I sincerely apologize for being such a bum. I wrote this post a week ago today, and never posted it. I will have another update in a few days after this crazy FOURTH OF JULY WEEKEND! WOOT! Anyway, enjoy.
The time is just flying by! This week we had to remind our supervisors to turn in our mid-term evaluations. Mid-term, already? This is madness!
I think it is safe to say that I have adjusted to Washington, DC, life. I think I realized this one morning on the way to work, when I was on the Metro and I was nearly sleeping in my seat. Only city-dwellers are comfortable enough to do that! Then, on the way up the escalator, some tourists were standing on the left side (the rule is to stand on the right, and walk on the left). I found myself thinking, “stupid tourists,” and then remembered that, since I am only here for ten weeks, I am sort of an “extended tourist” myself. Eh, for the rest of the summer I can at least play the part. I think I am a decent actor, heh heh.
For class, we have to do informational interviews, where we interview someone in a career to which we aspire in order to gain more insights into that career. This past week I approached my supervisor for such an interview, and he surprised me by setting up an interview with the executive director of my organization! I was understandably nervous and I felt guilty for taking this busy woman’s time, but it ended up being a very enjoyable (and even inspirational) thirty minute conversation. I found out that Jackie never even finished her college degree, and instead was involved in tribal/organizational leadership and just has a lot of guts. She advised me that if something is worth doing, to just go for it. A lot of people complain but do nothing to change the world around them. Anyway, we shared a few laughs, and I left quite inspired. She helped me realize that academic credentials are just that—credentials, a “maybe,” a “should be.” This piece of paper says you should be able to do (insert job here). While this is important, it is the people with the most courage and perseverance who change the world, who make history.
I learned something else this week. The staff at my office was mostly gone, attending a mid-year conference in South Dakota. It was on us, the interns, to be NCAI’s eyes and ears of the National Congress of American Indians for the week, staying up-to-date on legislation, hearings, and any new developments that could impact American Indians. We were all suitably nervous for such responsibility. However, once we got the hang of things, we realized that we are all capable of handling the work. We attended congressional hearings, took notes, and submitted summaries like champions. Although the job ended up being less scary than I thought, I realized that, when faced with a job you think is too big for you, you just have to do it, challenge it, and surprise yourself with your competence.
Speaking of surprises—after attending a hearing for my job, I was walking through the Russell Senate building looking for the exit when, all of a sudden, John McCain walked by and nodded his head at me! Star Power! (Oh, and it was sort of a confidence booster to see that a presidential contender is around the same height as I am.)
A bunch of us put on our patriot caps and toured the Capital building this past weekend, with the help of a roommate who works for a Representative. After being awed by the rotunda, we walked over to the American History Museum. This is easily my favorite Smithsonian thus far. I still have to hit the Holocaust museum…
I also realized this week that there are a ton of Scientology churches in DC. It dawned on me when I was walking from the Metro to work one day, and I saw a man wearing a mask from the film, V for Vendetta, who was standing in front of a Scientology church. Fortunately, I had my camera and got some shots. The “v-for-vendetta protester,” as I call him, has become one of my “regulars.” There are certainly some crazy things to be seen in this city, but I still think there are more crazies in New York.
To close—this experience continues to be incredible. It is at the point now, however, that I know there is a bittersweet moment on the horizon. I remember looking forward happily to the day I could come home, having completed my internship, to see my girlfriend, friends, and family back home again. Now, looking forward, I am not sure that leaving will be so joyous. It has not taken long to build strong bonds with my peers here and with the city itself. It is really surprising actually, but it is a beautiful thing. The people I have met here, from my fellow interns, to random neighbors, to friends of friends, to coworkers, I will remember for years to come.
I hate goodbyes. I know there are still several weeks left here, but I know that this goodbye will be especially difficult. Who knows if I will ever see any of these fine comrades again? It is here that I remembered something one of my philosophy professors remarked to me once, that someone had theorized that everyone meets a certain number of people, thirty-some I think she said, who will change your life. It is important to be careful how one treats others, then, as you never know who might be one of your “thirty-something” people. I have a feeling I have met a few of my life-changers here. Hopefully I can make someone’s list myself…
