Tomorrow I start my internship. Naturally I have a cold. I am hoping that I won’t sound as stuffy by tomorrow morning. I am extremely excited for this opportunity. There is no doubt in my mind that it is not going to be a challenged and I am both excited and nervous about it.
I know this is all a learning experience. I am sure I will have my humbling moments. This is a huge opportunity. I am looking forward to learn a lot about the journalism industry and becoming a better writer.
I feel challenged more than ever. Coming in to D.C. I knew I would be challenged, have my moments of frustration, and learn a lot. Since I arrived here, I have stayed relatively calm. Today my brain feels like it may explode from information.
In the past week or so have classes we have discussed Christian’s role in media, particularly journalism. It is more controversial than I imagined. Some CCCU (Council of Christian Colleges and Universities) schools do not even let their students attend this program. They believe that there is no role for Christian’s in this industry.
WHAT? I disagree entirely.
Christian’s stay inside Christian industries because it is safe. I will not say being a Christian and being a reporter will come easy. I may have struggles with issues I have to report on. Since I am human and have biases, I will have to reach inside myself figure out what they are and how to avoid them in my work. That’s going to be a fierce obstacle. I think it is necessary though. How else will someone with a Christian worldview get out into the press?
A guest speaker arrived today, and discussed internships in the year past and what students have learned in years prior. It was refreshing and horrifying. I believe this process is going to humble me. It is going to push me out of my comfort zone. It is going to challenge me to write better, quicker, and flawlessly.
Three days to prepare and get ready for an internship. I am so grateful for this opportunity and the lessons I will learn. Simultaneously, I am a nervous wreck! Wish me luck!
I am finally in D.C. After months of preparation, I am finally in the heart of the Capitol. It was nerve-wracking leaving home to a place I had never been, but since my time on the plane to right this moment everything has finally fallen into place.
I only had moments to hug my parents goodbye and board the plane. I grabbed the window seat and on my flight I met two interesting individuals: A college student from my county heading to school in New Jersey, and a grandma of 23 grandchildren headed to her daughter in Virginia.
Then I arrived in D.C. I was honestly shocked I had made it with so few tears and with everything running so smoothly. Whenever I attempt to do something usually chaos ensues, but for some reason I arrived at one of my program director’s house without any problems.
The next day I arrived at the Dellenback Center and met my roommates: Jenny, Emily, Amy, and Katie. Jenny and Emily are part of the Washington Journalism Center program. Amy and Katie are in the American Studies Program. We did the basic introductions. The ones that are always awkward at first.
Although we bonded quickly due to an immediate catastrophe: a continuous overflowing toilet. It overflowed at least twice a day for the first few days. We even considered getting plumber licenses; Emily suggested we call ourselves the Pretty Preppy Plumbers. A suiting name seeing as our apartment is decorated with vintage butterfly and Paris decals.
So far, I have met and mingled with my peers, gone on scavenger hunt across the city, prayed with a homeless man, had hours of metro confusion, eaten far too much pizza, possibly found a home church at Capitol Hill Baptist Church, learned about the importance of vocation and calling, served at an afterschool center for young students, and discovered I love D.C.
This is a place where goals are accomplished. People work hard and people live hard lives.
Coming from suburban Portland, Ore. to D.C. had me in temporary shock. Not because of the change of scenery or the number of airline miles separating my parents and I, but because of my sudden confidence and comfort in the situation. I did not think I would follow through with this adventure. I usually get nervous and back out of any type of voluntary change. I fear uncertainty and spontaneity. While I love the concept of being spontaneous, it gives me anxiety. I was stunned it faded so quickly.
I have realized there is not much to fear here. The people in my program are a large variety of personalities. They all seem genuine here with the purpose of growth and learning. My apartment is substantial, and my neighborhood is conveniently located in the middle of two Metro stations.
The Metro system is not too confusing. It is color coded, maps are clear, and I actually almost feel like I know where I am going. The homeless are easy to talk to, like Bernard, who prayed with my scavenger hunt group when we got off at the Union Station. And the Starbucks and a family owned coffee shop across the street give me comfort and the caffeine I need to make it through each day.
Despite the cold, this is a place I could see myself. A place I am excited to become a temporary resident of. A place where I will be challenged and encouraged. A place where I can explore and discover more about myself, others, God, and the journalism industry.
Bring it on D.C.
2010 is over. A new year and new adventures for sure. Approximately 10 days until I leave for a new place. And I am excited for the new people, challenges, and opportunities awaiting me. Scared out of my mind too. I have no doubt though that 2011 will be an amazing year of activity, change, and joy.
This year has been rough. I had my fair share of frustrating experiences. Between my grandpa contracting MRSA, my dog, Belle, being diagnosed with cancer, finding out one of my best friends was transferring to a college in Arkansas.
However, I had a lot of highlights. Going to San Diego to spend time with Meredith and meeting Tinker Bell. Having many laughs with my Mom, and movie nights with the parents. Meeting new friends and spending time with them. And of course getting accepted into WJC.
2010 has past, so what about the present and the future. Presently I am stressing out over leaving. Anxiety has set in and I am not looking forward to the next ten rushed days of craziness to see some of the people I care about and get all of my stuff together. I think I am as unorganized as they come at this point. O.K., I am going to skip the present and jump to future.
I’ll start with my resolutions.
1) Use my wings. I resolve to fly, soar, take in the world, and jump on change and opportunities that will broaden my experience and world views.
2) Grow in my confidence. As fun as doubting myself is, I would like to be confident with who I am. I resolve to stand up straighter, accept compliments, not apologize for who I am (yet still admit my faults and flaws), and simultaneously speak with compassion and self-assurance.
3) Have an open heart. I resolve to love, forgive, care, and trust in those who stand by me. Accept friendship when it comes, and be vulnerable to heartbreak to those who deserve my time. I also resolve to pray more and open my heart more to God.
4) Start progress in the world. I resolve to volunteer, take time for those who need help, open the worlds eyes to global oppression, and ask others about how to achieve their versions of utopia.
5) Take me time. This one may sound selfish, but I don’t think I got Mono from kissing. I overdid life. I resolve to write for myself a bit each day, exercise more, eat more pickled beet salads and less chocolate, stop my chronic procrastination, and choose nap time over Facebook time.
My future seems bright. With a few changes and a new place I will be on my own facing the world. I will take in challenges as the come. I will take one step at a time. And hopefully with these new resolutions, I will be a confident, well-rested, loving person pushing for the betterment of humanity. Bring it on D.C., you are just another chapter in this life’s story.
I hope you all had a good new years eve, and have big plans for the new year. Best of luck and let’s make this year shine.
Always believe,
Amanda Kate
