Today, as most weekdays in DC, I walked to the bus stop, rode to Union Station, got off and walked to the CNN building where the offices of the National Disabilities Rights Network are. I entered the building, showed my ID to the security guard and rode the elevator up to the 7th floor. This will be the last time that I do so for this stay in DC. I am filled with bittersweet feelings of excitement to get home to Arizona to be with friends and family, and sadness to say goodbye to the people of Washington, DC that I have come to love.
Washington, DC is a place, like so many, full of people who spend their time working for the government, businesses, research institutions, universities, restaurants, public transportation, and so much more. It's no longer this mysterious place where people live to make decisions that affect ordinary lives, who don't care about the common woman and man. While decisions made here do affect so many of us, I have a deep respect for those who walk to work daily to advocate on behalf of common people. NDRN is one such place. I want to express my appreciation to NDRN for the opportunity to intern this semester with them. I have learned so much about our government, public policy, national advocacy, leadership, and commitment. NDRN is committed to their membership and puts their whole heart into making sure that nothing threatens the ability of state Protection and Advocacy Centers to work on behalf of those with disabilities across our nation. This sounds simple but it is anything but that. I marvel at the willingness to plug away day after day speaking to politicians, attorneys, coalitions of non-profit disability and civil rights organizations, while monitoring legislation, supporting their membership, and educating the public at large on the issues that individuals with disabilities face. Thank you NDRN for the work you do every day, and for allowing me to join your world for a season. I will stay in touch!
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Bar none, the highlight of my stay in DC was when my little sister, Margaret, came for a visit the week before Thanksgiving. Margaret lives in the DFW area in Texas and I haven't been able to spend quality time with her in years. Having her all to myself for four days was a special treat.
We visited the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the National World War II Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Women's Memorial, the Library of Congress, the Capital, and the J. Edgar Hoover FBI building. We spent time shopping, having lunch, and enjoying happy hour. This was a much needed boost over the holiday and my birthday since I would not be able to go home. Coming to Washington, DC has been a dream come true. Career path aside, being able to intern at a national advocacy organization for individuals with disabilities has been the ultimate way to experience DC. When I arrived in DC back in August, I wanted to explore if I could see myself living in DC, nail down a specific direction for post-graduation, and build a network of professional contacts. While I don't have all of the answers for the future, I have accomplished most of what I came here for.
I most definitely made friends and professional contacts that will last a life time. Living here has helped me to see that I could live in Washington, DC if the right opportunity came along. Amazingly, I can even make it without a car! Most opportunities in DC will require a Masters degree so I know that I do want to go to graduate school, but I am still determining where, when, and how. The only downside of being in DC this semester has been being away from friends and family. I would have loved to of been able to share this experience with my children. They would enjoy so much exploring this amazing city. My hope is that I can come back sometime and enjoy sharing the rich history of this city. I also like the idea of humanizing government and politics. That has been another benefit of visiting this city. |
Daphne ThompsonPursuing a Bachelor Degree in Public Services and Policy, Daphne is starting her senior year this fall. Archives
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