This weekend marks the mid-way point of my time in DC. It’s strange, and says a lot about this program, that this is the first time I’m both ready to write reflectively and have the time to do it. Prior to departure, I got advice from previous interns. Enjoy it, they said. Soak it up. I certainly don’t feel that the last few weeks have passed in a blur. This blog has been a major part of my structure to record the daily wonders and the comments I’ve gotten from readers have reminded me that not everyone is so lucky.
It’s been an amazing, fun-filled and eye-opening time of my life. It is exhausting though- without a doubt. There is a lot to see, do and absorb. Lots of new people. Lots of new places. Lots of once-in-a-lifetime opportunities, all coming in quick succession and relatively easily to us. We’re told “White House, Dress Code 1” and we’re there. From our perspective, it’s that simple. The Management Team and Directors are working away behind the scenes, but to us our world in DC operates like a well oiled machine. I was warned not to grow to feel a sense of entitlement to such treatment, to take it for granted. That, I’m sure, has not happened to me. Instead though, I struggle to know why I am here.
There are days (many days!) in this fair city, when I really feel like I’ve no entitlement to be here. When I look at what the Washington Ireland Program is, it’s prestige, it’s alumni, it’s endless networks and ever-expanding success, I feel unworthy. I’m not trying to be modest or humble. I realize that I wasn’t picked (as some have thought, jokily I hope) to fulfill the quota of red heads. But, I’m still feeling the Linda Martin-esque “Why Me?”
Sometimes, you get a bit lost in the logistics of day to day. I wake up and have a metro to catch. I work and there’s mail to sort. I attend WIPper events are there are people to network with and laughter to be had. There are other times that it hits me, like lightening, how fortunate I am to be here. How unique this opportunity is, and how far from home and my personal reality I am. Despite the sweltering heat, the long days at the office, the endless sirens and security, the long schedules and the ever-present demands on my attention, I am so privileged to be here. I had a moment to remind me of that last week.
I was having lunch on a bench outside the office. It had been a frustrating day, and I was not in my best humor- sitting there with my fruit salad and my Nuala O’Faolain book. A man asked to share my bench. We got talking- as Americans tend to. He worked for Bush and was en route to meet a crucial senator about a forthcoming piece of legislation. (Sorry for being so vague. Office confidentiality.) As I watched him walk away, I realized that I’d just met someone who shapes hundreds of millions of lives. Humbling defined.
I often think of those who were not lucky enough to get this chance this year -probably, because I still can’t believe that I’m not one of them. It’s a bit like being on Pop Idol and being split into groups, one who stay and fight for a top prize (presidency of the United States, perhaps?) and one who go home. It’s weird.
As time passes though, I am learning a few things that make life easier.
1) Eat well. American food is different. Firstly, the portion sizes are huge. Salads come with more sauce than substances, and EVERYTHING is big, big, big. It’s easy to (wrongly) think you’re eating well, so beware. Fruit may save you.
2) Schedule sitting down. There’s nothing like a good sit down and a ponder. This is a fast-paced lifestyle and there is a demand a minute, if you let it happen. Don’t let sleeping be the only thing you do alone. Take time to notice how far you’ve come (in my case, a bog in the midlands!) and soak up the thrill that it alone can give you.
3) Wear sunscreen. I don’t mean this as a reference to the over quoted song- I mean, literally. Sunscreen, by the bucket.
4) Bring water. Freeze a bottle and it will keep the other ones cool. Trust me, you’ll drink buckets.
5) Always carry a Metro Card. You’ll use it often.
6) Remember tip and tax on restaurant bills.
7) Look around you. There are always pretty things to see- you just gotta look. And you really never know who is going to be sitting next to you on the Metro- be alert. It’s a political celebrity town.
Take advantage of the free stuff. There are endless free events, from Jazz concerts to most of the museums and galleries so plan ahead and see as much as possible.
9) End lists on an odd number. It’s cooky.
