Summertime in DC

Summer is almost over.. but not quite! I am planning to really take advantage of the last few days of summer before school starts in 2 weeks. Because I have been here over the summer enjoying the heat and the humidity, I’ve tried to get out to see things that I normally can’t get off campus to do.

Some of the highlights:

I have been to several Nationals games this summer that have been really fun- not only are they cheap with your student ID card (the $10 tickets become half off!), but there are plenty of fun things that have also happened near the Nats stadium. I went to a Food Truck Fiesta at the fairgrounds, and this weekend I’m going to a concert after the Nats game Saturday night. It’s easy to get to on metro and a blast! They even sell $5 hats outside so that you can really look like a true Washingtonian.

I have started to explore the culinary streets of DC, starting with Oohs and Ahhs on U Street. This restaurant combines soul food with Southern flair to leave you with a full belly and a happy soul. Along with 5 friends, we managed to try the baked chicken, mac and cheese, collard greens, green beans, fried catfish, grits, sweet tea, and homemade lemonade. Everything was delicious- I recommend asking for half sweet tea half lemonade for a delicious summer drink. I have also been to new restaurants, like Alero and Grillfish, as well as stopping by my favorite joints, Lauriol Plaza for example.

Working right near the Capitol has also allowed me to get out to the museums after work. Jazz in the Sculpture gardens, the Air and Space Museum, and the Botanic Garden for example. The Botanic Garden is my new favorite spot in DC and I recommend it to anyone, even if you are just visiting! As you approach the Capitol from the mall, walk up the right hand side on the block before the Capitol and stop into the Botanic Gardens. You can sit and eat your lunch at the First Lady Fountain, or check out the Hawaii room. They have so many different species of plants it's ridiculous.

And finally being 21, I’ve tried some fun bars. Bier Baron was a stopping point last night for my friend Emma’s birthday, as she is a beer lover who spent her time abroad in Amsterdam. They have over 500 bottled/canned beers, along with around 20 nice options on tap. For $5-$9 beers, I was quite happy to try a new beer and sit around at their cozy wooden tables. They also have a 5-7 PM happy hour special where you can get a draft beer and a burger for $10! They do card right at the entrance because you have to be 21 to go into the tavern, so it’s not an option unless you are of-age.

I’ve also made it my goal to explore more during the school year- hopefully I’ll have the time during my senior year to really take advantage of this city before I begin in the working world.

Happy Wednesday night everyone!

- Marisa

Lesson #008: Internships and job opportunities can very well be the spice of life.

Lesson #008: Internships and job opportunities can very well be the spice of life.

Interning experiences come in all shapes and sizes.

Finals have come to an end. Commencement on the National Mall (Brian Williams, famous for his roles as a journalist and for his frequent cameos on 30 Rock) was less than 24 hours ago. Freshmen, sophomores, and juniors have largely filed out in preparation for summer vacations laden with sand, sleep, and sun, while seniors are putting their final preparations on a little thing called “life” as they ready themselves to “leave the nest” of GW’s campuses and classrooms. Meanwhile, scores of individuals in suits file into Foggy Bottom.

There is a stereotype about GW students that they can leave their residence halls in business attire and not stand out. While this is not entirely true, it does speak to the fact that GW students are the ones “suiting up” to take advantage of the opportunities DC and the GW network have to offer. GW’s career centers deserve a ton of credit for providing hundreds of opportunities to students from thousands of employers. On the other hand, GW is in a place that makes professional growth readily possible and is quick to establish those “links for life” for students, bridging any gaps between the University and the District, as well as the world community.

Non-Colonials also take advantage of these opportunities by coming to GW and DC during the summer. For these past few days, I have heard more about summer internships than ever before. From Capitol Hill to U Street and from the Pentagon to the White House, visitors are taking advantage of opportunities that GW students have year-round. I, for one, will continue my internship at an organizational by the name of No Labels (@NoLabelsOrg). Interestingly enough, through GWork (our online professional network), the organization found me--- and I love it there so much that I don’t plan on leaving anytime soon!

This picture was posted on the No Labels Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/NoLabels) for 184,000+ people to see. Obviously, I was ecstatic! On this day in particular, me and another intern went door-to-door, telling everyone about No Labels and the available internship opportunities.

In my internship, similar to the experiences of countless other Colonials, it is not about coffee runs and making copies. It’s about getting life experience as well as professional experience and growing from that—as you get to see your contributions make a difference. During our fall, spring, and summer sessions, we Colonials can take advantage of the District of Columbia (and we do!). In general, the vast majority of GW students do! In fact, I have met someone who has had 9 internships in her four years here! Live a little!

The No Labels team of staff and interns!

Looking to kickstart your career or just test the waters in a field you are considering for a career? At GW, look no further than the businesses and organization surrounding you in the beautiful capital city! You'll come out of it with great experience as well as fantastic friends and endless memories that you will never forget.

Stay Spirited,

Matt

mtscott@gwu.edu