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…