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
