Over the past couple years, I have been blessed with the opportunity to study politics at Rollins with the help of faculty and peers, but now I find myself at the beginning of an even greater opportunity to experience American politics in action. Four days from now I will travel 850 miles north to our nation’s capital where I will spend the next four months studying the American political system and interning on Capitol Hill.
As I look forward to the week ahead, I am certainly excited to see my new home for the semester, move into my dorm (something I have never done before!), and explore a new city, but I am even more enthusiastic to meet new people and learn new things. Growing up in a military family, I am no stranger to new places, new things, and people of different backgrounds. In fact, out of necessity or desire, a willingness to expose myself to new ideas and cultures has become a cornerstone of who I am. Considering this, I have come to realize how pivotal my experiences growing up in many places with many different people have influenced my thoughts, beliefs, and overall world-view. Yet, I also still realize, or at least I think I do, how much I still have to discover. This Monday will mark the first night living on my own, a new job, and a new school with students and colleagues from around the world. If there is any test of my identity yet and how it influences my experience of the world, it starts Monday as I encounter others who’ve had vastly different experiences and as a result, different beliefs and identities.
Heading into this semester, I am filled with many emotions, and almost all of the positive variety I might add. I am excited to get out and experience a new place on my own. I am enthusiastic to learn more about the political process and intern on the Hill. I’m sad to be away from family and friends, but I also recognize the great opportunity. However, most of all I feel grateful for the many wonderful experiences I’ve had so far in my short life and those that are soon to come. I am especially grateful and indebted to Rollins College International Programs and Department of Political Science as well as American University for their support in helping me make the impossible an unexpected reality. I don’t think a blog post can adequately convey my gratitude, but I hope the results of my motivation and desire to succeed over these next few months eventually will.