Update: Life is Back on Track

This is very unfortunate: This morning a homeless woman was asking for money, and I figured instead of giving her some money I would ask her if she was hungry. She said she was and I handed her an apple from my lunch, then I realized as I walked away that all of her front teeth had been rotten or broken... meaning she probably won't be able to eat the apple. I felt so awful about it, so maybe from now on I'll try to carry an extra PB&J with me because it is a little more substantive than an apple. I mean she seemed kindof disappointed anyway that all I had for her was an apple. But at least I was trying, right?

Professor McCarthy, who teaches my Peaceful Solutions class, has become my official new hero. I really can't talk enough about how powerful I feel his message is. I'm in the process of exploring this idea of "peace studies" and non-violence more and I think it would be awesome to teach it one day. Yesterday morning I followed Professor McCarthy around as he taught in different high schools in DC. I am very lucky I have a lenient boss who will let me do this, because I think that if I can go at least once a week it will be a perfect way to observe direct classrooms and also learn about education policy at my internship. I'm definitely starting to pick up more about Impact Aid and the whole Congressional process. I'll have to admit it is growing on me a little bit. We have a big conference for work coming up next weekend so they have had some more work for me to do, which has me feeling more useful. I don't think that any office job will ever be for me, so I guess it is good I'm realizing that now. I have been finding that I constantly have itch to be interacting with others and helping people directly, but going to the high schools yesterday definitely helped satisfy that a little. Plus next week I'm hopefully starting my civic engagement of delivering breakfast to the homeless in the morning with DC Greater Kitchen, assuming I don't sleep through it this time.

What else about this week... I've been meeting more people after work which has also been fun. I made two great new friends, Nick and Keith. At happy hour on Tuesday I met up with them and Nick and I wound up having an awesome conversation about race and white priviledge, etc. He is going to give me some books to read -- I can't wait. Also yesterday there was a Dickinson reception, it wasn't as exciting as I had hoped, I exchanged cards with one alumni who works with preventing HIV/AIDS in India, so it might be cool to meet up with him. I don't feel confident about how I came off though because when I came back John was sure to point out to me that I was "soooooo red faced" :( but I think it is really human to get flustered when talking to older professional people. I'm realizing more and more how many awkward mannerisms I have in conversations and there is just no need for it. Like I'll make one of my stupid jokes and everyone just kindof doesn't laugh with me... right. I really need to work on that. Also still working on that self-confidence thing, it doesn't always come easy.

This morning was exciting because I went to a meeting to represent NAFIS all by myself! I was pretty flustered and probably definitely came off that way, but like I said, I really am still learning how to present myself as professional and I'm sure by the end of the semester I'll have it down. I also met another intern who goes to GW. I didn't get his number or anything, but maybe next week we can exchange cards, it might be nice to hang out with other students my age who are from the area.

Alright people, in the words of my new hero and Professor, "tell someone that you love them today" ... this new mentality is really making me appreciate everyone that I care about in my life more, which I think is something we often take for granted. So prepare for sentimental emails haha. And for anyone who is really looking for purpose: try thinking about what you are thankful for at the end of everyday (or some highlights of the day), it will make you :)

Ps. Just got a phone call from one of my co-workers, did I mention we call and email each other rather than just walk a few feet? "Just wanted to let you know there are some cookies in the other room you should go eat" <3 my office.