Week 6 - Independence Day

Wednesday

Expanding my Network

Today was a packed day; I mean, I say that about every day. I had to lead a congressional office meeting. I was nervous going into the meeting because last week, someone from UFW was leading the meetings, and this would be my first time. The other UFW intern, Hannia, and I were leading the meetings for this week. Overall, I did pretty great on my meeting, considering it was my first one. After our two meetings, we headed home. When we got outside of the building, it was pouring.

Funny story: I had an umbrella a few weeks ago, but I accidentally forgot it when I was at a bus stop. Weeks later, I got out of my office, and it was pouring, and I got wet. I have not bought an umbrella since then. I did not think it was a necessity until now. It was raining hard and there was thunder. I thought I was going to get zapped. I started running home and my shoes were all wet. There was a CHCI networking event later at 5 pm, so I wanted to make myself look presentable. Arriving at the event I saw my CHCI cohort. Everybody was ready to talk to other interns. As people started flooding in, I began talking to so many interns. I smelled the food and I went to get in line. They had tacos and three different types of meat. They were serving it on flour tortillas. I am glad I was able to get some because some of the interns were not able to. They also had an ice cream stand. I was already full by the tacos so I did not end up getting ice cream.

Everybody looked like they were having fun. I also brought some friends I made in Washington, DC. I thought it would be cool for them to meet new people and make friends. I am glad I invited them because my other friends connected with them. It was a great event and everyone was friendly. CHCI took a lot of pictures. This event should have lasted two hours, but it lasted longer. We all started getting kicked out because it went over time. I am happy that it was ending because I was tired from talking with so many people. I needed to recharge. After the event ended, it was raining again, but I was able to go under one of my friend's umbrella.

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Thursday

Getting a Membership

I was excited for today because I was going to have lunch at the National Democratic Club. We are required to have lunch with the CEO of CHCI, Marco Davis. Marco invites the students to eat at the National Democratic Club. We do not all go at once because it's a large group so we go in small groups. I was in the last group. This was good because past groups knew what food items were good or not. I got myself a steak and a lemon cake. I usually don't eat lemon cake because it's not my cup of tea. However, I wanted to give it a try again. I did end up enjoying it. My steak was good, but the greens were not it. Apart from the food, we ended up talking a lot about what's going on in the political climate. I learned a lot from the conversation. I forgot to mention, but representatives eat there so they don't allow pictures. I did not know that until I pulled out my phone. I wanted to take a picture of my food. I did not get in trouble, though, because the restaurant was empty.

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Friday

July 4th

I started off the day by getting a manicure. I was skeptical to go get one because I have researched many stores, but they are all so expensive. One was 6 minutes from where I live so I decided it would be more convenient to go there. After I got my nails done I was shocked by the price. They usually are $70, but the price made me cry internally. I am not saying it, but it was a lot. After I decided to walk it off, I headed to a museum, but it was closed. Coincidentally, I ended up at the White House. The last time I tried to go see it, there were fences around it. I could not see it from far way. This time, I got a good look at it. It was so small. I thought it was going to be bigger. For a few years, I thought the Capitol was the White House. I am so silly for that. After I headed with some friends to go eat ramen. We have this ramen spot we always go to. We order the same thing, but I never get tired of it. I should try new food places while I am here.

Some of the students from the cohort brought their family members. It was a great day to bond with them and I was happy to do that. All of HEP CAMP made our way to the Capitol to watch the fireworks and see the symphony. When we got there, we were able to enter the area restricted to Capitol Hill staff and their friends. They broke us up into those who work in the Senate and the House. I don't know what was the point of that because we all ended up in the same place. When we got to the back of the Capitol building, the grass area in front was packed with people. There was still room in the front area, but we chose not to sit there. We ended up sitting on cement. It made it easier because it was so hot. We did not know if the area we sat down on was the best area.

After about an hour or so, the sun came down. It looked so pretty and they started singing. Meanwhile some individuals from HEP CAMP saved us because they brought water and pizza. I forgot to bring my water bottle so I left my dorm dehydrated. I am thankful that they were able to find water. To continue, the symphony was amazing! I did recognize a few songs which I was happy about. Then the fireworks started going off. I thought the fireworks were going to be much closer, but they were not. One thing I recommend is that if you want to have a better view of the fireworks, being at the National Monuments is the best place to see them. Nevertheless, I still saw them. One cool thing about this event is that they were giving out free goodies. They gave out mini US flags, necklaces, and star headbands. I was able to get all of the items I mentioned. I was able to take pictures with the swag they gave. I am so grateful to be here and be able to celebrate the Fourth of July in Washington DC. Now for some pictures!