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!