National Air and Space Museum

After exams ended, some friends of mine who were graduating and leaving the DC area in a few short weeks really wanted to experience the National Air and Space Museum over by Dulles Airport. They had been to the one located on the National Mall since it is located so close to us, but they really wanted to see the new edition of the Space Shuttle Discovery that was just flown across the country a few weeks earlier to the Dulles location. So, we borrowed my sister's car and drove over there, since you cannot metro over there. You might be able to bus over there or find another way, but I am not sure (I have only every driven there).

The museum is actually called the Steven F. Udvar-Hazy Center and according to the website was "named in honor of its major donor, and features the large Boeing Aviation Hangar in which aircraft are displayed on three levels. Visitors can walk among aircraft and small artifacts in display cases located on the floor, and view aircraft hanging from the arched ceiling on elevated skywalks. Many engines, helicopters, ultra-lights, and experimental flying machines are on display in a museum setting for the first time. Among the aviation artifacts on display are the Lockheed SR-71 Blackbird, the fastest jet in the world; the Boeing Dash 80, the prototype of the 707; the Boeing B-29 Superfortress Enola Gay; and the deHavilland Chipmunk aerobatic airplane."

I have been there a few times previously and each time I find it completely fascinating. It is very easy to spend several hours just walking around mesmerized by the beautiful planes and learning about ones you know nothing about. It is quite a large facility as it is actually a full sized aviation hanger, complete with a separate wing for space aircrafts and a restoration area. There is also an IMAX located within, which shows a variety of films related to aircraft and space, including one about NAVY fighter pilots.

If you are in the area, have the transportation, and have a few hours to spend, I would definitely recommend visiting this museum. Here is their website if you want more information: http://airandspace.si.edu/udvarhazy/

For your enjoyment, I have plenty of pictures!

My favorite, the F-14 Tomcat

another view

an old Army medevac hellicopter

the newest edition to the museum, the Space Shuttle Discovery

the restoration area

Feel free to email me with any questions! cbgraf@gwmail.gwu.edu

-Christie

Lesson #010: "See you at CI!"

Fun fact: This is the CI logo. What is it, you ask? One hint is that it is not a G and a W, as some have speculated. Ask your small group leader when you come to Colonial Inauguration.

Lesson #010: "See you at CI!"

Hey, buff and blue Colonials! In case you’ve been wondering where I’ve been, I’ll tell you: I’ve been at Colonial Inauguration (@GWCI on Twitter)! Let’s back up a little bit…

At some universities, mom and dad pull up in their minivan three days before classes and drop off their students, at which point students are forced to sit in auditoriums and classrooms, learning about university services. Boring, right? I concur. At GW, we have our own brand of orientation and it is called Colonial Inauguration or CI.

Dozens and dozens of professional staffers and student staffers work for over a half year to put the pieces in place for a 2 ½ day spectacular. Chris Kim and Lauren Cattano, the 2012 CIHQ (Colonial Inauguration Headquarters) team, could better explain what it’s all about!

Colonial Inauguration is not only for students but also for the whole family. The siblings program is an opportunity for Future Colonials to get to know the place their older sibling will be living for the next 4 years (in fact, it is so impactful that about 10% of the Class of 2016 is made up of siblings of previous Colonials!). Parents also have an opportunity to get in on the action and learn to adjust to their child going to college, not only for their own purposes but so that they can be there as a resource for the student they are shipping off to a city that could very well be an eerie place had GW not had this orientation every summer.

In working with the Office of Parent Services, I get to witness the wide-eyed parents, students, and siblings as the Colonial Cabinet, CI Staffers, CIHQ, and administration “perform” an award-winning orientation. I can see the excitement in their faces! Even still, I will never forget my own CI experience back in 2010 with my group leader Aubrey, who actually inspired me to minor in creative writing! At CI, students gain resources, knowledge, and friends. I know this first-hand and, honestly, wouldn’t trade that experience for the world.

If you are a member of the class of 2016, be sure to look out for Alyse, who is one of our wonderful admissions bloggers and an excellent addition to the thirty-four member Colonial Cabinet. If you still have yet to come to GW, I don’t want to spoil all of the surprises, but, if you visit www.ci.gwu.edu, you can see for yourself just what CI has in store!

We’ll see you at CI!

Sincerely,

Matt

mtscott@gwu.edu

#Summer2012

Hey y'all

This past week on Monday I began my marketing internship at GlobalGiving. With a mission that "catalyzes a global market for ideas, information, and money that democratizes aid and philanthropy" I know I can feel good about my work everyday. At our downtown DC office I'll be posting to Facebook, Tweeting, and blogging for our project leaders while also learning more about the interntional development sector. The work enviornment has been fantastic so far with 17 other interns, ice cream socials, and free t-shirts! I'll make a special photo post about the GG office soon.
My job this summer is in the GW School of Business as an Admissions Assistant for MBA Programs. With nearly 3 years of experience in the Office of Undergraduate Admissons it's a very different experience now working with graduate students. This offers a new perspective on the University and has provided me with a great insight into what it takes to be a successful candidate for grad school.

While I do have my days planned 9-5 Monday through Friday I'm pysched to be spending my time in our nation's capital! I'll be able to explore the city more freely knowing that I don't have essays or reading to be done. And with all the interns coming from across the country it's great to meet new people who are doing amazing things at other schools. But most importantly the most energy will be coming in three day spurts from all the CIs! This time of year is always special as our next class of eager Colonials learn what G dubs is all about while also experiencing the mass volume of free food that is GW. I'll take some pictures of the CI session 1 that is this week to show y'all what it's like!


All the best,
Oscar
@myworthynotes | oscarn@gwmail.gwu.edu 

Paddleboating in the Tidal Basin

A few weeks before school ended, two of my friends and I were able to cross off an item from our spring semester bucket list: paddleboating on the Tidal Basin! We came across them when we were taking in all of the cherry blossoms and wanted to do it then, but they were closing for the evening. So, we decided to come back another day, but life kept getting in the way. It took a month, but we finally found the time on a beautiful Sunday afternoon to head down there and finally do it. It was a lot of fun! Tiring of course (they rent them out by the hour), but so much fun. Since there were 3 of us, we had to take a 4 person boat. From in the Tidal Basin we had the perfect view to take in the scenic sights of the surrounding monuments. If you are in the area and have time, I would definitely recommend checking this out. Here is the website for more information: http://www.tidalbasinpaddleboats.com/

And, like always, I have pictures of the outing!



Washington Monument

Me in front of the Jefferson Memorial

Oh no, she's "falling in"

taking a much needed paddle break

On another note, I am staying in DC all summer, interning, taking classes, and exploring the city, so I’ll keep you guys up to date on what I’m up to over the next few months!

Feel free to email me with any questions! cbgraf@gwmail.gwu.edu

-Christie