Any Soldier

About a month ago I went to my Feature Writing class and as an assignment the teacher gave us a dollar and told us to spend the dollar and write a feature story on how we spent the dollar. 

I immediately knew that I wanted to write a soldier gone to war, wait for their response and write my story. Impossible... the story was due in 2 days. So instead I decided to write my letter and write a story based on what I wrote. 

That night I went home and wrote a letter. I had know idea who I was going to send this letter to. I knew I few people who were deployed, mainly spouses of my moms employees or family friends I didn't really know. But I wanted this letter to go to someone I really didn't know.

I googled "send a letter to a soldier." The first search to come up was a site called "Any Soldier." I read though the site and I realized that you could mail to soldiers who get little to no mail at all. This is exactly what I wanted to do!

The bad part... I had to pick from a list of over 2,000 soldiers who I wanted to send my letter to. How could I possibly pick who to send to?

The first person I clicked on, James. I read through the message he wrote, but I didn't know if I should send it to him or not.

I then went through a few others based on male, female, what branch they were in, when they posted. But I couldn't decided on who to send to. Finally I decided I should pick something that was significant to me... so I thought my birthday. I clicked on a few but it was recommending not sending to anyone who they haven't heard from in that long. 

I then decided that I would go back to the most recent added people count down 8 (my lucky number) Army people (since that is who we mostly served at my internship). 

James  ---> was the 8th Army soldier on the list. Fate. And my letter would be sent to him.

It had been almost two weeks and I had heard anything from him. I was watching a Christmas movie and I began to think about the website. So I went back to it and began to read more on it. 

It is the job of any soldier who is on the website to pass on the mail to someone who doesn't get any mail. (Uh-oh,  I didn't read enough!) I was so set on James getting my letter mainly because I believe there was a reason he was the 8th Army soldier.

From there I used facebook. I found him and sent him probably the weirdest message he has ever received in his life. I explained that he should be getting a letter and that although it's his job to pass it on I really want him to keep it. 

Turns out I messaged the right person and the letter hasn't been passed on. 

James is currently in Italy and is deploying within a few days. We have talked everyday via facebook chat for 2 weeks now. We are both looking forward to him getting my letter when he gets to Afghanistan. He will be deployed for about a year and 3 months. And we have plans to write the entire time. 

I ask that everyone keeps him in your prayers for a safe return home! 

Since the summer.

As much as I would like to say that not much has happened since my last post- I would be wrong to do so. 

Over the last few months I have learned a great deal not only about myself, but about life in general. 

I have learned that even though college is the time to go out and experience and make mistakes and try things before you get out into the "real world," sometimes its not all worth it. Sure everyone has those experiences and mistakes but there comes a time in life when you have to realize its time to put it behind you, grow up and stop making those decisions. Mainly because as you get older you should be more mature and start finding those ideas as immature and irresponsible. 

Over the months I have learned that some people make this realization and others... well they  simply haven't hit the "grow up" stage. 

I learned a lot about myself as well. I have finally come to realize that I always put others before myself. Too many times I have second guessed my life plans and have been willing to change them for others, including boys to help save a relationship. But that's not life and in reality I would never truly be happy if I did that.

I have finally settled on a career choice and since the summer I have more determination than ever to fulfill those dreams.

The summer opened my eyes to career closer than I ever thought I could get to the Army besides enlisting. I learned of the Army Public Affairs Intern Program and even though I admit that I have had some doubt about it-- it is truly what I want to do. 

My life cannot revolve around others and my happiness cannot be put aside. As scary as the real world is to me and the idea of possibly failing... I don't want to live with regret or "what if's."

I am a junior in college, now 21, and realized I will be graduating in exactly one year. No one knows what their future holds for them-- but they can help predict the outcome by what they put into it. 

An Overdue Update:

So I guess it is fair to say that a lot has happened since the last time that I have wrote. Let’s see… where to start.

Well my parents came out to visit the weekend before the 4^th of July. It was nice to spend time with them and I tried to show them as much as possible in the short time that they were here.

We did the Double Decker Night Tour and got to see the lights downtown. It was pretty cool to see everything lit up because I never stay out after dark.  I have had many people say I was 16 while I was 18 or 18 when I was 20, but the lady who sold us the tickets asked if I was a child. I mean not a bad question but once she asked I looked at the sign and a child is 12.. and I am 20. Kind of funny but I am not that young.

We also got to do the Duck Ride, which is a favorite because we used to do them on every vacation we went on when I was younger. It was nice to spend time on them and show them everything that I have got to see only I still got lost a time or two. And I don’t think my dad will ever get the metro system J

For the 4^th of July my friend from college, Carli, came to visit. We toured everything and I showed her around. The coolest part was seeing the paradeà which was extremely long! And watching the fireworks over the Washington Monument, two things I will probably never get to see again.

Since the last time I also got to go home for a weekend. I got to celebrate the engagement of my sister and my new brother in law, go to the lake and knee board (man am I getting old), and see family that I hadn’t seen in over 2 months.

Those were my most exciting weekends since writing last. But I guess it isn’t the most exciting news that has happened to me.

I had an article ran in my newspaper back home telling the community about where I was and what I was doing. This happened thanks to my boss and co-worker Megan who is the DoDEA writer/editor.  Oh and my picture ran too!

Last Monday was my BIG tour to the Pentagon. I had been inside before but a group of 15 of us went to get an official tour. I guess you can say everyone got a tour but me and I think I was the most excited about it. I was all dressed up in my business suit ready to impress, learn and explore. About the furthest I got was half way through the line and an ambulance ride to the hospital.

Yup, you guessed it. I passed out in the security line of the Pentagon. The line was about an hour and a half wait to get in and the line consisted of way over 100 people.  Luckily I knew it was coming so this time a co-worker caught me so I didn’t hit my head.  The Army medical squad rushed over to me and gave me an IV and oxygen until the ambulance got there. Then they took me to the hospital just to get checked out.

Let me tell you it was an experience. The ambulance and all medical people at my assistance did not believe I knew what was wrong with me so I struggled to get them to listen to me. And the next few days at work I took the heat for it happening. People thought I was faking because I guess my eyes were open? And that I was weird because I raddled off my information to the medical crew when they got there (but hey, that’s what your suppose to do so they don’t harm you), I had people tell me that if I would of not wore a suit to “something not as important as I thought it was” then I wouldn’t of passed out. People just didn’t understand that it is a heart condition and I nor my suit had any control over what happened. I guess that is part of life though and I am glad I am ok but sad that I missed my tour!

I now have a week and a half left of my internship. It is strange to think that I have been here for 3 months and that my summer is about over and I will soon be back to reality. I have enjoyed my time out here and I am more than glad that I came out here. It was a great opportunity and a great experience. My internship has been amazing and I have learned so much. Today I officially complete my first big solo project and never in a million years did I think that I would get a chance to have my own project. 

So until the final blog of me moving back home… I’ll sign off with that.

Oh, The Places You Will Go

On the weekends I usually pick a place to go tour and lately I have been trying to go museums.

Last weekend I decided I would try to make my way down to the Newseum which is a museum all about news—clever huh.

In order to go to the Newseum I had to get off at the Gallery Pi- Chinatown stop of the train. So I hoped on the orange line and rode 8 stops and transferred to the red line for one stop. If anything, this whole trip is teaching me how to read a map. As I walked I noticed blue historical signs pointing the direction of the places to tour; however, the Newseum is new to the location and had not made the signs yet so I walked in the direction of places located close to it that were on the signs.

I knew the Navy Memorial way close, but I didn’t know it was that close. Since it was right across the street I decided to make it a two for one day and stop to get a few pictures. My favorite picture was a single flower in one of the fountains. The memorial also had amazing art work to describe the life of one in the Navy.

I started to find the Newseum again and I headed towards the street. Pennsylvania St! I knew I was close. But did I go left or right? So I stood there for a few minutes looking at the map and the buildings around me.

If only they made a map to scale decisions would be a lot easier to make.

I guess I stood there too long because a girl who looked about my age comes up to me and goes, “excuse me.” My first thought was Uh Oh… As she proceeded to ask her question my mind kept thinking. She wanted to know the direction of the Newseum and I wanted to know why people tend to ask me directions and I have no idea!

I told her I was headed that way and that I knew I was on the right street but I was unsure to make a left or a right. She decided right… Wrong. It was a left. But we made it and we went our separate ways. She used me for my map. But that’s ok, I love to tour by myself.

I made it to the Newseum and as much as I want to write about all the things there I know it will be impossible so I will touch on the points that really got me. The Newseum is a 6 story building and was the only museum I have had to pay for (but well worth it). Touring note: start from the top.

On the main floor they had a special two month display of Pulitzer Prize winners. Many pictures I had never seen before, but was amazing and had great stories. The pictures were from like 1950’s to present. One from each year was blown up and hung up on another wall with a short story of how the photographer got the photo.

One impacting story: I was looking around and I heard this lady go, “oh my..” and walk away. I wanted to know so I read the story. I can’t remember the country but the photo was of a little girl. All skin and bone so tiny she looked like a baby. It’s hard to describe how she was laying but she was hunched over and you couldn’t see her face. The photographer said she was trying to get to the feeding station but was too weak to walk. He also said he only took a few pictures and then left. When he got home many of his friends and family kept asking why he didn’t just pick the girl up and carry her to the feeding station. He said he thought about it but he was told before he went over there that females carried a disease and was told not to touch them. So with that in mind he didn’t touch her. The photographer took it hard because his family and friends said they would of anyway that he could no longer live with himself for not helping her. He killed himself.

There were many photos you just thought to yourself how could anyone shoot this? But in fact many of the photographers think the same thing and their amazing pictures were captured in shooting a few frames.

There was a special section in the museum that was dedicated to the Berlin Wall. A section of the Berlin Wall was actually in the museum on display. It was neat to see history face to face.

September 11, had its’ own special section as well. There was a wall that held every newspaper that ran with a story on 9/11. Either other states or even other countries. In the center of the display was a big metal structure—also known as the news antenna that sat on top of the North Twin Towner before the terrorist hit. The antenna was bent up, but again reality set in.

The museum was full of other things that I highly recommend to go visit if someone was ever to come to D.C. to visit.

This weekend, don’t get me wrong I enjoyed it but I think I would have had more fun if it wouldn’t of taken me 2 hours to get there and if I wouldn’t of missed all the things I wanted to see.

I went to The Smithsonian Air and Space Museum in Dulles. There is another smaller one downtown on The Mall, but the one in Dulles was going to have the “Candy Bomber” the plan that dropped chocolate candy bars to children in Berlin and the man who flew and dropped them. However, it was only there for the weekend.

I learned that I could actually use public transportation to get there even though it was about 30 minutes out.

It was raining so I almost didn’t go, but I thought this was a once in a lifetime thing. So I packed up my bag and headed for the bus stop. The bus took me to the train stop and I rode the train to Rosslyn. From Rosslyn I waited an hour for the next bus to Dulles Air Port (they run every hour—tour note: RESEARCH THAT!) From the Airport I got on another bus to the museum. A lot of bus riding and it literally was 2 hours.

I enjoyed it though. I saw a lot of planes I didn’t know existed. Planes big and small. Planes you wondered how they could fly they were so big and other planes you wondered how anyone could get in them they were so small.

I learned that the outside display of planes closed at 3. It was 3:30 when I asked that question. And I learned that the “Candy Bomber” was only on display at noon. At noon I was still waiting on a bus! Oh well, again it’s all part of touring. At least I tried and I don’t have to live with I could of seen … if I would of went. Now I can just say I could of seen.. if it wasn’t for public transportation. The good thing though is I saved a grand total of $20 yesterday by taking public transportation.. maybe more if you count gas.

Both were adventures well worth telling. I am really looking forward to the next few weekends. My parents will be here Friday till Tuesday. My best friend comes in the next Friday until Monday and then I head home for the weekend the following Thursday. I am excited and I feel like it has been forever.

Someone asked the other day at work if this was the longest I have been without seeing my parents. It hasn’t been but it is completely different. When I went the longest I was surrounded by people I knew, friends I had at school and I knew I was in driving distance home if I wanted to just pick up and leave for a weekend. Out here I know no one and I can’t just drive home. One, I don’t have a car and two I would have to turn around once I got there to make it back on time.

I am excited to see everyone and although it’s been a little over a month it feels like forever!

The Navy Memorial

The Berlin Wall

Newpapers on 9/11

Antenna from North Twin Tower

Unthinkable becomes Real

In my down time at work I always keep pentagonchannel.mil up to keep me updated with news going on in each branch of the military and in the Pentagon. Wandering around the site I came across a page where soldiers who were seriously injured during war were returning to active duty. Inspired, I decided to read a few of their stories only to be extremely pissed off at the first story I read.

A soldier’s truck was struck with an IED the first few months of war and after the IED shattered, instead of exploding, sending pieces all through his body the soldier’s left eye was destroyed and top of his mouth, and there was no bone between his knee and ankle.

This soldier stated that he “spent 27 years looking the other way from the same population that I was now a part of -- the disabled population.”

We all know that I am not disabled… well noticeably disabled. I do not have to face people judging me on looks or staring at me because I am different. Looking at me, a person cannot tell that I have many things wrong that qualify me to be disabled. Comments and jokes are just as harmful as staring.

I have asthma, a heart condition (low blood pressure), brain damage and now seizures from the nerve damage. I am fortunate that people cannot see that there is anything wrong with me. But think about when people make jokes about people having seizures. It is hard to explain but I am sure we all know someone who thinks it is funny when they make a joke about seizures. Sure people laugh and they became the comedian of the group--- but what about the person who is sitting there not laughing because they do have seizures. How does one stand up and say stop because I have seizures? How does one say I would love to defend the country but I can’t?

Many times I have expressed to people that I would love to join the military but I can’t. When the question is asked why I reply I have asthma. In response I get, “well I have several friends who have asthma and got in.” That may be true, but I am not going to lie to the country I want to defend. People who have asthma and are enlisting are stating on paper work that they do not have asthma. Yes, I could to that too but secretly I am hiding that I have a heart condition and a brain injury and seizures. How could I lie about all of that just to enlist? Sure I wanted to sacrifice my life for my country, but it is not worth sacrificing my life to try to join. Doing that would make me completely useless to in life.

So why was I so mad at the soldier who tried avoiding the disabled population?

What the soldier failed to realize his whole life was that a lot of people who are disabled do not pick to be disabled. He enlisted in the military knowing the chances of going to war. He knew the chances of something going wrong. The chances of getting hurt. I respect him for defending his country and I feel sorry for him for the struggles and obstacles he has had to overcome, but in a way deep inside he basically picked a chance to be disabled. He never realized that not all people pick to be.

I didn’t pick to have my blood pressure drop and pass out hitting head on a concrete floor. I didn’t pick to go through testing to find out why ending up being diagnosed with asthma. I didn’t pick to live with severe headaches or to receive shots in my head to relieve them. I didn’t pick to have seizures or to continue to pass out if I do not take medicine everyday for the rest of my life.

No one picks to be disabled. No one should be avoided because of something they cannot change. People do not realize how fast your life can change and how quick you can go from the person avoiding or laughing at those who are different to a person who is different just by doing daily things like: driving a car, working (in this case fighting a war), getting hit in the head etc. Big or small—it is still a disability and someone has to learn to live with it.

The soldier I read about is lucky. After all his struggles and fight for his life he gets to return to active duty. Of course he will not get to be on the front line, but he will still get to serve his country by staying with the Army. He also gained a new perspective for people who have disabilities now that he has suffered one himself.

Jealous but Proud: I am jealous that he gets to still serve. Since his injuries all happened after he enlisted he is allowed to. But, since all mine occurred before I signed the papers, I am not allowed to. I am proud that he has learned that although people are different we are still people. And I hope one day he will realize that at least he still gets to fulfill his dreams (Army) without and with a disability; whereas, others will always have those dreams but have to find other ways to fill them.

Resident by Weekday, Tourist by Weekend

As the days of work go by I catch myself wanting to say so much about them, but by the time I get home, eat, call home etc... I am just ready for bed. So I have decided I think I will update about my adventures once a week.. for now anyways. I keep a weekly summary wrote down so I don't forget the important, funny, and knowledgeable things that happen. And now, week 3 of being in Virginia and week 2 on the job.

On Friday the 22nd the office went out to lunch together as a celebration of a girl graduating, her birthday and getting hired for a full time job. We went to eat Thia, which I have never had before. It was different, but I can't say that I didn't like it. I don't care for tofu though but at least I tried it. While at lunch my boss/supervisor, Chas, announced that he received a job promotion with DoDEA and will be moving to work in PR in Japan. His wife is from there so it was all part of their plan, but I am not taking it well. See, Chas came to DoDEA on the same internship program as me. He is legally blind, but never let's that affect him at work. Chas has been my comfort and has always been there when I am confused or in need of help. I know he understands all the things I go through physically and mentally and since day one he has helped me adjust and gave me new perspective on how all the health problems are not that bad. I am nervous for him to leave. He is the one who hired me, but I know he needs to move on and I know I will be fine.

After work Friday, I came home and cleaned my room and bathroom. I went to do some laundry and the dryer didn't work. Of course, just my luck... the first time I use it, it won't come home. I felt horrible for it breaking on me, but I helped my uncle make a clothes line to hang up my wet bedding. Turns out the motor was burnt up and would cost $400 to fix it. Today, we are still waiting to get another dryer.

For Memorial Day weekend I met both neighbors, Sally and Chris, one for lunch and one for dinner. I also went to Arlington Cemetery again to see all the graves with American Flags by them. Before I left to catch a bus to head to the metro I looked up when the next bus came. It said 12pm. I looked at the clock on my TV and it said it was 1130. I knew I could make the bus so I finished getting ready, said my goodbyes and walked to the bus stop. 12pm came and went as I looked at my phone it said 1pm...... The clock on my TV is set for the time at home. The next bus didn't come until 1:15pm.. I waited 30 minutes. Again, just my luck.

After visiting the cemetery I tried to find a shopping center because it was starting to rain. Not wanting to stray too far from the metro in fear I would get lost. I didn't end up finding it. I was on George Washington University and I had no clue which direction to walk towards. I got back on the metro and headed home. Getting off the metro I walked 2 miles home since it was nice outside. I returned a call from my cousin, Amy, which made the trail pass by quick.

Monday we had the day off for Memorial Day and it rained pretty much the whole day so I stayed in, watched TV, called home, was lazy and enjoyed my day off.

On Tuesday, I kept working on the Teacher of the Year (TOY) project, 4 days now. We had a staff meeting which passes the day away pretty fast. At the end of the day, Chas and I critiqued what I had done with the TOY project. He said I was very sophisticated with editing and had natural talent at it. He was very impressed with the information I brought into the internship. One of my coworkers, Shayla, invited me to go to the Zoo with her and her nine year old son on June 12. I think I am going because it will give me something to do and someone to walk around with. On my way home from work I stopped at 7 Eleven to buy some double stuffed oreo's (my comfort food) but they didn't have any.

On Wednesday I almost had the TOY project done! I learned a lot of new things that day too like: Avid, Avid Unity, Tape decks, how we send footage to the Pentagon, How to slate footage, "approved" TV footage like: color correction, adjusting size, and sound bites. Two crew members from the Pentagon Channel came to our studio to film an interview for a new policy within DoDEA.

Frank, the top man in the office of DoDEA, came to me and pitched an idea to do a video of interns who came on the program I did who are working with DoDEA. He said it was optional and but for future interns and other employers. I immediately took him up on his offer and am now starting to work on that.

I also started "News in a Minute" which is exactly what it says. My first topic is BRAC or Base Realignment and Closure. It is an update on how BRAC is affecting the moving of DoDEA due to 9/11 and stricter security.

Thursday and Friday were slow days since Chas was gone for most of it and so was Brad, another guy who has been assisting me in projects. I mostly worked on my script for "News in a Minute" and a draft for the Intern video. It was Chas's last day, Thursday, for two weeks (he is attending a training for his promotion). Friday, I went out on my own for lunch. I walked to the mall and got a bagel and brownie from Panera.

Yesterday, I went on my scheduled tour of the Capitol. I got to experience delays in the metro and my 15 minute ride turned into 40 minutes. I made it the the Capitol without any problems at all. The tour was short and I didn't get to see a lot of the rooms-- only 3 in fact, but I learned a lot still and can still say I have been in there.

As of today, I have been pretty lazy again. My aunt and uncle were suppose to be off to London for 8 days yesterday but had a few complications and are running a day late. I spent this morning helping them find hotel information and contacting people meeting them over there and setting up their tracfone. I checked my banking account online and discovered I earned my first pay check a few days ago. $470. Not bad for working less than half a pay period :)

Again, I don't know if the big city is for me but at least I can say I tried it and enjoyed it while I was here.

Arlington Cemetery on Memorial Day

Washington Monument with Marine One

Back of U.S. Capitol

U.S. Capitol with reflecting Pool

A Foot in the Door

There are four unknown soldiers in the Unknown Soldiers Tomb.

Placing flags before Memorial Day at a gravesite is known as "Flags In". The flags are centered and a foot away from the tomb.

Slugging: is to randomly jump in a car headed in your direction to work. It's a free ride and it happens because the driver must have 3 people in the car in order to exit to the Pentagon during hours. However, you are riding with a stranger but its hundreds of peoples transportation to and from work.

After WWII, American Soldiers went to to Japan and taught them our way of technology. Once we left, they put their culture on it and focus on quality instead of quanity---> maybe that's why they are so far advanced compared to us?

Last Tuesday was my first day out by myself. My destination: Holocaust Museum.

I walked ten minutes to the bus stop and made it on and off the bus with no problems. My stop was at the Ballston Mall. From there I had to walk about five minutes to the MetroRail (underground train). Work is really close to the bus stop and the MetroRail so I thought if I headed in the direction of work I was going the right way. WRONG! Instead of walking to work I was suppose to turn left at the mall. I walked about four blocks and turned right! I ended up at the Metro Station stop that is AFTER the stop I get on! Although I was so confused as to why I was getting on the opposite side of the train and why the entrance looked different I pursued to get on. I quickly figured out what I did wrong.. that won't happen again!

I remember when my mom was here and the first time we went to the ride the MetroRail people were frantically running to catch the train. I specifically said to her, "I will never be one of those people who run after a train."

Again, WRONG! That day I ended up on the wrong side of the tracks and I sprinted up the escalator and back down the other side and barely made it on. I was one of those people.

I wandered my way to the Holocaust Museum without much trouble. To be honest I was so afraid I was going to end up lost and I am sure people could recognize the look on my face when I was looking for signs pointing where to go. The museum was amazing. A middle school was touring so they were a pain but the meaning and knowledge I learned from the museum will remain with me forever. For once I made the connection of what I had heard in school all these years and put it with visuals and stories. Unfortunately, I wasn't able to take pictures in the museum so I only leave with mental images.

After the museum I wondered my way back to the metro. I was headed to the Washington Monument for an up close view when I realized my camera didn't even work! I turned around and headed for a soda and hot dog. However, soda's were $2 and hot dogs were $4 so I settled for a soda and went to catch the train.

I made it to the train with no problems and as I enter I read a sign that says "No food, drink, pets, flammables etc. If caught you will be fined and arrested." Ha, I was not going to get arrested for having a soda and I wasn't about to dare to try my luck so I threw the rest away.

I made it back home and from the Metro I decided to walk 2 miles to get home. Sounds like a lot but it's really not that bad. I went to McDonalds for dinner on my way and ate alone.. all alone. First time I have ever done that. I usually go through the drive through when I am alone. But others were doing it too.

Thursday, I ran into a friend on facebook who is stationed out here with the Navy. He hadn't seen people he knew in 4 months and well I don't know anyone. We met up and I ended up in the "neighborhood that's not safe" thanks to him. I was a little concerned riding the train back alone late at night, but I made it back and had the chance to see the bridge and Capitol lit up.

Sunday, I decided to leave the house to on my last day before work started. I decided to go look around Ballston Mall. Okay, the mall is mostly nail, hair, and food places but it does have some places to shop. Again, out of my comfort zone because I never shop alone but I did alright. I again walked 2 miles to get home and stopped at McDonalds again for dinner.

A homeless lady was there and as I bit into my Chicken Club Sandwich she bent down to watch me through her purse strap draped on the table. Sure she had food. A kids meal sized burger and drink, but I couldn't finish mine when I knew I could afford mine and she begged until the cashiers gave hers to her.

Monday, I started my new job and boy was I scared and like 30 early! I was so early I walked around the block one and a half times to waste time. I finally went to the fourth floor to meet my boss to head to the 6th, but when I tried the door it was locked. Panicked that someone would open the door and be like who are you? I ran for the elevator.

My boss said that if no one was in the office then just head upstairs myself and so I did. I got to the 6th floor and rang the buzzer like I was suppose to. No one came. Finally some ladies got off the elevator and unlocked the door and just walked in and left me standing there. Finally, one asked if I needed help.

I went into a conference room with 3 other interns all on different floors. We all filled out some paper work, a lot that was way over our heads and we had no idea what we were doing. We got to one form titled "Disabilities". The girl next to me turn to the lady checking us in and said, "Disabilities? I don't have a disability. What kind of paper work is this!?" The lady laughed and said, "It's procedure, we have too. I didn't mean to make you feel disabled." The girl laughed and said, "Yeah, I was gonna said I am not challenged."

Looking at the form there was a place to circle for asthma, seizures, and heart conditions. I sat there. A few tear drops ran down my face unsure if I should circle or not and waiting for the girl to get distracted and not see me circle them.

After paper work we had to stand, raise our right hand, face the American Flag and read the oath. The same oath soldiers read when they enlist. I never thought I would ever get to read that oath. I was wrong.

I was escorted up to my office. Oh, you have to have a special badge to unlock the doors. All doors, including the bathroom... that's why I couldn't get in.

I met everyone at work, got my desk/computer in my shared cubicle and prepared for work. Monday was slow. Projects were due and everyone was busy and I don't have my software in yet so I can't start working. But ended up working 10 hours instead of 8.

Today I timed the bus to get to work at 7:54 which is perfect time. I walked in like I knew what I was doing. Checked my government e-mail and researched some links. I had to fill out some more paper work because work will pay my bus fare to and from work. Saving me $53 a month.

I established goals with my boss and learned all the places I get to tour for free that a normal person visiting here cannot. They are getting me into the Pentagon, Pentagon Channel (Pentagon's Newsroom), Capitol Hill to meet Missouri Senate and House of Reps, and Walter Reed Hospital.

I worked in the studio some today learning tripods and cameras. Learned somethings the school has never taught me and somethings that I would of never learned if I didn't come here. I also learned a lot of "behind the scenes" technical work the the website and got to help create a new link for web users and create the icon. Again, there is so much information that I am sure I will not remember, but will be valuable in the long run.

Work is good. In the past two days I have earned $228. I know I wouldn't of made that at home. I do miss home. More than anyone could ever understand. I haven't had enough time to figure out if the area is something I could do all the time or not yet. And I am not sure if I could live out here for good, but this is already become an experience I will not forget. It is one of those chances in life you take just to know and so you don't end up later in life thinking "what if."

Newest Virginia Resident

Over 20 people are buried in Arlington Cemetery a DAY.

By 2050 the Arlington Cemetery will be full.

A smarttrip card really does get you on every form of transportation available here.

Back during the draft, you could not join if you had flat feet or missing more than 3 teeth.

After flying from Kansas City to North Carolina and then switching planes and landing in Maryland to drive to Arlington, Virginia I am finally here.

Right now I feel like my biggest obstacle is my living conditions. Don't get me wrong, I am very grateful for my room and they are family. But here is the catch. They are my great aunt and uncle that I have never met before. I am excited to learn the history and knowledge of the wars. But afraid of imposing and being a bothersome.

My uncle (Jack) was drafted and in the first platoon that attacked Normandy. He is full of knowledge and history about the Wars and the history of Arlington/Washington D.C.

My aunt well she has been very open, but is also what scares me the most. She has dementia and constantly forgets who or why I am here and repeats a lot of her stories. I feel like I am intruding on her and her house.

Since being here I have officially seen the U.S. Capital, The White House, Lincoln Memorial (but not very much and from a distance), Arlington Cemetery along with the Unknown Soldiers tomb, The Reflection Pool, The Washington Monument and The Smithsonian Castle.

Although I have seen them all I plan on touring them all to gain more information and be able to say I know more instead of just saying I have seem them. Yesterday, my mom and I went to the Arlington Cemetery and we thought we had seen it all. The Unknown Soldiers tomb, changing of the guards and J.F. K grave but once we left we realized there was much more that we did not see. I plan on going back and getting a real tour as well as going back on Memorial Day to see every tomb with an American flag by it.

And it is true... The White House really does have snipers on top!

I have just seen the outside of everything but want to see the insides. Almost everything here is free to tour and since I am here I might as well use my time to tour.

As for work.. I start in a week. Saturday night my mom and I met my boss for dinner. He showed us around the office I will be working in and showed some sample work. I am nervous to start but I know I will learn a lot. With that said, let me explain what I will be doing. I will be working for the Department of Defense Education Activities. This is a government job set up for when families get deployed. Soldiers have the chance to take their families with them and their children have the opportunity to get a U.S. education. The education is provided on-line and their school work follows them. At my job, we film, edit and post on the Internet, talk shows, PSA's, etc to get the students more engaged with the school and to learn more about options and what is going on in the U.S. Each employee rotates jobs so I will be directing, filming and editing while here.

My boss seems super nice and very eager to teach me new things. I will be using top of the line equipment and having a lot of one-on-one time. I will also get the chance to meet high ranking people like Colin Powell and also get a personal tour of the Pentagon.

This morning my mom left to head back home. When I woke up she was gone. We thought that would be easier on me. I had a hard time dealing with her not being here when I woke up. I am now by myself; in a world that I am still not very familiar with, with family I still do not know and still here not knowing anyone else. My mom was my comfort and now she is gone. I have to face this all by myself and start learning how to be on my own more than just gone to college.

I am very afraid of the next 13 weeks, but I know that I will gain a lot of knowledge, experience and memories if I do not shut myself out from the opportunities.

The United States Capital

Arlington Cemetery

The Unknown Soldiers Tomb

The White House (with a sniper on top)

A week before take off

Never have I had a week so packed with tasks that I had to get done. The day after getting home from school I have found myself running ragged trying to get everything accomplished before Friday. I officially have 48 hours before I board my plane. 

The week was full of packing, purchasing and driving.

 I was able to see a majority of my family, on my mom's side, Friday and Saturday at a family dinner. 

Monday, I drove to Research Hospital in Kansas City to see the heart doctor. I had to have an "echo" (like a ultra sound on my heart) done at 11 and then a follow up with the doctor at 2. Everything came back good and I finally got the chance to ask if there was an alternative to taking a pill 3 times a day. The response I got back.... "You can try not to take it." Well I have and all that has gotten me was unconcious on a floor somewhere. After admitting that to the doctor he said there was nothing I could do and that I would remain on the medicine. 

I was kind of expecting that so I wasn't too upset, but it still hurt to hear it. 

Monday night I went out to dinner with my Dad. We went to Pizza Hut and for once in my life I actually heard him say he was proud and excited for me. Usually I just get "that's what you are going to school for" or "why do you want to do that?" Later after coming home I started packing. I filled two suitcases full and then gave up for the night.

Tuesday morning my new phone came in the mail! I am finally up to date and have a touch screen cell phone with internet! <--- and the internet works! I also get free ringtones! Later that day I went to Lee's Summit Hospital for a neurology appointment. For the most part it went well, I received a shot on the right back side of my head to numb nerve damage and relieve headaches. They usually hurt but this time wasn't too bad. After coming home I went out to dinner with my dad (Jerry) and grandma where I said my goodbyes to her. 

Today, I could only sleep for 5 hours at night because of a test that I had at Lee's Summit Hospital. I said a few concerns at the neurologists and she sent me for an EEG. We are now waiting the results. I had to be there at 10 this morning and since I couldn't sleep a lot I wrote my newspaper stories at 7am for the back to school issue. I had to be back at Research Hospital by 1 to meet with the lung doctor. Everything there was fine and he apologized for me not being able to to join the military (I had him talk to the Air Force Recruiter awhile back ago) but said he thinks this is my one opportunity and wished me luck. I came home and did a little shopping for jeans and then went to the bank. After coming home I packed some more and filled another suitcase. 

Things are slowly coming together. Sometimes I think a little too fast!

Tomorrow I have a few things on my agenda. I need to go to the orthodontist to see what I am to do while being gone for 3 months. I am getting my hair cut and my nails done as well. And of course lunch with my Aunt. By the end of the night I hope to have everything all packed and pretty much ready to go. 

Friday, I head to the city and catch my plane at 6pm!

I am still scared to death about what is about to happen. It is hard for me to realize that soon I will wake up to no one i know or have a clue as to where to go. I am very appreciative of the blessings I have received from my family and the "checking in" texts from my friends at school. A person can really tell who their true friends are when your in a life changing moment and they message just to see if you are holding on ok. I can tell through the words and messages that they do care and even if I wanted to back out between them all they will make sure I am there. I couldn't be anymore grateful for their advice and I hope to do my best to make them proud. 

Well it's here and I have to accept it. I'm hanging on, but getting scared. The next time I write I will be a resident of Arlington, Virginia! 

The beginning

Today I decided that I would start a blog. I have never seen myself as a blogger, but with the experience I am about to have I want to share every moment of it. What better way to do so then to write it online, right?

For the next three months I will be living in Arlington, Virginia in the metro working for the Department of Defense. 

Since my sophomore year of high school I have wanted nothing more than to join the military and be one the front line filming or writing about what is going on. I took the ASVAB test my junior year and received a pre-acceptance letter to the Air Force Academy, pending I could meet the physical requirements. 

The summer of my senior year I passed out one day randomly and from there the testing to see what was wrong began. By 6 months I found out I had asthma, nerve damage to my brain from hitting my head on a concrete floor when I passed out and low blood pressure (which causes me to pass out). 

All the doctor's appointments stopped me from attending the academy, but it did not stop me from trying to enlist for active duty.

The key word there is trying... I went on to college at Northwest Missouri State University and the summer after my freshman year I went to the Air Force office to try and enlist. I was immediately told "no" after I said I had asthma. Inhalers are not allowed to be used in boot camp. I struggled with accepting that because never did I need an inhaler. I had to take the asthma test in order for insurance to pay for the heart testing. I was crushed but I never gave up. 

I went back to school for my sophomore year in the fall of 2008. By the end of the semester I had a plan of what I was going to do with my life. I was going to get back in shape all next semester and try to enlist in the Army this summer.

Over Christmas break (2008) I went into the Army office and discussed the possibilities of me enlisting. Everything was looking well. The benefits were nice and the job opportunities were amazing. After about an hour of talking the question about medical problems came up. They were willing to let me slide with having asthma because I knew I could go without an inhaler, but I would have to prove it and was willing to . 

So why am I not enlisted in the Army? I take medicine 3 times a day to keep me from passing out. Boot camp does not allow anyone to take medicine while in boot camp and in order for me to go I would have to go at least 6 weeks without the medicine. Crushed, I was determined to get off the medicine to be able to enlist. 

I would go a few days of not taking it and then I would start getting light headed. I knew I had to take the medicine no matter how much I didn't want to. I tried getting both the asthma and heart doctor to say I didn't have anything wrong with me so I could enlist, but who in their right mind would do that when I obviously do have something wrong. 

The military is all I have ever wanted to do. I usually never give up on anything I want, so after coming back to school I even tried to join ROTC (thinking I could trick the system). They told me "no" as well due to medical reasons. 

I came across the opportunity to submit my resume to the government for internship opportunities. I honestly never thought I would receive offers. I figure I would submit it and never hear anything and was on the edge of giving up after hearing nothing for almost 2 months. 

Unexpected, I received a phone call during spring break from an Army base in Germany. Right after I checked my e-mail that had two more offers and a few weeks later I had two more phone calls. 

I interviewed with the Department of Defense Education Activities in Virgina over the phone during spring break and hadn't heard anything back. I was asked to go to St. Louis, Mo. to work and almost accepted but I turned it down to stay in summer school. The internship wasn't what I truly wanted to do. I would be filing papers most of the time and I really wanted interaction with the government.

The day after I declined St. Louis I received a call from Virginia asking me to join the team for the summer. After a long discussion with my parents and finding a place to stay and money to help out I accepted the position.

On the 8th of May I will be in Virginia and will be working there until the 15th of Aug. I am scared out of mind of what to expect. I am so afraid I won't know what I am doing or I will get lost. I am leaving everything I know (family, friends, life...) to move to where I know I don't know anyone or anything. 

In the 3 weeks I have had to prepare I have thought about not going. It has been an emotional roller coaster. Finally, I have realized that this is my only shot. I can never be enlisted in the Air Force or Army. I can never be on the front line fighting for the country that has provided me so much in life. But I can work for the military by helping the government. I am located just minutes away from the White House and Pentagon. I am not just a tourist.. I am an employee.

This is my one shot and I know I have to take.