Well basically the rest of the week was normal. Days 5 and 6 (Thursday and Friday) were pretty normal. Training, out to dinner with the roommates, and back to training the next morning. Day 7, Saturday, is where it was at! We went to the Glenn Beck Rally, Restoring Honor, and volunteered. We past out fliers and talked with people about what the Leadership Institute is all about. However, the rally was not without anti-protesters. We had the Al Sharpton rally, yes, but we also had a whole different other kind of group. There were people there who were "self-proclaimed communists". I quote that because that is literally word for word what they said. They were there with signs such as "end racism", "tea parties are racists", "crush capitalism", etc. They were not only against any person affiliated with the right, but also any person affiliated with the left! They were against democracy! It seriously was mind-blowing.
My friend Piyali and I were handing out fliers and the protesters decided to come stand right behind us. They were calling us racists bigots and were shouting stuff like, "Crush capitalism! We need Communism and equality!" I laughed out loud when I heard those two things in the same sentence. It's not Communism AND equality, it's Communism OR equality.
It got to the point that people were associating the two of us with all of them and so we had to move. I had one lady come up to me and shout at me. Calling me stupid and ridiculous. I was like, "I'm a conservative! I'm a conservative!" She immediately apologized and thanked me for what I was doing. Even though I wasn't happy that she was yelling rude things at me, I'm glad that she was supporting the cause. I don't believe that yelling at someone who has different beliefs than you (even though I really didn't) is the most effective way to get your point across.
I was unable to see any of the speakers at the rally, but the crowd numbers were enough for me to feel the hope and honor in the air. It was a beautiful thing to see hundreds of thousands of people swarm the Lincoln Memorial.
After the Glenn Beck rally I went home and slept for the better half of the afternoon. I was exhausted! We later went out to dinner at a place called Velocity 5 and watched a UFC fight. It was my first time sitting through one and it was interesting. I still don't understand how men can feel successful beating the crap out of people. Well, I guess that's not for me! We then went monument walking. Everyone told us that monument walking is awesome at night! We went to the Lincoln Memorial, the Einstein statue, the Vietnam Memorial, the World War II memorial, and the Washington Monument. Beautiful!
Sunday we had a day off and it was probably one of my favorite days of the week. Stephanie, John, and I went down to the Court House metro station and ate at this Chinese restaurant called TNR Cafe. It was seriously the best Chinese food I've ever had. We could not stop eating it and we all felt probably 100 pounds heavier when we walked out, but it was delicious! I love the name, TNR, it stands for "Tea, Noodles, Rice". I love it! We then took the metro back to Clarendon, which is where LI is, and then went to Starbucks. We spent about 6 hours researching our regions, studying, and just having a good time. It was very relaxing and we got a lot accomplished. That night we went to a nice restaurant and about 5 other people joined us. It was a lot of fun. It was Stephanie's last night because she left Monday morning to work on a campaign in VA.
This is a shout-out for Stephanie. She has been given the best opportunity. She is going to be working for Steve Rigell, who is running against an incumbent for the House seat in Virginia. She will be working as a Youth Campaign Coordinator. She is kind of like the campaign manager for the youth. She will be responsible for coordinating the college campuses in her area to help campaign for Steve. It's a big responsibility, but she is an amazing girl and I have no doubt that she'll lead her candidate to victory! Go get 'em, Steph!
So Monday was our last day of training. We went through lectures like "a day in the life of a field rep", "organizing and creating groups", etc. We had a panel of past field reps that sat down and we all asked them questions. We then went up to the roof and took pictures of the whole group, individual photos, and photos of our region groups. My region group is Jessica (part of Massachussetts, Rhode Island, and Connecticut), Alex (Massachussetts and New York), Ben (Pennsylvania), Gary (New Jersey, New York City), and myself (New Hampshire, Vermont, and Southern/Central Maine). We met with our Regional Field Coordinators (kind of like my boss) and we discussed what he is expecting of us. Kevin is the best RFC. I'm so lucky that he is going to be my boss, we are going to do work in New England!! Well, Jen and I are going to go eat at The Capitol Hill Club. I'm going to be eating among some of the greatest minds of our nation! Then I'm off to the airport. Indy for about 4 days, then drivin to the great state of Maine! I'll post again in a few days!
Tuesday, August 31, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
Days 1-4
WARNING: This entry is extremely long.
Hey all! I can't believe that it is already going on Day 4 that I've been here!! Day one in D.C. was short and sweet. I got into town around 12:30 and spent some time getting settled in and scouting the area. It is beautiful and totally chaotic. I love it! Our building is in Arlington, right next to the Clarendon metro stop. The public transportation system here is so awesome! It is so easy to get around and I feel so safe using it. The housing they provide for us is great, although we don't spend much time in the rooms. Once I got settled Sunday night I went out to grab some dinner with one of the girls from the program. Her name is Jen and she has done several programs through LI (The Leadership Institute) in the past. It was great to eat dinner and pick her brain about the ways of D.C. and the advantages of being involved with LI (which are countless). We then took the metro into D.C. and spent the evening seeing the sites.
Day two was much different. Bright and early, 8:00am to be exact, we all met for breakfast in the LI HQ (abbreviations are apparently a huge thing here). Training started at 9am and went on until after 10pm. Throughout the day we had a few breaks and they also provided us with lunch and dinner. A few of the topics we discussed were "Preparing for Leadership", "Building Your Organization", "Media and PR", and "Mock Elections". Like I said, so many advantages to being involved with this institution. They have trained many of today's leaders. LI is the #1 conservative leader training institution. I am so blessed. Actually, James O'Keefe, the guy who exposed ACORN and Planned Parenthood was a student at LI.
Day 3 we started off by going over our homework, yes homework. We had to write a news release about our "candidate's" mock election win, create flash flyers, and also balloon posters. The balloon posters were probably the hardest part for me because you actually have to have a sense of humor. After a 14 hour day the day before, I had no idea what humor was. We then dove into more lectures and note-taking. My favorite lecture was called "special projects". It was a breakdown of inexpensive, yet very effective, activism projects. They included door-hangers, post-cards, theatrical gestures (think dunk tanks), "grassroots" (think a big hill witha big display), so many cool ideas. All of the lecturers at LI are people who at one point were sitting in my seat. Hearing stories about their success is so inspirational. I constantly fidget in my seat wanting to do everything they talk about.
Later during one of our breaks I talked with the director of my training program about his position. After our discussion I realized that his story centered around grabbing every opportunity the he possibly could. I think that was God's way of telling me that I'm on the right track. After training we went to the DC Young Republicans dinner and I met some awesome people that I will definitely have to stay in contact with! I lobbyed a lot and grabbed tons of business cards. Even had my picture taken a few times!
Today we started to discuss our actual job requirements and what that will involve. It was awesome because we got to meet all of the Regional Field Coordinators. The RFC's (I told you, abbreviations!) will be the people that we actually report to while we're in the field. We also got to look at all of the regions. Unfortunately, Indiana is not a region this year. They said that their presence in IN is strong right now, so there is no need for field reps. That's okay, though. I've been lobbying with the RFCs in the regions that I'm interested in, so that hopefully I will get placed there! We had a lot of them give presentations today about their experiences and they gave us ideas that will be very beneficial while on the job. It was basically a typical training day. Lots of sitting and taking notes, breaks, lunch, dinner, etc. And tonight we are going to go out to a Young Americans for Freedom dinner. More lobbying! Gosh, I love D.C.!!! Well...that's pretty much it for now!
Hey all! I can't believe that it is already going on Day 4 that I've been here!! Day one in D.C. was short and sweet. I got into town around 12:30 and spent some time getting settled in and scouting the area. It is beautiful and totally chaotic. I love it! Our building is in Arlington, right next to the Clarendon metro stop. The public transportation system here is so awesome! It is so easy to get around and I feel so safe using it. The housing they provide for us is great, although we don't spend much time in the rooms. Once I got settled Sunday night I went out to grab some dinner with one of the girls from the program. Her name is Jen and she has done several programs through LI (The Leadership Institute) in the past. It was great to eat dinner and pick her brain about the ways of D.C. and the advantages of being involved with LI (which are countless). We then took the metro into D.C. and spent the evening seeing the sites.
Day two was much different. Bright and early, 8:00am to be exact, we all met for breakfast in the LI HQ (abbreviations are apparently a huge thing here). Training started at 9am and went on until after 10pm. Throughout the day we had a few breaks and they also provided us with lunch and dinner. A few of the topics we discussed were "Preparing for Leadership", "Building Your Organization", "Media and PR", and "Mock Elections". Like I said, so many advantages to being involved with this institution. They have trained many of today's leaders. LI is the #1 conservative leader training institution. I am so blessed. Actually, James O'Keefe, the guy who exposed ACORN and Planned Parenthood was a student at LI.
Day 3 we started off by going over our homework, yes homework. We had to write a news release about our "candidate's" mock election win, create flash flyers, and also balloon posters. The balloon posters were probably the hardest part for me because you actually have to have a sense of humor. After a 14 hour day the day before, I had no idea what humor was. We then dove into more lectures and note-taking. My favorite lecture was called "special projects". It was a breakdown of inexpensive, yet very effective, activism projects. They included door-hangers, post-cards, theatrical gestures (think dunk tanks), "grassroots" (think a big hill witha big display), so many cool ideas. All of the lecturers at LI are people who at one point were sitting in my seat. Hearing stories about their success is so inspirational. I constantly fidget in my seat wanting to do everything they talk about.
Later during one of our breaks I talked with the director of my training program about his position. After our discussion I realized that his story centered around grabbing every opportunity the he possibly could. I think that was God's way of telling me that I'm on the right track. After training we went to the DC Young Republicans dinner and I met some awesome people that I will definitely have to stay in contact with! I lobbyed a lot and grabbed tons of business cards. Even had my picture taken a few times!
Today we started to discuss our actual job requirements and what that will involve. It was awesome because we got to meet all of the Regional Field Coordinators. The RFC's (I told you, abbreviations!) will be the people that we actually report to while we're in the field. We also got to look at all of the regions. Unfortunately, Indiana is not a region this year. They said that their presence in IN is strong right now, so there is no need for field reps. That's okay, though. I've been lobbying with the RFCs in the regions that I'm interested in, so that hopefully I will get placed there! We had a lot of them give presentations today about their experiences and they gave us ideas that will be very beneficial while on the job. It was basically a typical training day. Lots of sitting and taking notes, breaks, lunch, dinner, etc. And tonight we are going to go out to a Young Americans for Freedom dinner. More lobbying! Gosh, I love D.C.!!! Well...that's pretty much it for now!
Apology
Hey all. I'm so sorry that I haven't posted lately. This training is a lot more time consuming than I anticipated. But it is so amazing!! I WILL post tonight! Be looking for it!
Monday, August 16, 2010
Another Opportunity
Earlier this year I applied for an internship with the Washington Internship Institute (WII) that would have taken place this summer. Unfortunately, due to costs, I was unable to intern with them. However, that worked out for the better, just as God planned! The WII recently contacted me asking me if I was still interested in interning with them for Summer 2011. I of course replied yes, that this is a great opportunity for me!
The WII is an institution full of opportunities! Once accepted into their program, I would take classes with them while interning for an organization in Washington D.C. These organizations can be anything from the Department of Defense, an international embassy, or even for a Senator or Representative. There are a ton of different options.
Unfortunately, the costs have only increased. I don't know if I'll be able to afford it this year either. When housing and other outside costs are added into it, it gets very expensive. Please pray that if this is what God has planned for me, that I am able to see what I need to do. And if this isn't what God has planned for me, that I am able to see the bigger picture. I need to give this to God and let Him show me what to do! I have until March to decide, but prayers are always welcome now!
The WII is an institution full of opportunities! Once accepted into their program, I would take classes with them while interning for an organization in Washington D.C. These organizations can be anything from the Department of Defense, an international embassy, or even for a Senator or Representative. There are a ton of different options.
Unfortunately, the costs have only increased. I don't know if I'll be able to afford it this year either. When housing and other outside costs are added into it, it gets very expensive. Please pray that if this is what God has planned for me, that I am able to see what I need to do. And if this isn't what God has planned for me, that I am able to see the bigger picture. I need to give this to God and let Him show me what to do! I have until March to decide, but prayers are always welcome now!
Friday, August 13, 2010
Some Shout-Outs
Hello there! I just wanted to make some shout-outs to all of my friends and family who have been so supportive of me! Without you guys I would not be where I am today, and probably wouldn't have the opportunities that I have now and the opportunities that are yet to come! So...here are some shout-outs. Let me know if I missed you (I apologize in advance if I do)!
Mom- Thank you so much for being the strong woman that you are. God has thrown so much at you, but never more than you can handle, and you've taken it and dealt with it with so much strength and determination. I don't think that I could have handled it the way that you have. I love you so much, and without you I would not be the woman that I am today. You have always been there for me and I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for that. Over Christmas break was probably one of the hardest times of my life and you were there for me every step of the way. God could not have given a girl a better mother, I know that for a fact. I love you and will miss you so much while I'm gone.
Dad- Where to start? You gave me my dream. I'll never forget sitting in the living room watching Law and Order re-runs with you. I told you over and over again that I would be a D.A. one day. Now my dream is a little different, but nonetheless you are the one who planted that passion for law and politics into my heart. You have shown me over these past few years the meaning of perseverance. You have shown me the drive and self-motivation that people need to succeed in this world. And most of all, you have shown me that we can't go it alone, God is the only one who can truly allow us to succeed--that relying on Him is the only way. Without you and mom, I would have never made it this far.
Christina- First of all, I miss you like crazy! I know that God is doing amazing things through you, I see it everyday on your blog and Facebook, but I also see it through the people who love you so much and are so grateful to have you in their country. I don't know if you realize just how much of an inspiration you are to me. You have given up everything to help others, to do God's will. What a role model you are! I thank God for giving me the best big sister to look up to! I hope that I can make you proud while I'm in D.C. And I promise to update my blog as often as possible and call you whenever I can to tell you everything that is happening! I wish that you were here to share this experience with me, but I know that the people of Kapsowar need you so much more than I do right now. They are so lucky to have you!
April- I love you so so so much. I can't even begin to tell you how much I wish I was back in Evansville with you, to help you through everything. But I hope that you know that you are an inspiration to me as well. You have been through a lot, and I know that you are trying your very hardest to work everything out. Relying on God is the only way, and you know that! I don't know if I could have held my head as high as you did during this past year. Sometimes I see strength in you that I know I could never find within myself. And I love you for that! You are a strong girl! Sometimes too strong for your own good! I hope that you call me and update me on the events in Evansville, just as I will call you and update you on the events in D.C. I love you little sister, you mean the world to me!
ACD & OSE friends & staff- Although we've only been with each other for a short while, you've become like family to me! You've shown me that there is more to a job than just surviving from the beginning of the shift to the end! You've shown me that professionalism and having fun can go together, and not be mutually exclusive. I am going to miss all of you so much. The skills that I have gained from working with all of you will definitely be put to use while I'm gone. Hold down the office for me, fellow PA's! I'll be back!
IMA friends & staff- All of you have been so welcoming! Even though I've only worked with you for a few weeks, you have become one of my biggest support systems! It amazes me how close I've gotten to some of you in such a short time! I did want to make a couple of specific shout-outs, though! Jackie & Joyce- Hello, Mothers! I'm expecting a delicious feast when I get back!:-) I'll miss you ladies! Jennifer & Cliff- you guys keep pushing this program! It is a great opportunity for students. I will be praying everyday that God allows this program to grow and continue to be successful. It is amazing what you both have done with this program. I can't wait to get back and rejoin all of you! Fellow VA's--don't leave your posts!!!
Shannon Kelley- My gosh. What to say. THANK YOU! I can not imagine my college career without you, honestly. You have been so much more than an advisor to me. Not only have you helped me with my classes, but you have been there for me whenever I just needed to vent. That means so much to me. Thank you for the amazing recommendation letters that you have written for me over these past 2 years. Without those, I wouldn't be leaving for D.C. in a week! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your continued support!
Lauren Chism- First off, congratulations again on the engagement!! He's a lucky fella! So, when I walked into Bridge on that first day and saw you and Shannon there, my nerves died down a little bit. You were so relaxed yet totally excited about what the next two weeks and following semester would bring! And after the first day, my excitement was going full blast, too! Without you, I don't know if I would have gotten involved as much as I have. You, along with Shannon and Jeff, made me interested in getting involved. Just like I told your bridge students yesterday, college life is so much better when you have friends to share it with. And the only way to make all of those friends is to get involved! I also want to thank you for all of the amazing recommendation letters as well! You have certainly been a huge part of my success!
Kaylee and Natasha- Girls...without you...I would have gone insane by now! You have been there for me to make me laugh, you have been there to watch me cry, and you have been there to just relax and have a good time! To sum it up...thank you for being there! I'm going to miss you girls so much, you are definitely my long lost sisters! I love you girls so much!
Gabby and Sarah- Needless to say, you're the best neighbors ever! I'm so glad that you transferred to IUPUI. It has been great having my friends so close! Thank you for being there for me whether it was to borrow sugar or to listen to me scream and yell about the horrible day I had! I'm going to miss you girls, please keep in touch while I'm gone!
Carlie- Roomie!!!!!! I've told you this before, but I'm so glad to finally have a roommate that feels like a roommate! I'm sad that our time living together is going to be cut short, but I know that we are going to have a blast this next year! We have already had so much fun and it's only been a week since you moved in! Keep Sam-Sam in check while I'm gone, okay? Whip out the spray bottle (which we still need to get) if necessary! Thank you so much for being supportive and understanding with my trip. It's great to know that I have a great friend back home supporting me. Good luck this semester with all of your classes! OH. We should really call the office about those plug-ins in the dining room!
All of my IUPUI buddies- I'm going to miss you guys!!! It's so great to have so many friends to hang out with! You all know who you are!
Mom- Thank you so much for being the strong woman that you are. God has thrown so much at you, but never more than you can handle, and you've taken it and dealt with it with so much strength and determination. I don't think that I could have handled it the way that you have. I love you so much, and without you I would not be the woman that I am today. You have always been there for me and I don't think I'll ever be able to thank you enough for that. Over Christmas break was probably one of the hardest times of my life and you were there for me every step of the way. God could not have given a girl a better mother, I know that for a fact. I love you and will miss you so much while I'm gone.
Dad- Where to start? You gave me my dream. I'll never forget sitting in the living room watching Law and Order re-runs with you. I told you over and over again that I would be a D.A. one day. Now my dream is a little different, but nonetheless you are the one who planted that passion for law and politics into my heart. You have shown me over these past few years the meaning of perseverance. You have shown me the drive and self-motivation that people need to succeed in this world. And most of all, you have shown me that we can't go it alone, God is the only one who can truly allow us to succeed--that relying on Him is the only way. Without you and mom, I would have never made it this far.
Christina- First of all, I miss you like crazy! I know that God is doing amazing things through you, I see it everyday on your blog and Facebook, but I also see it through the people who love you so much and are so grateful to have you in their country. I don't know if you realize just how much of an inspiration you are to me. You have given up everything to help others, to do God's will. What a role model you are! I thank God for giving me the best big sister to look up to! I hope that I can make you proud while I'm in D.C. And I promise to update my blog as often as possible and call you whenever I can to tell you everything that is happening! I wish that you were here to share this experience with me, but I know that the people of Kapsowar need you so much more than I do right now. They are so lucky to have you!
April- I love you so so so much. I can't even begin to tell you how much I wish I was back in Evansville with you, to help you through everything. But I hope that you know that you are an inspiration to me as well. You have been through a lot, and I know that you are trying your very hardest to work everything out. Relying on God is the only way, and you know that! I don't know if I could have held my head as high as you did during this past year. Sometimes I see strength in you that I know I could never find within myself. And I love you for that! You are a strong girl! Sometimes too strong for your own good! I hope that you call me and update me on the events in Evansville, just as I will call you and update you on the events in D.C. I love you little sister, you mean the world to me!
ACD & OSE friends & staff- Although we've only been with each other for a short while, you've become like family to me! You've shown me that there is more to a job than just surviving from the beginning of the shift to the end! You've shown me that professionalism and having fun can go together, and not be mutually exclusive. I am going to miss all of you so much. The skills that I have gained from working with all of you will definitely be put to use while I'm gone. Hold down the office for me, fellow PA's! I'll be back!
IMA friends & staff- All of you have been so welcoming! Even though I've only worked with you for a few weeks, you have become one of my biggest support systems! It amazes me how close I've gotten to some of you in such a short time! I did want to make a couple of specific shout-outs, though! Jackie & Joyce- Hello, Mothers! I'm expecting a delicious feast when I get back!:-) I'll miss you ladies! Jennifer & Cliff- you guys keep pushing this program! It is a great opportunity for students. I will be praying everyday that God allows this program to grow and continue to be successful. It is amazing what you both have done with this program. I can't wait to get back and rejoin all of you! Fellow VA's--don't leave your posts!!!
Shannon Kelley- My gosh. What to say. THANK YOU! I can not imagine my college career without you, honestly. You have been so much more than an advisor to me. Not only have you helped me with my classes, but you have been there for me whenever I just needed to vent. That means so much to me. Thank you for the amazing recommendation letters that you have written for me over these past 2 years. Without those, I wouldn't be leaving for D.C. in a week! Thank you, thank you, thank you for all of your continued support!
Lauren Chism- First off, congratulations again on the engagement!! He's a lucky fella! So, when I walked into Bridge on that first day and saw you and Shannon there, my nerves died down a little bit. You were so relaxed yet totally excited about what the next two weeks and following semester would bring! And after the first day, my excitement was going full blast, too! Without you, I don't know if I would have gotten involved as much as I have. You, along with Shannon and Jeff, made me interested in getting involved. Just like I told your bridge students yesterday, college life is so much better when you have friends to share it with. And the only way to make all of those friends is to get involved! I also want to thank you for all of the amazing recommendation letters as well! You have certainly been a huge part of my success!
Kaylee and Natasha- Girls...without you...I would have gone insane by now! You have been there for me to make me laugh, you have been there to watch me cry, and you have been there to just relax and have a good time! To sum it up...thank you for being there! I'm going to miss you girls so much, you are definitely my long lost sisters! I love you girls so much!
Gabby and Sarah- Needless to say, you're the best neighbors ever! I'm so glad that you transferred to IUPUI. It has been great having my friends so close! Thank you for being there for me whether it was to borrow sugar or to listen to me scream and yell about the horrible day I had! I'm going to miss you girls, please keep in touch while I'm gone!
Carlie- Roomie!!!!!! I've told you this before, but I'm so glad to finally have a roommate that feels like a roommate! I'm sad that our time living together is going to be cut short, but I know that we are going to have a blast this next year! We have already had so much fun and it's only been a week since you moved in! Keep Sam-Sam in check while I'm gone, okay? Whip out the spray bottle (which we still need to get) if necessary! Thank you so much for being supportive and understanding with my trip. It's great to know that I have a great friend back home supporting me. Good luck this semester with all of your classes! OH. We should really call the office about those plug-ins in the dining room!
All of my IUPUI buddies- I'm going to miss you guys!!! It's so great to have so many friends to hang out with! You all know who you are!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
Life Before Washington
You know, I’ve come to realize that there is no point in questioning God, questioning why He does things the way He does. For example, this past year or so my life has been a huge roller coaster ride, as many of you know. With the medical issues followed by the surgery, difficulties with my living situation, and difficulties with my job, my faith has been tested time and time again. However, these last few weeks have been amazing. God has shown his power in ways I never thought would happen. I actually quit my job at Buca before I had one to fall back on, but I didn’t know what else to do. I wasn’t happy, I was tired all of the time, and my school work was suffering because I never had time to study. But, God provided for me. I put my faith in Him and asked Him to lead me down the right path, and He did. I now have two great jobs. I work at the Indianapolis Museum of Art as a Visitor Assistant (I basically interact with the guests and discuss the art work and the various galleries we have at the museum) and I have two of the greatest supervisors out there: Jennifer and Cliff. They both are so supportive and such great leaders. They built the program I am involved with from the ground up, with criticism waiting to be thrown out there, and are doing an amazing job! I also work at the Academic and Career Development Center in University College on IUPUI’s campus. I am a Peer Assistant and I basically assist the advisors and staff with whatever needs to be done. Everyone in the office is so sweet and are all very willing to lend a hand. It’s a laid back environment, but also maintains a very professional feel as well.
Now, how does this all relate to me going to D.C.? Well, if you had asked me a month ago if I wanted to escape Indianapolis and never come back, I would have said yes. Don’t get me wrong, I still do, but it’s so much more difficult for me to leave now. I have an awesome roommate (finally!!) and I was really looking forward to spending the year with her. Now Dad, before you say, “well you’ll get to spend next semester with her,” I know that. It’s just more difficult for me to leave when my life in Indianapolis is finally starting to make sense. My jobs are great, my roommate is great, my school is great, everything is FINALLY great! And now I have this amazing opportunity in Washington D.C. that I can’t pass up! Lord, you really do have a sense of humor!! I think that He is telling me that life is great when I put my faith in Him. When I stray away is when everything gets difficult and the obstacles feel more and more impossible to overcome. It's always harder when I don’t have His strength empowering me. And now that all of my faith rests in Him, I am happy and ready to take on Washington D.C.!! Now…what to pack. Eek!
Now, how does this all relate to me going to D.C.? Well, if you had asked me a month ago if I wanted to escape Indianapolis and never come back, I would have said yes. Don’t get me wrong, I still do, but it’s so much more difficult for me to leave now. I have an awesome roommate (finally!!) and I was really looking forward to spending the year with her. Now Dad, before you say, “well you’ll get to spend next semester with her,” I know that. It’s just more difficult for me to leave when my life in Indianapolis is finally starting to make sense. My jobs are great, my roommate is great, my school is great, everything is FINALLY great! And now I have this amazing opportunity in Washington D.C. that I can’t pass up! Lord, you really do have a sense of humor!! I think that He is telling me that life is great when I put my faith in Him. When I stray away is when everything gets difficult and the obstacles feel more and more impossible to overcome. It's always harder when I don’t have His strength empowering me. And now that all of my faith rests in Him, I am happy and ready to take on Washington D.C.!! Now…what to pack. Eek!
Monday, August 9, 2010
The Beginning
Hey All! I have no idea how many people will read this, but I wanted to create this to cut down the number of phone calls I'll have to make every time I have an adventure in D.C. (which I'm sure there will be many!) I leave on August 22nd to work for an organization called The Leadership Institute. The goal of this organization is to educate and train conservative leaders. Their headquarters are located in Arlington, VA and they have a lot of connections in Washington D.C. I will be working for them for 3 months, traveling to various college campuses around the country. Once at the college campuses I will help them set up campaigning/conservative groups on site. It is going to be an amazing learning experience and an excellent way to network!
For those of you who don't know my career goals, they definitely all point to Washington D.C. I plan on attending law school after I graduate from IUPUI and I would love to attend George Washington University or the University of Virginia. New York University is an option as well. I plan on getting my J.D. and possibly my Masters-- GWU has a joint Masters-J.D. program that I would love to get into. My dream job would be as a Corporate Attorney for an international corporation. I am fairly fluent in Spanish and plan on studying Arabic before I graduate. Being tri-lingual will make me more marketable and plus it's a great learning experience!
I have all of these ideas swarming in my head about where I'd like to be in 5, 10, 15 years, but ultimately it's up to God. I know that He has big plans for me, otherwise I would not have the drive and motivation to work hard every day and tackle the obstacles He throws at me. I have great people to look up to for inspiration: my sister, my mom, and my dad. They are all amazing and do amazing things every day. Anyway, I hope that you enjoy my blog and I hope to update it frequently while I'm gone. I will be taking online classes as well, so I can't promise daily postings!
Also, check out my sister's blog to find out all of the things God is doing through her in Kenya: drchristina.blogspot.com.
For those of you who don't know my career goals, they definitely all point to Washington D.C. I plan on attending law school after I graduate from IUPUI and I would love to attend George Washington University or the University of Virginia. New York University is an option as well. I plan on getting my J.D. and possibly my Masters-- GWU has a joint Masters-J.D. program that I would love to get into. My dream job would be as a Corporate Attorney for an international corporation. I am fairly fluent in Spanish and plan on studying Arabic before I graduate. Being tri-lingual will make me more marketable and plus it's a great learning experience!
I have all of these ideas swarming in my head about where I'd like to be in 5, 10, 15 years, but ultimately it's up to God. I know that He has big plans for me, otherwise I would not have the drive and motivation to work hard every day and tackle the obstacles He throws at me. I have great people to look up to for inspiration: my sister, my mom, and my dad. They are all amazing and do amazing things every day. Anyway, I hope that you enjoy my blog and I hope to update it frequently while I'm gone. I will be taking online classes as well, so I can't promise daily postings!
Also, check out my sister's blog to find out all of the things God is doing through her in Kenya: drchristina.blogspot.com.
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