Week One in D.C.

My name is Maev McDaid and I am a Univserity of Liverpool student from the city of Derry in the North West of Ireland. I have just completed my first week in Washington D.C. and it has not only proved the most enjoyable experience of my life but a huge learning curve too.

Upon landing on the 5th June after a long and tiring journey, I was greeted by a wonderful family - the Mitchells - who have welcomed me into their home with open arms. Living in the beautiful area of Bethesda I was able to settle in quickly with their kindness and help. It was a pleasant surprise to see that they had a harp and  a piano which helped me feel right at home!

I certainly felt ready for D.C. but I was not prepared for the adventure that lay ahead. In the space of one week I have seen more of Washington than I know of my own city! The Capitol building itself is worth looking at for hours on end because of its structural beauty. The tour of the Library of Congress and personalised walking tour through the city were incredible experiences, from both a tourist point of view and especially as an intern with 2 months to spend in this wonderful place.

The Class of 2010 are truly incredible people and the NIB luncheon proved this with the success of four classmates delivering speeches of the highest calibre. It was a very proud moment that reinforced the bond among us and strengthened our relationship with those involved in WIP at other levels.

The South African Class have arrived, and we enjoyed a wonderful ice-breaker in the form of a friendly game of frisbee and a breakfast on the Mall by the Washington monument. The afternoon was spent with 'Horton's Kids' volunteering; a remarkable and rewarding experience that many of us will get involved with again during our stay here.

For now, on this Sunday evening, I'll be resting up for the busy week ahead that includes starting my internship at Imagination Stage. I am nervous but also very excited at this amazing opportunity. After only one week I can see exactly why the Washington Ireland Program has established itself as the most prestigious internship in Ireland and it is an honour to be apart of it.

Maev

Maev McDaid Bio.