Wow. Time has definitely gotten away from me. I have already been out here for almost two months! The summer has been extremely busy, but I can’t say that I would change any of it.
I am doing the same internship that I did last summer, in the Communications Office at DoDEA HQ. I have been busy from day one, but it is still a great experience and I am learning so much. My big project while here is to create a website for new hires to gain information and training materials. Some of the process seems over my head when it comes to coding, but I think it’s coming a long pretty well. Our goal is to have it complete by the time I leave. I have also gotten the chance to experience a little public affairs work. I am writing content for our annual report as well as our Back to School guide for parents. The other day, the interns were sent out in the field to shoot some b-roll of a former DoDEA student who is now attending George Washington University. I was great to put my camera skills to work and our end product was sent to our office in Okinawa to be used. Lately, I have been doing a lot of video editing for a project that the Communications department is taking to the World Wide Administration Conference. It’s amazing to be part of something so big and watch it come together. All of these tasks have taught me a lot through the process, which was my ultimate goal—learn as much as you can. Oh, and I personally met the Acting Deputy under the Secretary of Defense! Second goal, meet as many people/connections as you can.
As for sightseeing—well I haven’t done much yet. Summer school started about two weeks after I got out here. I decided this summer I would take two online classes while working. I knew it would be a struggle, but I was up for the challenge. My Communication Law class has really fascinated me. I have learned so much from and all along I was afraid I would be clueless! I am also taking an Editing class. Between working, online discussions, papers, assignments, quizzes and tests—I haven’t had much time to do much. But, the classes are wrapping up now and I must say I don’t know what I will do with all my free time once it’s over.
And then there is the apartment. I can honestly say I am enjoying the summer so much more by having my own apartment. The place is actually quite nice. I can cook when I want (usually microwavable things unless it’s Mac & Cheese or spaghetti), go to bed when I feel like it and the location is pretty convenient. I usually walk to the grocery store, Target or Old Navy and pending on what I get, I time it with the bus schedule so I am done just in time to catch the bus home. So far, it’s working pretty well. Right behind my building is a community center. I learned that they had a free weight room and gym if you lived in the neighborhood. Although I was given 90 free at the YMCA, it was about 2 miles away and I have to plan my workouts with the bus schedule. With the community center I just walk out the back door and I am there. It’s kind of nice and not bad for being free!
I got to go home last weekend. It was my sister’s “couples shower” that I wasn’t technically invited too because she didn’t want me to feel obligated to come home for it. So, being the Maid of Honor, I decided to surprise her. I booked a flight and came home for the weekend. Of course she called when I was about five minutes from home. She wanted to know what I was doing—so I fibbed and said, “just getting off work.” Yeah, she fell for it. So after Toy Story 3 in 3D on Friday night, we went to her shower on Saturday. We got there before her and her fiancé. My parents bolted from the car in order to keep me hidden. Surprisingly it worked. About 10 minutes later my Mom came to get me, and of course my sister had to follow. Once she finally sent her away I followed my mom into the house. My sister finally saw me and she was shocked! I think that is the only time in her life she has never caught on to something… besides her proposal. Of course, her fiancé was excited as well. Both confused to how I got there, but so glad I could be apart of the evening.
I returned back to D.C. on Sunday. I have about two and a half weeks of work and then I fly home again for the wedding. This event has come a lot faster than I ever imagined, but I can’t wait to be there and see my family again.
I wasn’t too sad about leaving home and coming back out here after the weekend, but as the week has went on I have slowly noticed myself getting homesick. I know I am putting a lot of pressure on myself going into the final days of summer school so I suspect things’ changing once that is complete.
But, for now, I am enjoying this amazing opportunity that I was given again and am very excited about things to come.
