Events, on Events, on Events

These last few days have been a whirlwind to say the least. 

I have learned so much over the past 5 days it's nice to finally sit down, look over my notes, and write it all down.  

This past Friday, Saturday, and Sunday I spent at the Student Leader Conference for the Alexander Hamilton Society.  We are starting the inaugural year at Washington College this Fall and I will serve as President of the Chapter.  I [had] no idea what I was supposed to be doing, but now I feel confident that we can run a successful chapter.  In addition to hearing from other chapter presidents from across the country, we heard from multiple political professionals and how they got their start. 

There was a reception at Jones Day Law Firm on their rooftop deck where we could network and meet members of the Alexander Hamilton Professional DC Chapter.  With the Capitol beaming in the background, it was a great setting to talk about future career paths, swap cards, and talk of plans post grad.

However:

It was a bit overwhelming, sitting in the same room as a former Ambassador to the EU, Assistant U.S. Attorney General, Fox Political pundit, White House Policy writer, Drone specialist, Colonel who led troops through Fallujah in Iraq, and students from all the Ivy's.  I have to admit there were times when I felt extremely flustered by it all, but starry-eyed and excited all at the same time.  Lots of disbelief, levels of uncertainty, and creeping reminders that in a few short months, I will hold a diploma and be expected to go do all the great things I hope to accomplish.  While sitting in the same room with some of the most accomplished people I've ever met, it's hard to configure my own future and unwillingly measure up.  

While I know Harvard Law is not in my future, I have to remind myself of how hard I've worked to get where I am, and remember how hard I have to work to get where I want to go.  

Still trying to turn all of these experiences into inspiration.  

Yesterday was QUITE the day.  It started with a trip to the State Department sponsored by WISH (Washington Intern Student Housing -- where I'm living this summer) and a discussion called "Foreign Policy Classroom."  We heard from a Foreign Service Officer and how he got his start at State, where he has traveled, and his service throughout the Middle East.  

We were then allowed to ask questions and have a discussion with him about our thoughts on Syria, Iran, and the Middle East Peace Process.  Lots of learning on my end; it was an extremely informative session.

By far the coolest part of my first trip to State was when they paused the lecture to mention that Secretary Kerry walked by while we were there.  Of course all of us (probably close to 100 students from across the country) were all transfixed with the FSO to notice.  It was still so cool to be in the same building with Secretary Kerry as he was swearing in new Foreign Service Officers.  

Dad was in town for a board meeting so we were able to grab lunch at Union Station which was great since I am carless and far from Fenwick this summer.  

Tonight I volunteered at the event, "Cutting The Pentagon's Budget Is A Gift To Our Enemies," a debate sponsored by the McCain Institute and Intelligence Squared.  I checked folks in and helped back in the control room.  It was a great debate, lots of insightful knowledge about national security and our image abroad.

I was so glad I volunteered to help work this event.  It was so interesting and didn't feel like work.  Those are my favorite jobs.

I decided to walk home instead of Metro..I'm starting to feel like I know the city a bit better every time I get lost.  It's worth the initial panic, as long as I make it home with a smile on my face. 

So, time for a break right? 

Never!

Tomorrow will be just as jam packed with a GovLoop conference on WordPress in Government and the G.L.A.M Fashion Event tomorrow evening.  I bought a new jewelry piece tonight from T.J Max to wear tomorrow!  Hopefully pictures to come.  

If you are in the DC area tomorrow evening and have any interest in fashion, nonprofits, and fighting child abuse, you should find your way to G.L.A.M.'s Summer Fashion Event tomorrow evening.  Purchase tickets here.

See you tomorrow night DC!