Yesterday was ALMOST a typical day for me, but there were a few twists and turns along the way. I woke up at 8:11AM right after my fifth or sixth alarm went off (I always hit the snooze button a lot, my roommate Lexy tends to get a little annoyed, but I can't blame her. It's okay though, she now laughs every time I swear that I'm going to stay awake after the first alarm).
Anyway, so I woke and got ready for work/my internship. Unfortunately, I was running a little late, so I wasn't able to make breakfast or prepare a lunch. As soon as I was done fixing my hair and putting on my outfit, I grabbed my bag and my phone (without realizing that I did not have my keys), headed out of my apartment and down the elevator, then quickly walked across the street to my bus stop. As I was riding on the bus, we approached our stop at the East Falls Metro Station. After sitting there for about 5 or 6 minutes, I was waiting for the bus driver to depart from the station. However, there was no sign of leaving. The next thing I heard from the bus driver's mouth was, "Something is wrong with the bus, sorry everyone!" She explained to us that she had called for another bus to come and pick us up, but it would not arrive until 10:15AM. This is not exactly what I enjoy hearing whenever I know that I have to be at my internship at 9:30AM. I had to think fast and so I ended up deciding to walk the rest of the way. Walking a long distance in 80-something-degree weather and with blisters in high heels is not my ideal commute to work. However, I had to do what needed to be done and I actually ended up arriving on site 20 minutes til 10AM.
Surprisingly, my day actually went pretty smooth after that. I started my day off by collecting and organizing a list of online articles that focused on an event my agency put together for one of our clients. After finishing that, two other interns (Jeff and Alex) and myself helped out Steve, the president of BWF. The project we were working on required us to engage in some in-depth research and to utilize our cleaver and creative writing skills. I really enjoyed working on this particular project because it I think it was one of the larger tasks that needed to be completed and, as corny as it sounds, I really felt like I was making a difference with my work due to the fact that it was a major publication.
My day had ended very well. I completed just about all of the projects I had been working on and when I left the office, the sun was still shining and there was not a cloud in the sky. One of the other interns (Dana) and I even decided to stop by Z Burger after work to enjoy a free burger and one of their delicious milkshakes. I think everyday should be as good as this one (minus the broken down bus)!
P.S.
The interview that I had mentioned in one of my previous posts was set to take place yesterday (July 14th). Unfortunately, the gentleman had to cancel the interview due to a last minute business trip. However, we are currently planning to reschedule for Monday. Stay tuned for details!
Wednesday, July 15, 2009
Sunday, July 12, 2009
"A Taste of D.C." Continues...
Where did I leave off? Oh right, my Wednesday night class ("A Taste of D.C." is the title of it) and Mr. Brown's presentation.
After Mr. Brown's presentation, my class and I walked down the street a little and stopped in a place called, "Busboys & Poets." It was an interesting little place. Not only does it serve as a restaurant and lounge, but it also has a popular book store inside where a lot of locals and tourists catch up on some good reading materials.
Once everyone was done scanning through book pages and admiring the funky art, we all headed back toward the metro station. Before I got onto the metro, I met up with my professor and asked her where she would like me to interview her (F.Y.I.- I had spoken with her the day before to see if she wouldn't mind doing an interview with me). The interview was originally for an assignment that each intern/student must complete, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I wanted to interview her for my own benefit. Some of the questions that I asked my professor focused on graduate school, her personal experiences and some of the challenges she has faced. All of the information she provided turned out to be very helpful. I really enjoyed getting her opinion about some of the graduate-school questions that I had rolling around in my head. It was also intriguing to hear about her accomplishments and some of the locations she has traveled to. I found this interview not only to be informational, but I also believe it was very inspirational and uplifting.
While I'm on the topic about interviews, I actually just sent out an email tonight that confirmed another interview to take place with a gentleman who gave a presentation at one of the intern program events just a few weeks ago. After that presentation, I spoke with him and told him that I would love to hear more about his ideas and would appreciate any advice he could give me. The interview will take place on Tuesday, July 14th. Therefore, I think I will spend some time tomorrow preparing questions and points that I would like to mention in the interview.
Check back soon to see how everything goes!
After Mr. Brown's presentation, my class and I walked down the street a little and stopped in a place called, "Busboys & Poets." It was an interesting little place. Not only does it serve as a restaurant and lounge, but it also has a popular book store inside where a lot of locals and tourists catch up on some good reading materials.
Once everyone was done scanning through book pages and admiring the funky art, we all headed back toward the metro station. Before I got onto the metro, I met up with my professor and asked her where she would like me to interview her (F.Y.I.- I had spoken with her the day before to see if she wouldn't mind doing an interview with me). The interview was originally for an assignment that each intern/student must complete, but the more I thought about it, the more I realized I wanted to interview her for my own benefit. Some of the questions that I asked my professor focused on graduate school, her personal experiences and some of the challenges she has faced. All of the information she provided turned out to be very helpful. I really enjoyed getting her opinion about some of the graduate-school questions that I had rolling around in my head. It was also intriguing to hear about her accomplishments and some of the locations she has traveled to. I found this interview not only to be informational, but I also believe it was very inspirational and uplifting.
While I'm on the topic about interviews, I actually just sent out an email tonight that confirmed another interview to take place with a gentleman who gave a presentation at one of the intern program events just a few weeks ago. After that presentation, I spoke with him and told him that I would love to hear more about his ideas and would appreciate any advice he could give me. The interview will take place on Tuesday, July 14th. Therefore, I think I will spend some time tomorrow preparing questions and points that I would like to mention in the interview.
Check back soon to see how everything goes!
Friday, July 10, 2009
If you remember one thing, remember that family is everything.
Think of something that you've always wanted to learn how to do. What is it? Play an instrument? Learn another language? Learn how to juggle?
For me, something that I have always wanted to learn is how to create and edit videos. I have always loved taking pictures, but there is one problem that I always run into... you can only hang up so many! I think learning how to create and edit videos would be so helpful and it would also allow me to view and show off all of my pictures that usually remain stored away on my computer.
Help has arrived! This past Monday, the students from my TWC program and I attended our weekly programming. For this activity, we were taught how to create and edit our own videos! The computer program we used was very basic, but it was also very helpful and it allowed me to learn the fundamentals of video editing.
(After I finish perfecting my skills, I will post one of my videos)
Moving on... For those of you who don't know a lot about DC, if you ever happen to visit here, there are a handful (or 2 handfuls) of local restaurants/diners that every visitor must experience. One of these places is called, "Ben's Chili Bowl." This local food joint has been around for quite some time (50 years and counting). It was one of the very few businesses that survived during the 1968 riots (whenever Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot). My point is, Ben's Chili Bowl has a lot of history behind it and it is even a historical landmark. My first time at Ben's occurred this past Wednesday. During my visit, I was not only able to enjoy some of their delicious food, but I also had the privilege of meeting a close friend of Ben Ali (owner of Ben's Chili Bowl), his name was Mr. Brown and I also got to sit in on a very inspirational, as well as informational, presentation that he gave.
One thing that Mr. Brown kept stressing throughout his presentation was that, family is everything and that you will not overcome challenges or major issues without the love and support of your family.
Always remember that!
For me, something that I have always wanted to learn is how to create and edit videos. I have always loved taking pictures, but there is one problem that I always run into... you can only hang up so many! I think learning how to create and edit videos would be so helpful and it would also allow me to view and show off all of my pictures that usually remain stored away on my computer.
Help has arrived! This past Monday, the students from my TWC program and I attended our weekly programming. For this activity, we were taught how to create and edit our own videos! The computer program we used was very basic, but it was also very helpful and it allowed me to learn the fundamentals of video editing.
(After I finish perfecting my skills, I will post one of my videos)
Moving on... For those of you who don't know a lot about DC, if you ever happen to visit here, there are a handful (or 2 handfuls) of local restaurants/diners that every visitor must experience. One of these places is called, "Ben's Chili Bowl." This local food joint has been around for quite some time (50 years and counting). It was one of the very few businesses that survived during the 1968 riots (whenever Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was shot). My point is, Ben's Chili Bowl has a lot of history behind it and it is even a historical landmark. My first time at Ben's occurred this past Wednesday. During my visit, I was not only able to enjoy some of their delicious food, but I also had the privilege of meeting a close friend of Ben Ali (owner of Ben's Chili Bowl), his name was Mr. Brown and I also got to sit in on a very inspirational, as well as informational, presentation that he gave.
One thing that Mr. Brown kept stressing throughout his presentation was that, family is everything and that you will not overcome challenges or major issues without the love and support of your family.
Always remember that!
Sunday, July 5, 2009
Happy Fourth of July!
What better way to celebrate the Fourth of July than to share it with someone you love?This weekend my boyfriend Terry came down to visit for the holiday. Before he arrived on Thursday, I had already created a list of places and sites that I wanted to take him to. In my head, I was thinking of how we would spend our first day in D.C. together... getting dinner at a local restaurant, going to a museum, maybe visiting the Lincoln Memorial at sunset, you know- cute things. Well, that's not what exactly happened.
After I was done with my internship work on Thursday, I eagerly hopped onto the metro and headed toward the capitol (where Terry was waiting). When we finally met up, neither of us could stop complaining about how tired of walking we were and how hot and humid it was outside. As a result, we decided to save all of the exploring for the next day and to just spend the rest of the day relaxing in the air conditioning and eating chinese take-out.
The next day came and it was finally time to sightsee! We woke up early (11AM is early for me) and got some brunch in Chinatown. After a delicious meal, we walked a few blocks and ended up at the National Museum of Crime and Punishment (check out the pictures!) Once we were finished there, we then headed over to the National Archives Building where we got to see historical documents like the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. Although the line took us at least 2 hours to get through, it was still really interesting to see and well worth it.
After we were done exploring, we hopped back onto the metro and headed back to Arlington.
The next day we got up and headed down to the National Mall. While we were there, we went and visited the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, as well as the White House.
After we were done sightseeing, we headed back toward the Washington Monument and found a little grassy area where we got to sit and see the fireworks! They were outstanding! I honestly had an amazing experience and I was so happy that I was able to share my Fourth of July with someone I love.... along with 600,000 others at the National Mall!
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Don't Blink, Time is Flying!
I know I have been keeping you waiting... this week has been so busy, so lets see what all I have so far this week.
On Monday we had our bi-weekly programming. For this event, all of the interns had to meet at the Capitol Building Visitor Center. My program advisor was taking all of us Communication and Media students on a tour of the Capitol Building. Before I go any further, I have to talk about an embarrassing moment that happened to me right before I started my tour. So, I was going through the security check-line and one of the security officers asked everyone if they had any weapons on them. I of course said, "No" and then proceeded to place my bag onto the moving scanner. After walking through the sensor, one of the officers said, "Excuse me mam, what is this?" I looked at him and my eyes lit up, I completely forgot I had my mini-mace spray on my key chain. I apologized to the guard and told him it was an honest mistake, I really wasn't trying to smuggle a weapon inside. He looked at me very seriously and then laughed and told me to go put it outside. I felt relief whenever I was able to walk away.
Now we can pick up with the actual tour. So, I met up with my group and our group leader took us all throughout the capitol building. The tour was very interesting, but it was kind of difficult to hear all of the information about each room because there were so many people talking and walking around. After the tour, we headed to a hotel down the street. This is where the second part of our day was going to take place. This event was called the, President's Lecture Series. This is where four politicians (two Democrat and two Republican) came in and talked about their experiences and shared some of the challenges they've had to face throughout their career. This part of the program was also very interesting to hear, but I think I would have had to know a little more about political science in order to fully appreciate their perspectives.
On Wednesday I went to my night class after I finished up with my work at my internship. I really enjoyed this class because we got to go to Eastern Market and see all of the old neighborhoods and even a local food market! (see pictures below)
On Thursday I probably had the best "work" day. The agency I intern for was helping with an event for one of their clients, Z-Burger. This wasn't your typical event, this was a burger eating contest! Not only did I get to meet and talk with the contestants, but I also got to be one of the "models" for the contest (f.y.i- it was only because two of the models didn't show up, but that's okay- it was still fun to do!)
How many people get to say, "I was a burger model!"
On Monday we had our bi-weekly programming. For this event, all of the interns had to meet at the Capitol Building Visitor Center. My program advisor was taking all of us Communication and Media students on a tour of the Capitol Building. Before I go any further, I have to talk about an embarrassing moment that happened to me right before I started my tour. So, I was going through the security check-line and one of the security officers asked everyone if they had any weapons on them. I of course said, "No" and then proceeded to place my bag onto the moving scanner. After walking through the sensor, one of the officers said, "Excuse me mam, what is this?" I looked at him and my eyes lit up, I completely forgot I had my mini-mace spray on my key chain. I apologized to the guard and told him it was an honest mistake, I really wasn't trying to smuggle a weapon inside. He looked at me very seriously and then laughed and told me to go put it outside. I felt relief whenever I was able to walk away.
Now we can pick up with the actual tour. So, I met up with my group and our group leader took us all throughout the capitol building. The tour was very interesting, but it was kind of difficult to hear all of the information about each room because there were so many people talking and walking around. After the tour, we headed to a hotel down the street. This is where the second part of our day was going to take place. This event was called the, President's Lecture Series. This is where four politicians (two Democrat and two Republican) came in and talked about their experiences and shared some of the challenges they've had to face throughout their career. This part of the program was also very interesting to hear, but I think I would have had to know a little more about political science in order to fully appreciate their perspectives.
On Wednesday I went to my night class after I finished up with my work at my internship. I really enjoyed this class because we got to go to Eastern Market and see all of the old neighborhoods and even a local food market! (see pictures below)
On Thursday I probably had the best "work" day. The agency I intern for was helping with an event for one of their clients, Z-Burger. This wasn't your typical event, this was a burger eating contest! Not only did I get to meet and talk with the contestants, but I also got to be one of the "models" for the contest (f.y.i- it was only because two of the models didn't show up, but that's okay- it was still fun to do!)
How many people get to say, "I was a burger model!"
Sunday, June 28, 2009
BWF Mid Atlantic Classic (Mac) Soccer Fest
What did you do this weekend?!
I spent my entire weekend preparing, planning and implementing my agency, BWF's (Brotman Winter Fried Communications), largest annual event, Mac Soccerfest. For those of you who are not familiar, this festival is basically a large soccer tournament where hundreds of teams (ranging from age 5 to age 50) come to compete against one another. During this tournament, we have other activities and events going on (i.e. inflatable obstacle course, autograph signing, music, etc.).
Friday was the day to setup and prepare for the two-day event. All of the interns took on a variety of jobs and responsibilities in order to have everything ready and organized for the game days. It was a very busy day. After unloading the truck, moving tables and chairs and then setting up the music system, I came to find out that my day was only half way over.
However, Saturday was the true test to see if we had really planned well. In the morning, it was a little crazy because of all the teams checking in and registering at once. Thankfully, everyone worked very well together and the entire BWF staff managed to pull off a great first day.
On Sunday, the day actually ran much smoother than we had planned. We were expecting the day to consist of a lot of chaos and confusion (because we had a smaller staff), but we ended up with surprisingly less confusion. The registration went fast, all of the field marshalls communicated well with one another, and we even ended up leaving earlier than expected. According to the big guys, we all did a great job! Personally, I was very happy with how everything had turned out. All of the interns got along and we all worked as a team. People were not afraid to help out one another. I think this event made our staff stronger as a whole. Not only was it a great working experience, but it also allowed everyone to sort of open up a little more and let our personalities shine through.
I think this event really brought the BWF staff and interns closer. It is a great feeling when you can wake up and HONESTLY say, "I enjoy what I do, I enjoy where I work and I really like the people I work with."
I spent my entire weekend preparing, planning and implementing my agency, BWF's (Brotman Winter Fried Communications), largest annual event, Mac Soccerfest. For those of you who are not familiar, this festival is basically a large soccer tournament where hundreds of teams (ranging from age 5 to age 50) come to compete against one another. During this tournament, we have other activities and events going on (i.e. inflatable obstacle course, autograph signing, music, etc.).
Friday was the day to setup and prepare for the two-day event. All of the interns took on a variety of jobs and responsibilities in order to have everything ready and organized for the game days. It was a very busy day. After unloading the truck, moving tables and chairs and then setting up the music system, I came to find out that my day was only half way over.
However, Saturday was the true test to see if we had really planned well. In the morning, it was a little crazy because of all the teams checking in and registering at once. Thankfully, everyone worked very well together and the entire BWF staff managed to pull off a great first day.
On Sunday, the day actually ran much smoother than we had planned. We were expecting the day to consist of a lot of chaos and confusion (because we had a smaller staff), but we ended up with surprisingly less confusion. The registration went fast, all of the field marshalls communicated well with one another, and we even ended up leaving earlier than expected. According to the big guys, we all did a great job! Personally, I was very happy with how everything had turned out. All of the interns got along and we all worked as a team. People were not afraid to help out one another. I think this event made our staff stronger as a whole. Not only was it a great working experience, but it also allowed everyone to sort of open up a little more and let our personalities shine through.
I think this event really brought the BWF staff and interns closer. It is a great feeling when you can wake up and HONESTLY say, "I enjoy what I do, I enjoy where I work and I really like the people I work with."
Friday, June 26, 2009
Time Flies When You're Having Fun
Okay, so let's recap:
Monday I had my weekly programming for The Washington Center. For the program, each intern had to attend two different workshops of our choice. The two workshops I selected focused on how to apply for graduate school and also how to prepare for it . The workshops also provided valuable tips, a 12-month timeline, and examples of graduate application essays. At 5 o'clock, the workshops had finally come to an end. Immediately after, several of my friends and I met up at Cosi's for dinner. It was a great way to end the day, with new friends and great food!
Tuesday was a pretty ordinary day. I went to work and completed a number of tasks: created media lists, contacted some clients and prepared for BWF's upcoming weekend event (MacSoocer Fest).
Wednesday turned out to be less stressful, compared to my typical Wednesdays. This Wednesday my night class had been cancelled and moved to the following Saturday. It was really nice to be able to go to the gym after work and also have some free time to sit and relax.
Thursday was the complete opposite of Wednesday. It ended up being a very busy day at work because we had to do all of the last minute projects for BWF's weekend event. The MacSoccer Fest is a very large soccer tournament where multiple divisions of soccer players, ranging from young children to adults, come to compete against one another. Also at the tournament, dozens of local vendors come and set up tents to display and sell their products and services.
Friday (today) I spent the entire day in Poolesville, Maryland. The BWF interns and myself spent hours preparing for the big event. We built soccer goals, helped setup and organize the registration tent, we also learned about the music technology and helped setup the music system!
Tomorrow and Sunday are the big days, this should be very interesting! All of the staff have to arrive at the field by 6:30AM! I'm pretty sure this means I should have went to bed 2 hours ago...
Monday I had my weekly programming for The Washington Center. For the program, each intern had to attend two different workshops of our choice. The two workshops I selected focused on how to apply for graduate school and also how to prepare for it . The workshops also provided valuable tips, a 12-month timeline, and examples of graduate application essays. At 5 o'clock, the workshops had finally come to an end. Immediately after, several of my friends and I met up at Cosi's for dinner. It was a great way to end the day, with new friends and great food!
Tuesday was a pretty ordinary day. I went to work and completed a number of tasks: created media lists, contacted some clients and prepared for BWF's upcoming weekend event (MacSoocer Fest).
Wednesday turned out to be less stressful, compared to my typical Wednesdays. This Wednesday my night class had been cancelled and moved to the following Saturday. It was really nice to be able to go to the gym after work and also have some free time to sit and relax.
Thursday was the complete opposite of Wednesday. It ended up being a very busy day at work because we had to do all of the last minute projects for BWF's weekend event. The MacSoccer Fest is a very large soccer tournament where multiple divisions of soccer players, ranging from young children to adults, come to compete against one another. Also at the tournament, dozens of local vendors come and set up tents to display and sell their products and services.
Friday (today) I spent the entire day in Poolesville, Maryland. The BWF interns and myself spent hours preparing for the big event. We built soccer goals, helped setup and organize the registration tent, we also learned about the music technology and helped setup the music system!
Tomorrow and Sunday are the big days, this should be very interesting! All of the staff have to arrive at the field by 6:30AM! I'm pretty sure this means I should have went to bed 2 hours ago...
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