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
In the spirit of Christmas! I thought I would share with you some family traditions that will live on forever in my heart. Some good old recipes. Also some fun decorations and activities my Mom always did. There are countless more, but these are some that stick with me. I love my family and my Mom's Christmas spirit that lives on through everything she does.
My brain is fried. I went shopping today with Mom. Seriously, got such a great value on all of these amazing items in Nordies. $400 for like a gazillion things that I will wear forever. All high quality stuff that will be amazing in D.C. for both work and play! Mostly tops though, so soon I need to tackle the pants and the shoes. My least favorite things to shop for. Pants are annoying and I have ultra wide feet with fat toes and skinny ankles. It’s a lovely combination. And now that I have pointed it out to you my attractive-meter has probably gone down a good 10 points. At least I can recognize my flaws, right?
After my retail therapy of happiness and joy, I had to slave away at internship stuff. You know those awful nightmares where you need to run but you go in slow motion, that is how I feel about this D.C. preparation experience.
I am more than excited about this opportunity. I mean how often do you get to do something like this? Once in a lifetime. A huge city with new people and an opportunity that could change the direction of my life.
However, the getting ready process has been like that horrible nightmare feeling I mentioned above. But, not like you are escaping from a scary monster, more like you are going to be late for the magic school bus at your nearby bus stop. It would be very disappointing if you didn’t get to experience one of Mrs. Frizz’s magical field trips for yourself. Yep, its kind of like that. An awesome opportunity awaiting, but getting to the bus stop is going to be a bit of a push.
I still am waiting on an emotional breakdown. The floodgates are going to let loose any day now. We may need buckets, tissues, and some humorous and mindless youtube videos to get through it.
I know I am 21 and should be all independent and adult like now, but the truth is the thought of leaving Oregon, my family, my friends, everything familiar for 4 months is horrifying. Change is hard for me. I get nervous, shy, confused, frustrated, lonely. So basically I am human. Does this affect my attractive-meter? Would it be better if I was an alien or mermaid? (I do have wings though, but I am still human.)
Enough with the yuck-yuck blick-blick of this message. I would like to take this time to tell you the ways I do feel prepared.
First of all, my family has given me everything I need to be who I am. They are my balance. It’s going to be hard not to have them there for me to vent to. My parents tolerate everything about me, including my sassy attitude I get when I am cranky. They also encourage me. Their encouragement is what led me to the decision to go to D.C.. They told me to never give up and follow my dreams. This has helped me chase what I want. There love has always given me strength.
Second of all, my friends are the best. Each one of them is different and has helped me in one way or another. I started to write little blurbs about each of you and got to the fifth person and realized I would be up all night. So, I will do a bigger blurb that includes everyone I care about (and there are many of you).
No matter when we met whether at Elementary School, Junior High, High School, Genesis, College, beach trips, newspaper, coffee shop, or through a friend of a friend I am so glad we met. The time I have spent with you all, I love. We have laughed, cried, talked much about nothing and nothing about much, caused classroom disruptions, gone on random adventures, had awkward moments, maybe even had a rough patch (or two…or three), have some classic photos together, or facebook videos (your going to check facebook now, aren’t you?), drank coffee amongst other beverages, and have had some classic moments we will probably talk about until we are 120 years-old.
You have taught me caring doesn’t care about distance. And that we can all do anything and we will all likely end up doing a little bit of everything before we settle on a something. This has made it easier for me. I have come to the realization that no matter where and what, if we are indeed friends, we will always be.
Thirdly, I have learned a lot at school. Go figure! My education has done me some good and I don’t even have my degree, yet. Last week was the worst. I mean the worst. It was my last week at Fox for a long time and instead of saying goodbye to my friends, I was burning brain cells trying to remember the importance of Jesus for Life of Christ, the purpose of Universal Declaration of Human Rights, how to spell words correctly, and do HTML coding. THE WORST.
But I have learned. Maybe I need one or two more lessons on why I shouldn’t procrastinate though. I did learn how to apply my education, how to write better (this blog may not be a good example, I am going to blame it on just getting over finals week), how to do HTML coding (nerdy and cool), the importance of politics, history, ethics, religion, and the meaning of life. I am kidding with the meaning of life, I don’t know that one yet. I learned that the more questions I ask and absorb all the information, the more I understand the world around me. And I am prepared to learn more. Learn things I want to learn, or maybe not, and how to apply those to my life, education, and work. Also, my professors pushed me and encouraged me, again this was helpful in my decision to go to D.C..
Finally, in God making things work out for me. I have a place to stay my first night in D.C. I am so grateful for that and people’s immense generosity. I have help from someone with some past experience, who has been so kind to take the time to ease my nerves and explain the process. When strangers reach out, its just more of an affirmation that this it the right move. People are willing to help, and things will fall into place.
That was a lot more ushy-gushy than I intended. Writing is good therapy I guess. I am so excited for this journey. I appreciate all your support, love, and prayers. I hope that during this Christmas Holiday, you are not stressed and can all get rest. We all need it! Also, I leave in three weeks, so Oregonian area people I better see your faces before I depart. Goodnight all!
Dear D.C.,
I will be entering your city in about three weeks. Seeing as we are not acquainted, I figured I should introduce myself.
First of all, I am from a hippie state with lots of trees. There is no humidity where I come from, so we may have issues. I will probably whine about the weather for the first several weeks, especially since I am coming in the dead of winter and you will likely be snowing on me. Snow is not my favorite. Please be nice to me and don’t snow more than you have to. Feel free to rain though, rain reminds me of home.
I have never lived in the city. I have only taken public transportation a few times, usually with large groups so I do not get lost—I get lost easily. For instance, today I went to the grocery store with my parents and went to put the cart back. I forgot where they parked and was lost. My mom peaked her head around from another car about 15 yards away and said, “Amanda are you lost.” Mom knows I am directionally challenged. So, if you see a blond girl wondering the streets in confusion or looking at the metro map intently trying to figure out whether to take the blue or yellow line, well that is probably me. I wanted to get chipped, like they do to dogs, but apparently you can’t do that to people.
D.C., it is likely you have not seen anyone with as much pink as I have. I have a lot of pink. I wear lots of pink. I smile and jump for joy when I see pretty pink or sparkly things. Why you ask? Pink is like the sunshine, I can’t help but be happy in its presence. Accept it. Appreciate it.
This will be my first time being so far away from home for so long. I live less than 30 minutes from my university. Mommy helps with laundry, takes care of me when I am sick (like when mono ruined my 21st birthday and the last month of school), and takes me out to coffee when I have a bad week. My friends are all close by. I know no one in your city. I will probably get homesick, I will probably be a nervous wreck some days, and with my luck I will accidently throw a red shirt in with my whites. Just be understanding, and don’t laugh to hard if I turn my white tank top pink.
D.C., I am excited for this adventure with you. I am ready for this change. A new place, a new chance, and a possibility to begin pursuing all my dreams. You are my opportunity and I am so thankful for that. I am also scared, like anxiously horrified. You are different, unfamiliar, and HUGE! You have all these people of power. You are the voice of America! I think I can dominate it though—I hope! And I know this will be a great semester, possibly the best. ;)
See you in 23 days!
Sincerely,
Amanda Kate
