A Different Kind of August

When I take a step back, it is weird to think that this past August was unlike any other. Normally August means transitioning out of my summer gig and back into school mode. It means playing tetrus trying to pack all my things in the car, just to get home, unpack it, and do it all over again. It is generally a time of wonderful chaos. But this year is different. It’s the first time in 17 years that I won’t be going to school in the fall. Whoa! 

Not being in school has its perks, no doubt, but the idea that I won’t soon be surrounded by familiar places and faces only reinforces my reality. So, although sometimes good things come to an end, they are only making way for new, fun adventures to come :)

I can say that my first three months here have certainly been an adventure. I have done and seen things that 365 days ago I would not have ever dreamed of doing. This past month of August only added to the fun list of things I’ve done during my time in DC!

So much has happened that I will attempt to keep it to 2-3 sentences per topic (I’m challenging myself here).

At the end of July one of the SCA program coordinators (person who led my training) visited DC. It was good to see Dave (and thanks for the frozen yogurt!) and afterward we listened to a band play at Fort Reno, which is a national park site. It is always great to see our ‘arts in the parks’ program thriving.

CVA's with Rosie Rios, 43rd US Treasurer

On July 31^st I got to take a White House tour!!!! Getting to go inside the house was such a cool experience. Although I could go on and on about it, I’ll say that the coolest part for me was being in Entrance Hall, which is where the President sometimes addresses to nation. (photos above)

Near the beginning of the month my coworkers and I had the privilege to sit in on a round table discussion (~ 30 people) about which women should be put on the $10 bill, led by the 43^rd treasurer of the United States, Rosie Rios. It was very cool to meet her and to know that her name is on our paper money (take a look at your money!).

My coworkers and I also attended a volunteer coordinator meeting happening in Harpers Ferry, West Virginia (a cool town in the mountains about 1.5 hours from here). We got to attend the meeting to get a better idea of how the professional world of volunteer management operates.

(Warning in advance: this topic deserves more than two sentences)

Then, with some clever maneuvering (and some good airfare prices) I was able to go home! It was such a great surprise! I was able to go home to Minnesota for the combined birthday party for my cousins Ruth, who is also my Godchild, and Gabe. I was also able to spend a day at the Miller cabin in Turtle Lake, WI. I was already beginning to miss the Midwest and the activities of summer, so the trip was well worth it J Also, it is worth noting that my flights back to DC were delayed and I ended up stuck in St. Louis, MO for 8 hours. Throughout the whole experience a couple of the other passengers and I became friends, as we moved from gate to gate, watched each other’s things, and went stir crazy together as we heard over and over that we were delayed yet again. I will never forget Norma, the 81 year old woman whom I had dinner with at the Chili’s restaurant in the airport in St. Louis, MO. Thanks Norma for all the life advice and making the major delay bearable.  

When I got back to DC things began to pick up at work. The Centennial Volunteer Ambassador program that I am a part of is ever-evolving. Since this is the first year of the program for everyone, things are being tested out. And while some things work and are going smoothly, it would be a lie to say that all is well. There is a lot of learning to be done by everyone involved (those who created the program, those who administer the program, and those in the program—I’m in the last group). We are taking everything bit by bit, piece by piece, trying to make it work for all parties involved.

Near the end of the month it was time for some birthday celebrations! My birthday has once again come and gone. It is weird to think about how much has occurred in my 22 years and to think about the next 22 years. Anyway, happy birthday to me J

Me Interviewing National Park Service Director, John Jarvis

 AND, happy 99^th birthday to the National Park Service! August 25^th was the 99^th anniversary of the signing of the legislation that created the National Park Service system. Throughout the whole month we put a lot of time into the prep work for the birthday celebration. On the day of we threw a party on the Washington Monument grounds. We had the director of the National Park Service, John Jarvis, speak, as well as the CEO of SCA. There was a mini service project, a trivia table, a fun photo booth, and of course, cake! It was a beautiful day for such a great occasion. Throughout the day I was tasked with assisting in the social media efforts. In the process I also got to interview Director Jarvis! SO COOL. Check out the blog post I wrote just about that day! That evening I capped off the day by attending a National baseball game (which they won!)

Phew! That just about brings us up to speed. I should note that I have stayed connected with Michigan Tech and have helped to start an on-campus food pantry, which I am excited to say has now opened! In my role on student government I served on a committee with the Dean of Students to address the issue of students going hungry. This fall semester the results of all of our research and planning are becoming reality! If you’re inclined to learn more about what I helped start, read my blog post about it!

Lots of exciting things are coming up soon, so I currently have lots to look forward to. Next weekend I will be going to a Kelly Clarkson concert! At work we are preparing for the Pope visit, working away on our Volunteers-In-Parks program assessment, and preparing for fall garden tours and the National Christmas Tree Lighting. More on all those later!