- Our policy reports were sent to the press...a week from tomorrow I will be able to say I am a published author!!!
- Tonight at 9 PM President Trump will reveal his selection for nominee of the next Supreme Court Justice at which point the Senate must vote on whether or not they believe it to be a fit choice
- I began prepping remarks for our Congressional and White House briefing!
- The Trump Administration was granted an extension in reuniting migrant families
- 1 week from tomorrow we have our Congressional briefing!
- I viewed Cézanne's Portrait exhibit at the National Gallery of Art
- I also attended the National Museum of American History
- I officially walked past the White House for the first time since getting here
With less than three weeks left of my internship, it's crazy to think about how fast it has all flown by. I feel that there is still so much to do, to see and it isn't even really feasible to accomplish the list of things I still want to complete and do before I leave! I have made it a point to get out of my dorm and see things, but every exhibit and museum is so gargantuan here! In order to fully appreciate everything I believe you have to attend everything at least twice--something I won't have the time to do--so I guess it just makes for a great excuse to return one day!
Speaking of returning one day, I could see myself living in our Nation's Capital one day. Having grown up in a conservative Boise, Idaho (I understand Boise is a liberal pocket of Idaho, but if you were to compare Boise to San Francisco or LA or Chicago, it is still pretty conservative :-D), I feel that Washington D.C. is the first place I've been where I feel I belong. There's so much diversity and culture, I feel like I just fit in here. Not to mention how much I enjoy being busy, I've grown quite fond of the hustle and bustle here.
I also love the ability to get around without a car. The metro is such a great transporter! It was extremely overwhelming at first, but now it's a second nature to me.
Anyways, let's make a quick transition to a more serious note. Next Tuesday the 10 of us Interns will discuss our policy reports in a 3.5 minute remark. Something I've always been good at is running my mouth and talking. Something I've always been good at, but have never really liked is speaking in front of strangers. As I prepare for my final remarks, struggle I'm finding that keeps recurring is talking about my sexuality and sexual orientation in a serious manner. Pretty crazy considering I just did an entire congressional report on it, right?! I'm very nervous to be speaking in front of so many people (ESPECIALLY policy makers and members of Congress) and talking about the oppression, discrimination and struggles myself, my fellow brothers and sisters in foster care currently face. It's like coming out all over again. I am very intimidated; this will be like finding my own voice all over again. Regardless, I have a week to find my voice and grow a backbone! LGBTQ+ youth in foster care are counting on me to make an impact at this briefing.
I must knock it out of the ballpark for them! I constantly have to remind myself that all of this is so much bigger than me...
It's so easy to fall short and cut corners. It takes someone of good character and judgement to give it their all even when it's uncomfortable... And so that is what I am going to have to live up to. I don't have much of a choice.
Anyways, let me stop this sob story! I hope to post again before this week is over so I can tell y'all how far I've come preparing my remarks since this post! Thanks for listening to me whine (LOL).
Until next time :-)
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