Apologies for my neglectful lack of journal entries but you may forgive me when I relate a snapshot of my whirlwind adventure over the past 14 days.
Where to begin?
There are numerous demands on your time here in D.C.; the professional internship, program events, meeting legendary figures recognized and renowned the world over (more of which to follow!), celebrating momentous days such as July 4th with your host family, to name but a few. Sleep is often sacrificed as a consciousness descends amongst the group that our time here is waning. We strive to surface every last joule of energy we possess to enjoy those precious moments that will be gone all too quickly.
An extra demand in the life of a WIPper comes in the form of the legendary “leadership moment.” A moment we all know is fast approaching but nevertheless, as your name is called to speak at the next Program event, there is a momentary flutter of the heart, as you are faced with the reality of writing a speech worthy of your predecessors. Each and every one of whom I commend for delivering such eloquent insights into their personal experiences and the debaters for putting on an amazing show. Despite fervent reassurances from teammates the prospect of conveying your feelings on a subject dear to you, in little over 500 words and before an ardent audience, is slightly daunting. I believe that my co-speakers Lauren, Luke, Laura, Fiona and I, who had the privilege of speaking at WIP’s Annual Congressional Forum, related our personal testimonies with sentiment. Our theme for the evening was “Future Voices: Ten years on from the Good Friday Agreement.” Each speaker addressed challenges that we as a society face and how as young people we may seek to address and make continued progress towards finding solutions. The event attracted a record-breaking 10 Congressmen this year, a testament to the esteem in which our Program is held. As many of them took the time to engage with us, I felt a genuine and heartfelt sense of interest in their words regarding the progress our small island has made in the past ten years. The success of the evening is also attributed to the Management Team and Megan, who not only organized the event but who were constant sources of encouragement and support to each speaker. Thanks guys!
You will find my speech posted at the beginning of this entry.
Honoring my promise to share about those famous folks I alluded to earlier, I have quite a line up for you! Senator Patrick Leahy, Irish Ambassador Michael Collins, Political analysts Mark Shields and Harold Ickes, Senator Hilary Clinton, 10 Congressmen in one evening!
Amazed yet?
Most people, including myself before I embarked on this journey, could never contemplate meeting such individuals, who have inspired generations and aroused emotions in people through their words and actions, the world over. I am still amazed that such figures take the time to allow twenty six university students from Ireland to be given an insight into their worlds. I witnessed different leadership styles, with the soft-spoken words of Irish Ambassador Michael Collins, as he related stories of his time in the Middle East and his hopes for the strong continuation of the deep historical ties between the U.S. and Ireland that have been so fruitful. Senator Hillary Clinton, as she appeared before an eager contingent waiting on a stairway in the Russell Senate Building, was a charismatic presence. She welcomed us with charm and wished us every success in our remaining time in the city and in our futures. Mark Shields kept us entertained with anecdotes from a remarkable life. He spoke about the American people being ready for change, but in order to be successful the next President must deliver change that the people feel comfortable with. He also delivered a sentiment that I believe holds a lot of truth; that we are all products of our backgrounds and perhaps even hold on to the prejudices that that entails, but transcending these beliefs we owe an obligation to be fair to all those we come into contact with. To treat each person we meet in our daily lives with the respect and dignity that they as fellow human beings deserve is a simple message, but one that perhaps would heal much division.
