During our Experiential Learning seminar, we learned about what makes Washington DC tick. What is it about this city that sets it apart from all others? Several interesting observations were made.
DC is a unique city for many reasons. The first reason may seem random, but it is a vital part to understanding the pulse of the city- Public Transportation. With its extensive metrorail and bus systems, DC is a model city for the use of public transportation. Unlike most large cities, the public transportation system was not developed in order to address the issue of reducing traffic. The main reason for the construction of the public transportation system was to create a means for people from lower socio-economic backgrounds to enter the heart of the city where the well paying jobs were located. DC’s public transportation system was among the first of its kind in this respect. An interesting fact to note is that DC’s population is roughly between 500,000-600,000. During the workweek, the number of people in DC swells to over one million. This influx of working professionals from outside into the core of the city is mind-boggling. The public transportation system is just one of many reasons that DC is different than most American cities.
Another factor that contributes to DC’s distinctiveness is its street culture. For some, this may be viewed as a negative, but in fact, it serves a very positive purpose in communities. Loitering in DC actually makes neighborhoods safer. Usually the characters that one sees lingering in a certain area of the sidewalk, or under a particular doorframe, are silent observers and protectors of a domain that they feel personally invested in and responsible for. Typically homeless, these invisible neighborhood watchmen are among the first to be interviewed by police after an incident, because they are experts on what usually goes on in the area, and they notice when people enter the scene that do not belong there. Looking at street culture from a slightly different perspective, one realizes that interaction and loitering on the streets was the original intent behind the design of the city. Washington, DC was designed by a Frenchman, L’Enfant. When creating his designs for the city, he envisioned a Paris-like scenario, where wide sidewalks would enable people to gather for public discourse about hot topics of the day, and where outdoor cafes and markets could be set up for people to mill about. DC was built specifically to enable and foster a street culture.
Another interesting aspect of DC is its level of civic involvement. Even though DC is the capital of the greatest nation in the world, the sad truth is that its populace has very low voter turnouts. True Washingtonians usually are not as engaged in the political arena. Maybe this is due to the fact that DC folks feel that they have no real voice- and in some respects, they have a point. When America exerted her independence, her rallying cry was “No taxation without representation,” yet those who live in her capital city fall into this category. Even though they are taxed, DC has no representative in the House, or Senator in the Senate. It is an interesting paradox to consider.
DC is also unique because of gentrification; the process of revitalizing run-down neighborhoods and turning the up-and-coming areas into family friendly places to live. The drawback to this redevelopment is that it causes home prices to skyrocket, and forces families who have lived in DC for generations into a place where they no longer can afford their property taxes. This interesting dichotomy- how an action that can cause so much good (turning a run-down row home into a beautiful town house), can also cause so much harm (unintentionally forcing people to leave the city that they have called home for their entire lives).
While DC does have its indigenous populace, people who were born in the city, raised in the city, and will be proud to die in the city, DC is also home to a large percentage of transplants. People from all across the country, and all across the globe for that matter, make their way to DC. Perhaps some of these people started out as one of the 200,000 interns who flood the capitol each summer, fell in love with the city, and decided to stay. One thing that you will find here is that when people first meet you, they ask you two very telling questions: 1) “Where do you work?” and 2) “Where are you from?”. DC is definitely a city run by young professionals. Who you are is closely identified with what you do, or what firm or company you work for. Also, seldom do you meet someone who is actually from DC. Almost all are transplants from some other state. One person who has lived in the city for years made the comment that, of her say, forty acquaintances, thirty-five states are represented. Not only do people flock to DC from the states, they come to city from places all over the world. One professor joked that the only place other than DC with more Ethiopians is Ethiopia. DC is a very diverse place. While predominantly African-American, there is also a large percentage of Latin, Asian, and Indian populations as well. It makes DC a very colorful and interesting place to be.
Sweet Justice
Quest to seek justice...and discover the perfect cupcake!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Friday, August 27, 2010
“I’ve lived in this city for years and years, and every day I learn something new.” Listening To, and Hearing the Stories of True Washingtonians
After enduring several hours of orientation this morning, my fellow ASP students and I were given a task- we were to break up into our assigned teams and embark on a scavenger hunt! While there would be points and prizes at stake, the real purpose behind this activity was to familiarize ourselves with the city. We were given a sheet of paper divided into five sections, and a list of clues for each segment. We were asked to visit at least one landmark from each of the city’s four quadrants, as well as visit the city center itself. My team of five quickly organized itself, google mapped some directions, and confidently set out. Here is our story.
We set off from the Dellenbeck Center at a brisk pace, excited to arrive at what we decided would be our first stop- The Library of Congress. Eleven blocks later (after I belatedly realized that I forgot to apply and bring sunscreen), we arrived at our majestic destination. As we went through security, and took a look around the Madison building, we were in awe. We trotted across the marble floor to the Reading Room Office, where we filled out paper work, had our photo taken, and were issued official Library of Congress Researcher Cards. This enables us to enter the Reading Room of the Library of Congress, a place where visitors are only permitted to catch a glimpse of. My teammates and I all agreed that the possession of that simple little card made us feel like legitimate DC dwellers.
Since we were so successful in visiting our stop in the city center, we decided to tackle the most challenging stop of our trek- a trip to the southeast quadrant. A small note, southeast terrifies me. When you hear of the awful crime and poverty in DC on the news, most of it occurs in southeast. My teammates shared my concerns, but after researching the location of our required destination, we noticed that it was not all too far into the quadrant, and that since we in a group, we would be fine. We got off the Metro at Anacostia, and promptly took a wrong turn. While slightly worried that we had taken this wrong “alternative route,” I soon witnessed something completely endearing. School let out. Swarms of buzzing, bustling school children poured out of one of the school buildings we were passing. The smiles on their faces, and their infectious laughter put a smile on my face. Children have a way of reminding us of our similarities- joy, love, and optimism. We eventually made our way to the landmark we had set out to find- The Big Chair. Seriously, it is a random, giant chair set out in the middle the sketchy part of the city. Our scavenger hunt sheet encouraged us to drop in The Big Chair Coffee and Tea Shop across the street, and weary and thirsty as we were, we decided to head their advice. We chatted with the barista and the owner, and listened to their stories. No, we really HEARD their stories. All too often we listen without really hearing. We note the words gushing from peoples’ mouths, but seldom do we stop to actually ponder the implications of what they are saying. The owner made a statement that really struck me- “I have lived in this city for years and years, and every day I learn something new.” What an incredible thought. I am only here for three and a half months. I have a lot of cramming to do.
After our jaunt to southeast, we decided to get the stop in the southwest quadrant out of the way. We once again hopped on the metro (by now, feeling like pros at this whole public transportation thing), and walked to the National Botanical Garden. Sadly, we arrived after the main greenhouse had closed, but we still managed to enjoy the outdoor gardens and snap a few silly photos among the trees, bushes, and fountain. By now, we are all hot and exhausted, and decide to make our northwest landmark our last destination.
We once again clamored aboard the transportation beast, and made our way to Dupont Circle, one of my favorite places in DC. After trudging up the steep street, we made an executive decision to skip our stop and “cheat” by finding the first embassy we could find, Senegal, and shooting our required photo. After a quick stop at Johnny Rockets for a burger and fries, and we hit the ground running once again! Well, more like shuffling… at this point we are all sweaty, tired, and slightly grouchy, and all we wanted to do was go “home” and go to bed.
When I walked through the door, three of my roommates were busy sending emails, or catching up on facebook. As we all stopped what we were doing and just sat around and chatted about the adventures of our day, I was struck by how different each of our encounters with the city were. Some only visited a couple of sites, and ended up spending time getting to know each other instead. Others set off to find some particular place, got lost, and found some other amazing spot instead. All of us had an absolute blast, and felt much more confident about making our way around the city that we now call home.
I guess the assignment worked. Not only did the scavenger hunt succeed in orienting us to the various locations in DC, but it also taught us to stop and really consider the people behind the place that we are living in. It was the best assignment I have ever been given, and I am so glad that I am here.
We set off from the Dellenbeck Center at a brisk pace, excited to arrive at what we decided would be our first stop- The Library of Congress. Eleven blocks later (after I belatedly realized that I forgot to apply and bring sunscreen), we arrived at our majestic destination. As we went through security, and took a look around the Madison building, we were in awe. We trotted across the marble floor to the Reading Room Office, where we filled out paper work, had our photo taken, and were issued official Library of Congress Researcher Cards. This enables us to enter the Reading Room of the Library of Congress, a place where visitors are only permitted to catch a glimpse of. My teammates and I all agreed that the possession of that simple little card made us feel like legitimate DC dwellers.
Since we were so successful in visiting our stop in the city center, we decided to tackle the most challenging stop of our trek- a trip to the southeast quadrant. A small note, southeast terrifies me. When you hear of the awful crime and poverty in DC on the news, most of it occurs in southeast. My teammates shared my concerns, but after researching the location of our required destination, we noticed that it was not all too far into the quadrant, and that since we in a group, we would be fine. We got off the Metro at Anacostia, and promptly took a wrong turn. While slightly worried that we had taken this wrong “alternative route,” I soon witnessed something completely endearing. School let out. Swarms of buzzing, bustling school children poured out of one of the school buildings we were passing. The smiles on their faces, and their infectious laughter put a smile on my face. Children have a way of reminding us of our similarities- joy, love, and optimism. We eventually made our way to the landmark we had set out to find- The Big Chair. Seriously, it is a random, giant chair set out in the middle the sketchy part of the city. Our scavenger hunt sheet encouraged us to drop in The Big Chair Coffee and Tea Shop across the street, and weary and thirsty as we were, we decided to head their advice. We chatted with the barista and the owner, and listened to their stories. No, we really HEARD their stories. All too often we listen without really hearing. We note the words gushing from peoples’ mouths, but seldom do we stop to actually ponder the implications of what they are saying. The owner made a statement that really struck me- “I have lived in this city for years and years, and every day I learn something new.” What an incredible thought. I am only here for three and a half months. I have a lot of cramming to do.
After our jaunt to southeast, we decided to get the stop in the southwest quadrant out of the way. We once again hopped on the metro (by now, feeling like pros at this whole public transportation thing), and walked to the National Botanical Garden. Sadly, we arrived after the main greenhouse had closed, but we still managed to enjoy the outdoor gardens and snap a few silly photos among the trees, bushes, and fountain. By now, we are all hot and exhausted, and decide to make our northwest landmark our last destination.
We once again clamored aboard the transportation beast, and made our way to Dupont Circle, one of my favorite places in DC. After trudging up the steep street, we made an executive decision to skip our stop and “cheat” by finding the first embassy we could find, Senegal, and shooting our required photo. After a quick stop at Johnny Rockets for a burger and fries, and we hit the ground running once again! Well, more like shuffling… at this point we are all sweaty, tired, and slightly grouchy, and all we wanted to do was go “home” and go to bed.
When I walked through the door, three of my roommates were busy sending emails, or catching up on facebook. As we all stopped what we were doing and just sat around and chatted about the adventures of our day, I was struck by how different each of our encounters with the city were. Some only visited a couple of sites, and ended up spending time getting to know each other instead. Others set off to find some particular place, got lost, and found some other amazing spot instead. All of us had an absolute blast, and felt much more confident about making our way around the city that we now call home.
I guess the assignment worked. Not only did the scavenger hunt succeed in orienting us to the various locations in DC, but it also taught us to stop and really consider the people behind the place that we are living in. It was the best assignment I have ever been given, and I am so glad that I am here.
Thursday, August 26, 2010
A Tale of a New City
Wednesday Morning, 5 AM - Auburn
Wake up suddenly in a cold sweat from some sort of nightmare. Debate whether or not to get up. Dying of thirst. Pad over to the bathroom. Get a drink. I’m now wide awake.
Shuffle to the kitchen. Peer outside the bay window. Notice the sun is just starting to rise. Pour myself a cup of coffee.
Find myself sitting on my back porch, watching the bright light spread across the purple morning sky, and feeling the first real twinges of excitement.
Today is the day.
Wednesday Morning, 10:45 - Rocklin
Realize I forgot to turn in my work keys to the WJU Student Life Office. Drop by the school on the way to the airport.
Watch as the annual school photo is taken. I missed it.
Walk into my office. Tom and Farnum are standing there. “What are you doing here?!” they ask. “I’m not here,” I reply. “I am a figment of your imagination.” I dart over to the file cabinet to find my key contract. I am buried in a big bear hug from my friend and boss, Stephanie.
I feel loved.
Wednesday Afternoon, 2:00 - Sacramento
My flight is about to take off. I am settled in an aisle seat in the third row. I find out that we will land in a gate right next to the gate my connecting flight takes off from. I heave a sigh of relief. I dig into my required reading text- it must be finished before I arrive.
Wednesday Evening, 7:50 – Chicago
My flight arrives early. I meet up with Greer. We get pizza.
We board the plane. I snag us a couple seats together. We chat and laugh and worry and hope and dream.
The hour and forty-five minutes fly by.
Wednesday Evening, 11:15 – Dulles Airport
We land. Grab our outrageously heavy luggage from the baggage claim and begin our quest to find a cab. Not as easy as we thought. After thirty minutes of searching, we find a shuttle. We wearily climb inside. A painfully slow ride into the district ensues.
Thursday Morning, 1:30 – Washington Hilton, Dupont Circle
We finally make it to our hotel. We wearily stagger to the check-in counter. The ladies with the shiny gold name badges behind the desk take pity on us. We are given free breakfast buffet cards.
Huffing and puffing we drag our burdensome bags to the elevator and into our room. We have sweet digs. Successfully search for an ice machine and some bottled water.
We have to be up in 4 hours. We crash.
Thursday Morning, 7:30 – Washington Hilton Restaurant
We eat like royalty, and stuff ourselves silly. Biscuits, sausage, made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, greek yogurt, potatoes, smoothies, coffee, juice… Delicious.
Thursday Morning, 9:05 – ASP Offices, Dellenbeck Housing Center, The Hill
We arrive at what will be our new home for the next three and a half months. After checking in, receiving my keys, and lugging my ginormous bag up two flights of stairs, I enter my new apartment for the first time.
It rocks.
I stake my claim to the bottom bunk in the two-person room, and look out my window. I can see the Library of Congress and the Capitol building.
Welcome home.
Thursday Morning, 10:45- Union Station
We prepare to take our first metro trip of the season. Consult the maps, pay our fare, ride down the escalator, and wait for the transportation beast to arrive.
We look down. Blinking, glowing red lights line the edges of the track. It reminds us of a descent into hell. We get on board.
Thursday Afternoon, 12:50- Target, Columbia Heights
We shop for apartment stuff.
Laundry soap, dishwasher detergent, clothes hangers, just-add-water meals, and storage containers are tossed into our shopping basket.
Suddenly, an alarm sounds. “Please evacuate the building immediately. Fire Emergency, please evacuate immediately,” the big, booming loudspeaker voice cried out. I grab Greer’s hand.
We rush down the escalator and out the big doors. Cross the street, and enter a starbucks overlooking the Target entrance.
Thirty minutes later, shoppers return to the store. So do we.
Thursday Afternoon, 3:30 – The Apartment
Meet my new roommate. She has red hair. She’s pretty much amazing.
Unpack like a fiend. It all manages to fit. Maybe because my new roommate is a bit of a minimalist, and I am free to hog the closet.
I look out my window. Catch a glimpse of my spectacular view. Accidentally text a few people that I have a killer view of the Statue of Liberty. Decide I need a nap.
I go to the Orientation BBQ instead.
Thursday Evening, 6:00 – ASP Classroom
Orientation begins.
Love the Washington Journalism Institute’s Director’s description of the city- “Welcome to one of the most bizarre places on earth!”
Hear descriptions of the discrepancies between Washington the federal and DC the district. My heart hurts.
Thursday Evening, 9:00 – The Apartment
Am attacked by a killer fly and two demon possessed moths drawn by the light of my lamp and my laptop as I compose this post. Finish up- I can’t take this assault much longer.
Basically, I’m fairly certain that I am going to like it here. It is pretty much amazing! : )
Wake up suddenly in a cold sweat from some sort of nightmare. Debate whether or not to get up. Dying of thirst. Pad over to the bathroom. Get a drink. I’m now wide awake.
Shuffle to the kitchen. Peer outside the bay window. Notice the sun is just starting to rise. Pour myself a cup of coffee.
Find myself sitting on my back porch, watching the bright light spread across the purple morning sky, and feeling the first real twinges of excitement.
Today is the day.
Wednesday Morning, 10:45 - Rocklin
Realize I forgot to turn in my work keys to the WJU Student Life Office. Drop by the school on the way to the airport.
Watch as the annual school photo is taken. I missed it.
Walk into my office. Tom and Farnum are standing there. “What are you doing here?!” they ask. “I’m not here,” I reply. “I am a figment of your imagination.” I dart over to the file cabinet to find my key contract. I am buried in a big bear hug from my friend and boss, Stephanie.
I feel loved.
Wednesday Afternoon, 2:00 - Sacramento
My flight is about to take off. I am settled in an aisle seat in the third row. I find out that we will land in a gate right next to the gate my connecting flight takes off from. I heave a sigh of relief. I dig into my required reading text- it must be finished before I arrive.
Wednesday Evening, 7:50 – Chicago
My flight arrives early. I meet up with Greer. We get pizza.
We board the plane. I snag us a couple seats together. We chat and laugh and worry and hope and dream.
The hour and forty-five minutes fly by.
Wednesday Evening, 11:15 – Dulles Airport
We land. Grab our outrageously heavy luggage from the baggage claim and begin our quest to find a cab. Not as easy as we thought. After thirty minutes of searching, we find a shuttle. We wearily climb inside. A painfully slow ride into the district ensues.
Thursday Morning, 1:30 – Washington Hilton, Dupont Circle
We finally make it to our hotel. We wearily stagger to the check-in counter. The ladies with the shiny gold name badges behind the desk take pity on us. We are given free breakfast buffet cards.
Huffing and puffing we drag our burdensome bags to the elevator and into our room. We have sweet digs. Successfully search for an ice machine and some bottled water.
We have to be up in 4 hours. We crash.
Thursday Morning, 7:30 – Washington Hilton Restaurant
We eat like royalty, and stuff ourselves silly. Biscuits, sausage, made-to-order omelets, fresh fruit, greek yogurt, potatoes, smoothies, coffee, juice… Delicious.
Thursday Morning, 9:05 – ASP Offices, Dellenbeck Housing Center, The Hill
We arrive at what will be our new home for the next three and a half months. After checking in, receiving my keys, and lugging my ginormous bag up two flights of stairs, I enter my new apartment for the first time.
It rocks.
I stake my claim to the bottom bunk in the two-person room, and look out my window. I can see the Library of Congress and the Capitol building.
Welcome home.
Thursday Morning, 10:45- Union Station
We prepare to take our first metro trip of the season. Consult the maps, pay our fare, ride down the escalator, and wait for the transportation beast to arrive.
We look down. Blinking, glowing red lights line the edges of the track. It reminds us of a descent into hell. We get on board.
Thursday Afternoon, 12:50- Target, Columbia Heights
We shop for apartment stuff.
Laundry soap, dishwasher detergent, clothes hangers, just-add-water meals, and storage containers are tossed into our shopping basket.
Suddenly, an alarm sounds. “Please evacuate the building immediately. Fire Emergency, please evacuate immediately,” the big, booming loudspeaker voice cried out. I grab Greer’s hand.
We rush down the escalator and out the big doors. Cross the street, and enter a starbucks overlooking the Target entrance.
Thirty minutes later, shoppers return to the store. So do we.
Thursday Afternoon, 3:30 – The Apartment
Meet my new roommate. She has red hair. She’s pretty much amazing.
Unpack like a fiend. It all manages to fit. Maybe because my new roommate is a bit of a minimalist, and I am free to hog the closet.
I look out my window. Catch a glimpse of my spectacular view. Accidentally text a few people that I have a killer view of the Statue of Liberty. Decide I need a nap.
I go to the Orientation BBQ instead.
Thursday Evening, 6:00 – ASP Classroom
Orientation begins.
Love the Washington Journalism Institute’s Director’s description of the city- “Welcome to one of the most bizarre places on earth!”
Hear descriptions of the discrepancies between Washington the federal and DC the district. My heart hurts.
Thursday Evening, 9:00 – The Apartment
Am attacked by a killer fly and two demon possessed moths drawn by the light of my lamp and my laptop as I compose this post. Finish up- I can’t take this assault much longer.
Basically, I’m fairly certain that I am going to like it here. It is pretty much amazing! : )
Tuesday, August 17, 2010
Trippy
My last day at work will be one week from today. This realization hit me while training one of my replacements how to take over tasks I previously was responsible for. As the student leaders excitedly plan New Student Orientation and Week of Welcome activities, it dawned on me that I am going to miss out on all of it. I won’t be there for the Fall Hoe Down, I won’t be there for my friends’ birthdays, I won’t be there for the café appreciation party, I won’t be there for Thanksgiving, I won’t be there for my classmates’ senior seminars… and I am filled with regret.
Then I remember… I will be living, learning, and working in the heart of the nation’s capital at one of the most pivotal moments in our history. I will rubbing shoulders with the movers and shakers of the world as I pass by them on the metro, or run into them in a café. I will be participating in a program that offers amazing, once in a lifetime opportunities and networking like crazy, making some of my peers swoon with envy. The memories I will make, the experiences I will encounter, and the skills I will learn will be more than worth it.
So while it may feel trippy for a little while, in the end, I know that this part of my life is going to be spectacular!
Then I remember… I will be living, learning, and working in the heart of the nation’s capital at one of the most pivotal moments in our history. I will rubbing shoulders with the movers and shakers of the world as I pass by them on the metro, or run into them in a café. I will be participating in a program that offers amazing, once in a lifetime opportunities and networking like crazy, making some of my peers swoon with envy. The memories I will make, the experiences I will encounter, and the skills I will learn will be more than worth it.
So while it may feel trippy for a little while, in the end, I know that this part of my life is going to be spectacular!
Monday, August 16, 2010
One and a Half Weeks Left!
Only one and a half weeks left to go! On August 25th, I will arrive ready to live, learn, and work in the heart of our nation’s capital. I am so excited! William Jessup University offers an amazing study abroad program to students through the CCCU’s Best Semester Program, and I am thrilled to take advantage of this opportunity.
A quick description of the program I am with: the American Studies Program (ASP) is an interdisciplinary internship/seminar program based in Washington, D.C. Students attend classes focused on leadership and public policy, as well as participating in an internship in our field of interest.
ASP provides our housing- an apartment in the northeast quadrant of the city, complete with a washer/dryer, dish washer, and a sweet roof-top deck that overlooks the Library of Congress (can you tell that I’m super excited about these three things?! Haha!). The whole apartment-living experience will be an adventure for me- I am an only child who has never had roommates before…and now I will be living in a shoe-box apartment in a brand new city with SIX GIRLS. This will definitely be a stretching experience
I will be interning with (the longest office name EVER!) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s Office of International Affairs (OIA)’s Mission Support Unit. Since my goal is to eventually work for the Human Trafficking Division of the FBI, this is an awesome opportunity to gain some experience in the justice arena.
I suppose that about sums up the basics of what my semester in DC will be like…I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I embark on this adventure! I will keep you posted on all of the exciting details as they come up!
A quick description of the program I am with: the American Studies Program (ASP) is an interdisciplinary internship/seminar program based in Washington, D.C. Students attend classes focused on leadership and public policy, as well as participating in an internship in our field of interest.
ASP provides our housing- an apartment in the northeast quadrant of the city, complete with a washer/dryer, dish washer, and a sweet roof-top deck that overlooks the Library of Congress (can you tell that I’m super excited about these three things?! Haha!). The whole apartment-living experience will be an adventure for me- I am an only child who has never had roommates before…and now I will be living in a shoe-box apartment in a brand new city with SIX GIRLS. This will definitely be a stretching experience
I will be interning with (the longest office name EVER!) The Department of Homeland Security (DHS)’s Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE)’s Office of International Affairs (OIA)’s Mission Support Unit. Since my goal is to eventually work for the Human Trafficking Division of the FBI, this is an awesome opportunity to gain some experience in the justice arena.
I suppose that about sums up the basics of what my semester in DC will be like…I would greatly appreciate your thoughts and prayers as I embark on this adventure! I will keep you posted on all of the exciting details as they come up!
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