Observations
The realities of putting yourself into a new place, is that mentally, you must be prepared to remove the outside factors that could effect your productivity in any aspect of your performance. Distractions are everywhere, and we must distinguish the priorities from the bullshit. Its imperative for each of us to look inwards to find what it means to stay on our own track, and to devise a plan to ensure our minds are full of growth and that our souls are personally accountable.
The last few weeks since my previous entry has made a lot of difference in my perspective about DC, the work-life balance, and the overall culture from bougie bureaucrats to homeless harbingers show that there is much to improve upon in terms of demonstrating the “greatest nation in the world”. Of course, I am 100% for the freedoms of America, and I believe that these freedoms should be protected at any and all costs, but some of the issues of incredibly high prices, and the difficulties of living just a basic life due to the impossible cost of living causes many problems among blue and white-collar alike. It will be interesting to see how the nation might change in its economic stance within the years to come due to a projected lowering of inflation.
Aside from those apparent issues, I have continued to make subtle observations about myself and what I am looking for in my life. The entire time that I have been here in DC, I have enjoyed every opportunity to share it with those around me- fellow interns, friends, and the people that I meet. The connections I have made will be one memorable for a lifetime. In fact, the whole experience gives bragging rights of being among 100 candidates selected from a pool of 5,000 applicants. The State Department is amazing, the reality of having access to the international headquarters of diplomacy, being next to people that continually counter and prevent incredible global crisis that the public will never hear about- that’s amazing. One thing that I noticed from sitting inside of an office though, is that I really hate it.
Career Projection…
For me, I have found that more in-depth field work is my preference. The ability to travel and participate in the connection to local communities brings out the best of my attributes to producing positive outcomes. My mind is on the protection of the environment, connecting with cultures, providing hopeful futures for generations to come, and to circulate money and wealth back to local populations and not hoarded by massive corporations or resorts. It’s ambitious, sure, but someone has to dream. I have debated in what I wanted to get my master’s degree in, but recently I have been looking around for programs that might really propel me in an entirely different direction, since I don’t want to have my master’s degree the same field as my bachelor’s. I know that honing in on specific issues makes you a subject-matter expert (SME), but to broaden my scope of experience also opens doors that would never have been opened if I didn’t branch out. With this being considered, I have debated taking the environmental engineering route for my master’s program- of which hopefully I can stay at the University of Florida to finish the program after my rotation to DC for the national guard.
With that field, I would want to travel to affected areas due to lack of environmental policy and health practices and try to not only initiate policies because of my background in foreign affairs, but also to implement the strategies with an engineering degree. I am trying to think “versatility” as much as I can and not be bound by any one field. (Honestly, I hope that this blog can help someone see their potential in the areas that can be considered as well. As I write this, I can see how stressful it is to track your progress in life, but this blog is definitely going to be a time-capsule to look back on.) Anyway, I have been able to meet with a few individuals form the State Department that have given me the freedom to look deeper into career tracks before I just dive headfirst into something I have no previous experience in. This internship opportunity is more than just Department work. It holds value, if you do it right, to branch off and spread your wings with people that can be your “golden contacts” into areas that you may find yourself loving in life. Some of the contacts I have spoken with have stopped me when describing these things I want to do, and the same organization comes up in conversation-
“USAID…USAID…”
With this recurring theme, it seems that the implications of my passions lie in doing research on the USAID side of operations. This might fulfill my need for travel and helping others at the same time, but I am eager to find out. Updates to come.
Recap
These past few weeks have been great. I have met and connected with people of whom I have grown incredibly fond of, only with the realization that eventually they would leave and in order to see each other again would require possible substantial travel on both ends. I have gotten used to goodbyes, however, and I find myself continually stating my farewells in the presence of outstanding people more times than not on these wild travel adventures. It is a vagabond life for sure; the “rolling stone gathers no moss” livelihood. Though I love the fast pace, and realizing overtime that the goodbyes’ come and go, some are harder than others. I have made some mistakes as well, losing those because of uncertainty and unreasonable thinking. I wish that I took better care of those around me that wish I stayed in one place long enough to harbor a relationship, but it is a blessing and a curse to meet the people I do, and possess the personality I have.
My life on the road continues, whether along the passages of hideaway entrances to beaches, or the backwoods of rural villages, to foreign oases hidden from tourists eyes shown to me by compassionate locals, I share a common method of meeting others similar to that in “Fight Club” with the references to “single-serving friends.” I have found that a majority of the time, these interactions are easily the most memorable to date, and the recollections of these friends, even if never spoken to again, hold a profound spot in my heart and mind.
This past weekend, I had the absolute pleasure and honor to celebrate Easter with fellow intern, Claire, and her family. I was delighted to participate in the mass over Easter Sunday, in the most beautiful church that I could have gone to- packed with people from all over. The Holy Trinity Church in Georgetown, VA, was one of the most outstanding experiences that I have had for Easter for a long time. The icing on the cake is just how incredible Claire’s family truly is. Through the family bond and connection between Claire’s two brothers, sister, mom and her dad, I honestly felt that I was apart of this family unit. Their welcoming nature, bolstering positivity and incredible humor shines just rays of joy into my heart every time I get to see them. It is an absolute pleasure to have met Claire’s father, of which it’s almost like I’ve known him my whole life. I don’t believe there is anything more heartwarming than that from someone I have seen in person a total of 4 times. I believe, that the invitation to church over Easter made my experience more than they know, and my appreciation towards them is eternal for their outward love.
Aside from church, I spent the entire day in Georgetown soaking up the rays of sunshine. This was the first day in what seemed like weeks that the weather was actually incredible, and for Easter it was a perfect harmony. I walked around the streets of Georgetown and just spoke to random people all day, and harvested the outgoingness from people all throughout the street. At the end of the day, I spent my time in great company and I managed to sleep that night with a sense of great appreciation for where I am, and where I will be.
With Wanderlust,
Taylor