Have I mentioned I love my journalism professor? On Monday, Prof. Klein helped me secure an internship with the Washington Bureau of the Ohio-based newspaper the Columbus Dispatch. This means I will have the chance to report on Capitol Hill and meet political figures from around the country. Any journalist would kill for this kind of opportunity, so of course, Prof. Klein has my full gratitude. On the other hand, Prof. Klein secured me this opportunity only after I had researched and submitted my information to eight other internship providers, so the gratitude comes mixed with some resentment—but only a little.
Along with the gratitude and resentment, a bittersweet feeling marked Monday. For my undergraduate degree, Monday was the first last day of class. Watching Snapstories of my friends at Rollins starting the semester, I realized how I missed the opportunity to share that day with them in exchange for a semester exploring in DC. The homesickness reminded me of freshman year when I left my family and friends for the first time. At the same time, I was glad I felt sad because I could appreciate my friends and family more now that I was away. It gave me an extra incentive to write this blog so I could share my experience with them.
For my first last day of class, the journalism and new media students visited the famous Ben’s Chili Bowl. Famous for its half-smoked chili dogs, this DC area dive started in 1958 and since has transformed into a symbol of unity for the residents of U Street. It survived the civil rights riots following MLK, Jr.’s assassination in ’68, and photos of celebrities from Dr. Dre to Anthony Bourdain cover the walls restaurant. Ben’s launched to international fame thanks to the endorsement of comedian Bill Cosby, a relationship the restaurant downplays now due to the scandals that have made Cosby persona non grata in the public eye.
Our other journalism professor, Prof. Krasnow, invited the class to give us a taste of the history in DC. She explained how our first assignment would resemble our lunch: we would visit an unfamiliar place in DC and report on it. If Ben’s was any indication, this would not be hard. The hard part would be deciding what not to write about. I look forward to sharing stories about DC through this blog. And if you want, you also can check the Columbus Dispatch. I am hoping you might see a familiar name contributing there in a few weeks. That is all for now. As always, I am
Sincerely yours,
Michael Dulman
