In my Ethics in Philanthropy class we discussed giving. Carnegie says the wealthy are morally obligated to give to the poor. Author of The Life You Can Save, Peter Singer suggests that if you have the ability (money/power) to save the life of somebody less fortunate, then you are morally obligated to do so. He encourages people to give their money to the starving people in third world countries because a little bit goes a long way compared to giving here in America. Give internationally, and save more lives.

This all got me thinking about how to give, how much, and to whom. Granted, I'm a poor college student right now but hey, I'm thinking ahead. In DC, the begging is ridiculous! I've been hit up for money more times than I can count. My most recent encounter was at the Union Station Metro. A shaky, older, black gentleman approached me when I made eye contact. Yikes! Mistake number one- making eye contact. He asked that I be patient because he can't speak very well after having a stroke. And went on to tell his whole story about needing to get back to his family. He asked for some cash and- my phone number. That I found was strange. He wanted to be able to pay me back three-fold, but there was no way I was going to give this man my phone number. I did however pull three ones out of my wallet.

What would you have done? Do you have a reason for always giving, or never giving?

Top 8 songs (not in any particular order) that describe my experience in DC this summer:

Bill on Capitol Hill


Two Coins Dispatch


Summer in the City- Regina


David Bowie-Young Americans


Violent Femmes- Waiting for the bus


Stand By Me- Playing for Change


Jack Johnson- People Watching


Cellophane- Chicago




<3 Rachel Rachel

Celebrating Independence in DC

Friends and family,

I've completed my first full week of summer camp helping out with a 3rd grade class. Wow, are they rambunctious group of kiddos with attitudes I didn't dare attempt when I was in the 3rd grade...or ever! However there are a handful of precious kiddos that keep me coming back for more.

Third Grade Boy: Do you have a boyfriend Ms. Rachel?
Me: Yes!
Third Grade Boy: Does he take care of you?
Me: What do you mean by that?
Third Grade Boy: ...is he nice to you?
Me: Yes, he's very nice to me.

This brief exchange between me and this third-grade (fatherless) boy made me wonder about his home-life and confirmed the fact that I was making a difference, even if for only two months. I will be bringing my camera to camp this week so I can share pictures of my precious third grade team. We call ourselves the Green Bears! They picked it themselves.

Fourth of July weekend was AMAZING!

Saturday, I went to Chesapeake Bay with friends to enjoy the beach.


Sunday, a group of about 20 of us hit up the west lawn of the Capitol and had an amazing smorgasbord that included: hummus & pita chips, fruit salad, potato salad, homemade fried chicken, and cookies. Yummalicious! Here we are waving our American Flag toothpicks to a live performance of God Bless The U.S.A.. "And I proudly stand up..."

The roomies (minus Eva) posing in front of the Capitol acting all silly.

And finally a picture with the whole gang. The sky is beautiful!

I have come to the realization that I only have THREE weekends left! Oh my! So much to do and so little time! I still want to see:
* The original archives like the Declaration of Independence
* The American Art Museum
* The Spy Museum
* Tour of the Capitol (offered by an old friend)
* Tour of the White House (that I may or may not have signed up for in time)
* Take a site visit of DC Central Kitchen

I've just completed my first class, Ethics in Philanthropy! Whoot! Right now I'm doing my internship, taking the internship seminar class, voluntary associations class, and I'm helping plan a talent show to raise money for a local non-profit. So, I'm staying real busy, but I'm thinking about you all often. Thank you so so much for the letters, money, and secret packages.

Peace, Love & Service,
Rachel Rachel

Live, Learn, Intern

Encouraged by my loving and supportive Aunt Vicki, I have started a blog (my first since my Jr. High Xanga craze) in order to inform friends and family of my pursuit of happiness here in our nation's capitol. I am in the Fund for American Studies program taking 3 classes, and doing an internship at an NGO called Horton's Kids. DC has a distinct sense of competition and urgency that's really overwhelming. I have been in D.C. for 18 days now and have learned a great deal! Let me tell you about it.

I learned that challenging situations aren't always bad omens, but are meant to make me stronger. My adventure began even before I arrived in DC. My original 7am plane flight was canceled due to a mechanical malfunction. I spent the rest of the morning running around the airport trying to get a boarding pass for the next flight out. After some unfortunate communication errors between airlines, I was told I was not going to have an extended stay in Dallas and would have to wait until tomorrow. My luggage was going to make it to DC before I did...or so I thought! Thanks to precious family members, I had somewhere to crash for the night and an early morning ride to the airport. I finally got to DC only to find my bag hadn't arrived. I was in a new city by myself to survive with only my sweats and a backpack....for three days! I was lucky to have the sweetest roommates in the world who clothed me, gave me bedding, shampoo and sympathy.

I've learned to use public transportation! Maneuvering through the streets of DC isn't as difficult as it first appears once you understand the pricing (whether it takes cash or metro card), timing, and etiquette. Yes, Metro etiquette. On the escalator: stand on the right, walk on the left. People look so unhappy riding the Metro every morning, and it's not like the south where you can strike up conversation with whoever....I've gotten a few strange looks.

I've learned about the moral philosophy that helped found our country and many other random facts that spawn from my brilliant and engaging professor's digressions. I've contemplated Kant's Categorical Imperative stating, "act so that you use humanity, whether in your own person or in the person of any other, always at the same time as an end, never merely as a means." -- Yeah, that one's a doozy! I've brushed up on some John Locke, and reread the Declaration of Independence. Using the political compass, I've better understood where I stand politically but realized I've got a lot to think about.

Additionally, I've learned:
- ALWAYS pack extra underwear in your carry-on.
- Distance makes the heart grow fonder.
- Support from friends and family is super important!
- DC charges $.05 per plastic bag at any place that sells food or alcohol. At first I just thought DC was really earth-friendly conscious. Ha!
- Everybody here jay-walks. Even this cute old lady that ooched across the road dodged taxis with the help of a young gentleman stranger. I really wanted a picture of that!
- DC is very diverse: I've seen men in dresses, women in a hijabs, and everything in between.
- I have three friends living in the DC area and have and will connect with them. Networks are SOOO important!



That's probably enough rambling for now. Please keep in touch! You'll hear again from me soon.

Peace, Love & Service,
Rachel