First week in D.C

It is hard to believe we are one week down in D.C already. After a frantic introduction to the city, including a tour of the Library of Congress,  the Newseum, the monuments, Capitol Hill and N.I Bureau Luncheon to name but a few,  I am starting to feel settled in. Perhaps being the only house with a swimming pool is helping somewhat, both for the novelty and the refreshing break from the hot sun. A huge thank-you, therefore, must go to Elizabeth and Bill for so kindly putting us up in their house for the summer!

 

Having just finished my degree in History from Trinity College Dublin, I am feeling geared up for the challenges of the summer ahead. The public service was one aspect of the programme which really appealed to me from the very beginning. Throughout my four years in college I have been actively involved in the Vincent de Paul society, working with many people from different backgrounds than myself. I spent the 30-hour service project before D.C working in a refugee centre homework club. This was an incredible experience which certainly widened my understanding of the hybrid of cultures and religions which make up our modern world. I’m really excited about getting involved with the service projects on offer whilst in D.C. Already we have had an introduction to Kid Power who we will be working with later in the summer and half the group got to volunteer with Hortons Kid’s for an afternoon.

 

The South African group have also arrived safely and so I am looking forward to getting to know them and sharing the next 6 weeks with them. A rather competitive game of Ultimate Frisbee in the blistering heat was organised this morning to get to know each other. I’m going to have to work on my catching skills but apart from that it was great fun and a good introduction to the SAWIP team!

 

All in all it has been a great first week in D.C. I can’t wait to start my internship now and continue to make the most of an amazing opportunity to work and live in D.C.