Welcome to WIP!

My name is Claire Sugden , I am 23 year old postgraduate student of Queen’s University Belfast and I am privileged to be a member of the exclusive club that is the Washington Ireland Program.  Thirty aspiring leaders from both Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland descended upon the centre of world politics on June 5th 2010 to begin a journey of both discovery and new direction.  The young men and women of the Class 2010 are a curious company of eclectic individuals with unique stories of accomplishment through their studies and devotion to others. Each student fully deserves their place within the class and I feel honoured to be included as one of them.  

 

I welcome you to join me on my journey through the Washington Ireland Program, which begins, not on US soil, but rather in Northern Ireland, where I call home.  Northern Ireland is my inspiration.  The history, the people and the land have shaped who I am and continues to impress upon my life.  I have respect and regard for the community of NI, in particular the people of Coleraine, my hometown.  I strive to help others and encourage them to help themselves.  I completed my WIP service project with the Causeway Citizens Advice Bureau which embodies this notion of self determination and I hope to continue to volunteer on my return from DC.

 

The ‘ten questions’ prerequisite of the Program encouraged me to interview a leader of my choice.  As a successful, female politician in Northern Ireland whose policies centre on her constituents, Lady Sylvia Hermon MP promotes my vision of leadership.  Her official title describes her character beautifully and her successes in the recent elections demonstrates the support she undoubtedly deserves. Lady Hermon’s model of leadership and service to her community certainly inspires me.

 

When arriving in John Reagan’s Airport in DC, I was greeted with a warm and maternal hug from my beautiful host mom Maureen.  She is a warm and fantastic lady and could not have shown me any more generosity than she has this week.  Maureen and fellow host dad David introduced myself and Neill to Washington DC in an open top convertible night tour of the nation’s capitol.  The statuesque buildings pierced the inky sky as Neill gawped at each other because he we didn’t know where to look!

 

Week one of DC is busy!  Early starts and late nights provide for an taste of things to come.  When the sun is beating on your neck and the humidity accelerates your perspiration, it is easy to forgot how lucky we are to be in one of the most amazing cities in the world.  But it is important to make the most of this once in a lifetime opportunity - you can always sleep after!  My highlight of the week was the walking tour of the monuments.  The White House for me is the centre of my political world, so to be waving at the Obamas at the foot of their very green lawn is unbelievable!  I cannot begin to describe the wonderful experience DC has been so far.  From the vast buildings to the dancing fireflies, it has been the beginning of an experience I will cherish forever.