Today was intense. It was the calm before the storm as my internship starts tomorrow, but it’s was a really busy, hectic calm too.
First off, it was day one of our leadership curriculum which was a lot more debate/discussion, than your typical classroom approach. We were looking at the characteristics of an effective leader, particularly the rational leadership model which incorporates the following: 1) purpose 2) inclusivity 3) diversity 4) empowerment 5) ethics and 6) a process orientated approach. It was really interesting and my inner nerd was jumping for joy.
Then, we had two professional speechwriters join us to talk about their craft and how we can apply it to both our leadership moments (ie a big speech to a real important crowd) and our general lives. They were entertaining, informative and involving and shared my techniques of the trade with us novices.
We met the SAWIPers (South African interns with the Washington Program) too, and bonded a little. They were really lovely, and we plan to do more events with them in the future which should be really exciting. A swapping of culturse is always fascinating (to me, at least) and that has already begun.
I start my internship tomorrow. I’m absolutely over the moon, but also so nervous. We did the last minute preperations today, as well as some collective worrying about it. Think I’m ready to go though…buisness cards, dress code one, fellow interns to walk through the door with, an umbrella (we had some hefty storms today) and a trusty apple for the road.
It really is a once in a lifetime oppurtunity to work on the Capitol hill, with a Senator of the caliber of Chris Dodd. He’s a Democrat from Connecticut and most Americans I meet marvel at him, even across typical political divides. He may move towards the Vice-Presidency, or he may not. I have no doubt that I will learn a lot from him regardless and can’t wait to begin. Only hours to go now.
We had dinner this evening in a lovely restaurant. I found out later that it was the used for filming some of the scenes from “The West Wing” which was exciting enough to me. After dinner, we were walking out and I turned around. There, just over my shoulder, was the White House. Unobtrusive, quiet, and smaller than you’d think from TV (or was it just far away?!) The seat of American denmocracy was just there. Bizarrely, Bush is back in Belfast while I’m here. (I hear he’s been quiet kind to the new-found peace.) To be in DC is amazing and I’m doing everything I can to absorb every miniscule drop of wonderfulness which this place encapsulates.
I’m really enjoying sharing it here to, so thanks for reading. Until tomorrow, when day one of my new life will be done, I go to bed leaping with excitement.
