excitement will take place. I will be attending (more like intruding on) a meeting with some of the nation's top scientists, The Science Advisory Board. Then in the afternoon I have the opportunity to crash a House Hearing on asbestos. I am really excited to get to see the process of lawmaking first hand and maybe even to rub shoulders with some members of Congress. This is exactly the type of thing that I came to Washington for--to see policy being made, and to see how science and government interacts. I can't wait.

Week 4

The EPA is a great place to learn about environmental policy issues, but it is also educating me about the professional world and the way it operates. As a relatively naive student, I didn't always realize all the logistics and grunt work that are involved in the day-to-day functioning of any office. A great deal of preparation goes into projects, meetings and conferences--and for the first time I am observing it and even participating. At the EPA we sometimes even conduct meetings designed to prepare for a future meeting--the purpose being to gather various representatives’ administrators’ offices together in order to anticipate any potential problems and discuss topics on the agenda in a preliminary manner. Essentially, the goal is to work out any kinks or resolve minor issues to expedite the administrators' meeting.

Beyond holding "mock-meetings,” I help prepare my supervisor for his meetings as well. I research topics, highlight pertinent information in papers, print out copies of documents, or provide summaries for him in order to ensure that he has everything he might need. In fact, the simple act of finding a window of time in which a busy group of people can meet is quite a challenge in some circumstances, and even when that has been achieved, you then have to find a room to accommodate the meeting!

All in all I am finding that an office is run by an army of people working on all cylinders at all levels. I may not always like everything that I need to do, but I am realizing the importance of it. If setting upa given meeting is a hassle, at least I get to learn from the discussion it entails. It's almost as if I am gathering a bunch of people who are well versed on a topic and putting them together so I can hear what they have to say...it's like my own experiential education classroom.

As a side note, I am received a confirmation this week that I am a bit of a walking disaster. In an effort to cross the threshold from wrinkled intern with a deer in the headlights look to mildly professional, knowledgeable intern, I was ironing my pants. P.S. I should not be left alone with objects possessing the power to wield extreme heat. I let it get just hot enough to give a good scorch to the skin, and of course when I went to use it I knocked the iron over onto my hand. I realize this sounds like a scene from a Chevy Chase movie, but in fact it is my life. At this point, I'm icing my still sprained ankle for about 20 minute increments and on the breaks from that I am icing my burnt hand. Someone needs to protect me from myself.

This weekend my roommates and I decided to celebrate the reason for our day off--Presidents’ Day--by traveling to Mount Vernon to see George Washington’s estate. Because it was his birthday we got in for free, which was also a deciding factor in making our plans. Mount Vernon was very nice, although I think it is a still more impressive site in the spring, when the gardens and landscape reach their full grandeur.

George's House

For Washington's birthday, Mount Vernon hosts the nation’s smallest hometown parade. This is not just a title--the parade consisted of about 12 people walking around what I think qualifies as a cul-de-sac. The parade was modest, but entertaining nonetheless. The festivities were hosted by none other than General George Washington himself, accompanied by his wife Martha of course. Old George told a story of how is wife had surprised him one birthday by commissioning a band and a group of soldiers to serenade him in the very front lawn upon which we were celebrating.

Nation's Smallest Parade

This story triggered my roommates and me to follow through on a plan we had to try and sing Happy Birthday to the General, so as soon as the parade dispersed (which took all of 20 seconds), we got in line to greet George Washington. We may have been the oldest people waiting in line, but how many times do you get to talk to George Washington (even if he is an actor)?

When we got to the steps of his house, where George and Martha stood in front of the Crowd, we wished him the traditional birthday blessings while our friends took pictures (as cheesy as this all sounds, it had to be done). Then George asked me where I had traveled. I replied with a proud smirk “New Hampshire, you know one of the originals!?” George’s response still has me slightly puzzled. “Ah, yes, ‘Land of the Fire eaters,’” he said. Not wanting to seem ignorant about my own home state I smiled and nodded, but what Fire eaters have to do with New Hampshire, I have no idea. It doesn’t seem like something that one would associate with the Granite State.

After that exchange, one of my roommates and I began to conduct the crowd in a rousing rendition of “Happy Birthday.” The entire group of onlookers seemed to join in. It made for a very entertaining moment. Staying true to character George claimed to have never heard the song before and asked my roommate if he wrote it. It made the trip well worth our travel efforts--which I didn’t yet mention included about two hours Metro and bus riding, with our bus getting hit by a renegade mini-van.

Serenading Georgie Boy

Another good week. Until next time…although I am slightly worried about what accident I might inflict upon myself in the next seven days!

Week 3

This week has been a time for adjustment. I am adjusting to waking up early and going to bed late, adjusting to wearing buttondown shirts and ties, and I am adjusting to life within a cubicle. This melodramatic description may imply that I am not enjoying my time, but to the contrary I am--it's just a transition to a new lifestyle. I am also adjusting to the fast-paced, high intensity workplace that the EPA is proving to be. I know many of you may be reading this questioning the integrity of my words, but in fact I find myself running around to keep up most of the time. There are so many important issues that the EPA (even within only a single division) must address--it's a wonder it all gets done.

Already my internship has been rewarding. I came into this program with an interest in environmental policy, but admittedly there was a lot I didn’t know. In my internship I have been given the opportunity to research and listen in on discussions regarding current environmental health issues. In fact, I have learned about issues that I didn’t even realize existed. Certainly I am doing some clerical work, but I really don’t notice. Everything has a purpose, and because my supervisor ensures that I am involved in everything, I get to see the fruits of my labor in setting up meetings and sending out emails. Who knows maybe there will be a Secretary’s Day gift in it for me as well?

My cubic home away from home

With everything going on at the EPA, during the week I can sometimes forget about all the excitement that is taking place beyond our headquarters. As soon as the weekends arrive, however, I'm loaded with opportunities for adventure all over the city. Sadly, this weekend I was somewhat limited by a self-inflicted injury.

Early Saturday morning my roommates and I were all ready to seize the day and explore some of what the capital has to offer. Living on the Red Line of the Metro can cause some delays, on the weekends especially, so when we found out that there was a train coming in as we exited the apartment complex we decided to run. At the time this seemed like a good idea, as I didn’t want to be stuck waiting 30 minutes for the decrepit Red Line train to come teetering in (admitedly, the views expressed here may be an exaggeration of sorts).

As I descended the stairs of the underground segway that crossed the street leading to the Metro Station I quickly realized the error of my judgment. I would like to take this opportunity to note that I have achieved some respectable athletic accomplishments in my life, but I do need to acknowledge that I have only done so despite an at times literally crippling lack of coordination. Being six foot thee since the age of 13, I always had growth spurts as a handy excuse, but now many years have passed and I still have not managed to reign in this abundance of limbs I call a body. To end a painful story, my ankle kind of collapsed and I fell down the stairs.

The damage...kinda looks like a hobbit foot

For some reason I was determined to continue with the day as planned. Thus, I stuck it out and lurched through the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian, the National Archives, an Ethiopian-inspired dinner (not as exotic a taste as it may sounds), and a trip to one of the local Jazz Clubs. All in all I had a great day and was happy that I pushed through my injury. We got to experience a lot of the culture and history that is housed here in DC. I just hope that my limp did not slow down my roommates too much.

Eating Ethiopian food, everyone eats from the same bowl/pit/blob

It was a long day, a good day though, except for some minor injuries to my ankle and pride

The injury was barely a blemish on my week and overall things were still great! Needless to say I spent Sunday icing and elevating my leg in hopes of a speedy recovery. I will keep my figures crossed that my foot will fit into my shoes on Monday!

Until next week…if I make it…

Week 2

As I look back on my first two weeks here I realize how brief my venture has actually been. Working a full, even just nearly a full week, in a real office can make time truly fly by. I was concerned that I would not be able to keep up with the morning routine of 9-to-5, but so far it hasn't been too much of a challenge. Granted I am tired nearly every night that I go to bed, but that only allows sleep to come easier, so I'm not complaining.

My internship is with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in the Office of Air and Radiation (OAR). I work in the headquarters (HQ), which is located on Pennsylvania Avenue (the same street as the White House!!). Because I work with the Science Advisor I have the opportunity to work on a wide array of projects on many subjects. One hour it may be Naturally Occurring Asbestos (NOA), or the Clean Air Act Advisory Committee (CAAAC), the next I could be in a meeting concerning National Ambient Air Quality Standards NAAQS (NAAQS). If it sounds like the job involves a many of acronyms and a large amount of jargon then I have effectively expressed my point. I find it all very interesting and have always been someone how enjoys getting his hands dirty working on a wide variety of projects and learning about many subjects. Thus, although my internship is seemingly tailored to me, the fact remains that at this first checkpoint I have found myself overwhelmed with terms with which I am entirely unfamiliar.

Sitting in on my first meeting I didn’t know what to expect. I brought a pad of paper on which to take notes and did so diligently. However, I will admit that although I was writing feverishly and appeared to be on the ball, I had no idea what I was writing. My notes were mostly bullet points consisting of a few verbs and a mess of my best interpretation of how the words composing a particular acronym may be spelled. Luckily, following the meeting my supervisor briefed me on the topic. My supervisor also assured me that I need not worry about the acronyms--no one expects me to know them yet. Either way, I'm still working on decoding those notes.

Working the daily 9-to-5, as interesting as my job is, gets tiring. Waking up in the morning at 7 a.m. and getting home around 6:30 p.m. would be okay if there wasn’t anything outside of work to accomplish. Unfortunately, I do have a life to live; dinner to make, reading to do, calls to place, e-mails to return, and even the occasional trip to the gym to squeeze in if I'm lucky. The late nights of working and 8-9 hour days can start making you feel pretty old. Its sad to say, but I feel myself becoming more and more like my father. Worse things could happen, but it does give me the feeling that a new life chapter has begun.

For our first weekend here in D.C. my roommates and I decided to commemorate our entrance into the workforce by going to one of the local happy hours. The event turned out to be a bit more difficult to pull off then we had anticipated, and when we got to the chosen watering hole we were all much more concerned with eating then taking the edge off after a long work week. As another step into the world of professionalism, we also decide to use the sauna at our apartment complex. Looking back on it, this event may be the one that makes me feel the most aged. To be honest though it was rather relaxing...well, relaxing up until to part where we got out and ran into a few of our neighbors in the elevator. We had our with towels wrapped around our waist and were sweating and they were standing beside us in their business suits. I suppose we are not to old to make fools of ourselves. I joke about feeling like a grown up, but really I am loving the independence and challenges that I am facing while living here in D.C. and working for the EPA.

Until next time…

Week 1

Week one has been exciting and nerve-wracking. From a social perspective things worked out great--all my roommates and I get along really well. Our biggest problem is that we are all overly indecisive, and choosing where we wanted to eat this first week the few times we went out became somewhat difficult. But we have slowly adopted a process through which we just pick at random, either with a numbers game or just by selecting the first thing we see. It's a blessing that having so many options is our only real problem.

As far as adjusting to the fast pace of Washington, it is coming along. I come from a fairly rural but suburban area of New Hampshire, so adjustments were made as I have begun my life here in Washington. Crowds, strict schedules, suits and ties, have all become a part of my daily life. Being a person who packs his day with activity and is consequently habitually late made me nervous going into the first few days. But through the practice of overcompensation I have managed to be about one hour early for the first few scheduled events. I am now in a better in between place, arriving at work about 15 minutes early.

Washington is much different from life back at school. Both have stimulating options, but being in the capital the bar is raised significantly. In my first day about town, I found myself daydreaming about D.C. and my future here, only to find that I had missed my stop. After getting off the Metro I saw a sign that pointed in the direction of The White House. Stumbling upon such a significant symbol may be common for locals, but to me it was huge. I figured there was no better way to acquaint myself with the capital then to go visit "the neighbors." So I just kept walking until I stumbled upon the White House. Its presence was truly something to behold, although it was smaller than I had pictured in my head.

"The Neighbors"

It seems that no matter where you are there is something to see or do--some kind of building of grandeur, or museum of significance, or historic symbol. I could easily get use to this kind of stimulation. Washington D.C. is truly unlike anywhere else I have ever been.

Until next week...