Going for an adventure

May 29, 2009

Friday was the final day for orientation.  All of TWC students had to report to The Department of Interior by 9:00AM to hear various speeches and lectures.  Kind of what we had to do while I was at the DNC, but the commute wasn’t 40 minutes.  It turned into an hour commute as our metro train had to go in for service while it was full.  We got to the next stop, everyone unloaded, one man threw his coffee at the train, and we waited for the next one.  Mind you, there were already many people already trying to get on at this station.   SQUEEEEEZE….

The train arrived; half full already and everyone press(ed) on.  One of my roommates, who is from Puerto Rico was the last one on, and the door closed on his suit jacket.  Nice…

We were 10 minutes late, but they weren’t too mad when they saw 50 students show up at one time.  I am sure they figured something had happened.

The speeches were long, we had a lady speak to us about being financially responsible.  One of my student colleagues asked the few of us sitting in the row,

“How are we supposed to be financially responsible when almost all of our internships are unpaid, and we need to figure out how to eat and commute for 10 weeks.”  

Blog for your university?

 Afterwards, my roommates and I were planning to go have lunch at a deli a few blocks away.  We invited a real cute girl from Alabama (of course she could come) and then a guy from Lock Haven invited himself…

While eating, the lingerer bashed the republican party, the city of Philadelphia, and praised Obama like he is the second coming of Christ…

After we ate, one of my roommates and I went for a walk back to the metro. After one or two wrong turns we ended up in front of this big white house… 

Some exciting news, I was placed and accepted the internship with Earth Aid.  I am very excited to start work on Monday. 

If you can, take a moment to check out their website and sign up for their program!

www.earthaid.net

Gyros and the Metro

May 28, 2009           

Today was our first official day in Washington DC.  I rode the metro with no problem.  I actually had to tell my roommates to get moving while coming down the escalator when the train is ready & waiting.  As I eloquently put it, “GET YOUR KNEES UP!” 

We met on the National Mall where we took

 a tour of a few of the museums, specifically the Museum of Natural Science.  We then walked to the Washington Monument, and then to one of the new Smithsonian’s, which had artifacts from Persia and China.  They displayed some really cool swords and other nifty weapons.

From there we regrouped and went to lunch.  Half of the group went to Baskin Robins to taste the 31 flavors, while a few of us roamed the streets.  I came upon a Greek restaurant, which prepared fresh home-made style Greek food and had their pita bread baked every morning.  Fantastic!  The restaurant is called Pasha Bistro.  I ordered Gyro platter with a Mediterranean salad.  I even took the menu so I could remember where it was and what I ordered.  If you ever find yourself on 17^th St NW, I would recommend it.

After lunch we reconvened to go over the syllabus and what is expected from us throughout the semester. We have to make our own portfolio, which included a detailed journal of activities.  

This evening I received an e-mail from a representative from earthaid.net, and after speaking to her; she offered me a position in this small organization.  It seems very interesting and intriguing.   I am spending the night mulling over my two options and will probably make my decision later tonight.  According to her description of the internship:

“Earth Aid Enterprises is a green start up dedicated to helping Americans become more energy efficient in their homes. From helping individuals participate in the quickly growing carbon market to selling energy efficiency products, Earth Aid is working to dramatically reduce America's greenhouse gas emissions.

Interns at Earth Aid will be involved in all aspects of the organizations work and will contribute by doing research, tracking policy, helping the media team, and working on outreach projects. This is an excellent opportunity to gain experience working in the quickly growing green energy field for an organization that is on the cutting edge of the quickly growing voluntary carbon market.

Applicants should have a demonstrated interest in environmental issues as well as excellent writing, research, and communication skills. Applicants should also have a good attitude and sense of humor.”

Movin' on up!

May 27, 2009

Today is my first day in the apartment.  I arrived in Bethesda this morning a little after 11:00AM.  One of my roommates had already moved in by the time I arrived, and is from Columbus Ohio. 

The apartment is nice, he and I both chose the better of the two rooms, with more storage for clothes including a full walk-in closet and private bathroom.   The other room looks like a bomb went off.  Even so, I mentioned to my roommate that if the other  two guys don’t show up in a few days I would take it so we could both have our own bedrooms and bathrooms.

I have my first day of orientation tomorrow staring at 9:00AM until about 4:00PM.  The newest adviser for my program (she is the third in five months) will be meeting us on the National Mall where we will hang out and get to know one another during the morning hours.

I finally received a position today, it is through an architecture foundation that has made significant strides towards creating buildings that are more environmentally friendly.  Maybe for ten weeks I can be Art Vandelay the famous architect…..

The President of the organization has asked to have an interview with me Monday morning at 9:00AM. 

I currently am unaware of when or where my class is taking place.  But I am excited to be down here, and look forward to the next ten weeks. 

Before I get to work

Today is the day before I head to Bethesda Maryland.  I will be moving into my apartment tomorrow morning after I finish running some errands here in Frederick. County.  I am very excited about this opportunity, as I am fully aware there are many students that wish they had these chances to enhance their college experience. 

I have previously blogged  -- last August at the Democratic National Convention (DNC) when I blogged for Cal, and I am glad I have yet another chance to share my experiences with all of you.  I hope that each of you will find my blogs entertaining and hopefully insightful.   To some people back at school I am known only as “Blogger”, or “That guy who was on the Cal website forever.”

I was accepted into the Science and Policy Program at The Washington Center (TWC) and while completing my internship, I will be taking a course titled “Science, Society and Policy”.  I hope to learn more about the specific policy making procedures, whether that includes supporting various politicians or interest groups. 

A little about myself…

I am a senior at Cal studying operational meteorology and political science. I have aspirations to become an environmental lawyer.  Many people question why I am doing two majors that are very obtuse but I believe both of them will give me a solid base if/when I get accepted into law school.  My short list of potential schools include: University of Pittsburgh, Vermont School of Law, University of Maryland and Georgetown University.

I reside in Frederick County Maryland, and graduated from Walkersville High School in 2006. 

I am a brother in the Phi Gamma Delta fraternity.  While I was in Denver last summer, the international headquarters was gracious enough to have a link to my blogs on the www.phigam.org website for a month.  Thanks to all active and graduate brothers that took the time to read my blogs and posts.  I believe there were over 700 hits from the international site alone. 

I am very grateful to have a great supporting cast around me at the University and at home.  Without the help and guidance of the internship center, Dr. Melanie Blumberg, Dr. Chad Kauffman, Joy Helsel and The Dr. Swarn Gill I would have never been able to experience these opportunities.

I hope you enjoy my blogs, I will post a weekly video blog as well to sum up the week, and I also do not need the Teleprompter Of The United States (TOTUS) when I deliver my briefing.