Week 2: “I am NOT a Tourist, I Live Here!”

It was really cool to go out this weekend and say, “I am not a tourist, I live here!” This weekend my friend Debbie and I went walking around D.C. and had a blast! We took the Metro to Arlington National Cemetery, walked around there for several hours, and then walked all across the Mall area. We saw the Lincoln Memorial, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, Ford's Theatre, and The White House. All of these things are the common attractions, but it was so cool to be able to walk around and not be on a time limit. My favorite part of our “little” excursion was watching the changing of the guards at Arlington National Cemetery. Definitely a to-do when you come to D.C.

Me standing next to the Texas pillar at the WWII Memorial in the Mall area.

Entrance to Arlington National Cemetery

Changing of the guards at Arlington National Cemetery

TWC had a cookout for us this weekend. It was hot, but we got free food and were able to meet other interns. It seems like the “quarter” students and “term” students are unfamiliar with each other, but when we go to things like this, we all hang out and it is really fun.

This was the first week that we had a Congressional Speaker for with the TWC. It was very informative, but it got a little heated. I have to say that I think I will enjoy these presentations for both the informative presentation, and for the heated debates to follow! We were also given the opportunity to sign up to help for either John McCain or Barack Obama’s campaign. This was such a neat opportunity for anyone interested in politics, and during an election year.

The highlight of my week was going to a hearing of the Ways and Means committee. The IRS sent us over to the Longworth House Office Building to observe a hearing to talk about the Economic Stimulus Package. They were talking about updates and concerns with the current stimulus distribution. It was an amazing experience to see Congressmen from different states in front of us debating issues that really pertain to their constituents. My fellow intern, Andrea, sat next to me and we kept looking at each other to reflect our utter disbelief of what we were experiencing. Then, some Congressmen became enthralled in a heated debate, and we said that it reminded us of Jerry Springer, just in a non-violent and very political way. After the hearing, we were fortunate to meet Congressman Brady…and guess what, he was from TEXAS! Wow, go figure. I wonder who I will meet next week!

Looking up at a side of the building I work in. This view will NEVER get old to me!