Yesterday, upon returning to DC after spending Thanksgiving in Chicago, I realized that this city has truly become a home away from home. Our nation's capital is no longer a distant land that I have only seen and read about in textbooks or newspapers articles, but is now a place that I have seen and experienced firsthand. During these last three months, DC has felt less and less like an overwhelming metropolis, and more like a friendly and welcoming town. The lady at the coffee shop down the street from my internship knows that I am the one who always orders an apple cider. I can confidently navigate the Metro system without worrying about getting lost, and I know that the Smithsonian museums will always be free and accessible (as long as there is not another government shutdown).
I have appreciated living in this city not only for infinite opportunities that it has to offer, but also for how it has shaped me as a person and a professional. Living and interning in DC has given me a sneak preview of what it will be like to enter the working world. Up until this semester, my past work experience consisted of working at small, family owned businesses. My internship has given me valuable insight for what it takes to function in a larger working environment and to operate among various departments and teams working towards different objectives. Overall, my time in DC has helped prepare me for the transition that I will make after I graduate this May. I am so grateful to have had this experience and for the people and places that I have met along the way.
I have appreciated living in this city not only for infinite opportunities that it has to offer, but also for how it has shaped me as a person and a professional. Living and interning in DC has given me a sneak preview of what it will be like to enter the working world. Up until this semester, my past work experience consisted of working at small, family owned businesses. My internship has given me valuable insight for what it takes to function in a larger working environment and to operate among various departments and teams working towards different objectives. Overall, my time in DC has helped prepare me for the transition that I will make after I graduate this May. I am so grateful to have had this experience and for the people and places that I have met along the way.