I suppose it is appropriate to finish this blog the way I started, counting down the time till I catch a plane, only this time where I am going is not new and scary, it's home. That saying, home is where the heart is, now comes to mind. While my parents and quite a few relatives keep me somewhat rooted in New Hampshire, I am definitely leaving some heart in DC. I came here 10 weeks ago simply with the expectation to learn and experience, and now I can leave knowing I did both to the fullest. While not all my experiences have been positive, the good definitely out weigh the bad.
I was sincerely sad to leave work today. Despite the occasional mind numbing day, I loved my job and I loved walking in the big metal doors every morning under the sign United State Environmental Protection Agency. Have I made a difference and saved the planet? I wouldn't say that, but I learned a lot about policy, politics, and moreover what I want the next step in my life to be. I was saddened to hug goodbye the people I have learned so much from and spent many hours just chatting with about our lives and aspirations, who knew people in their 40's still had goals to fulfill!! I feel like I really landed an amazing internship with some of the smartest and nicest people I intend to return to EPA in January unless I land something on the hill, but I can definitely see myself at EPA again.
I have fallen in love with the city itself. As I walked from Jimmy's place to work this morning (about 30 min walk) I found myself captivated and saddened by the tree lined streets with the endless array of row houses that I will soon leave. While the monuments and the enormous federal buildings complete the city on their own, the little streets and sea of brick homes are what made me fall in love. So despite my NH roots, I can definitely see myself down here permanently.
The thing I am most sad to leave is the people. I came to DC knowing not a single person and now I leave with a handful of amazing friends. It's funny how in a city so big with so many people and personalities, I wound up making amazing friends who are a lot like me...or perhaps I am a lot like them! I have laughed so much this summer....luckily not enough to spit out my soda onto the floor of logan tavern....I left that up to Jimmy. While my liver is either going to be stronger or burnt out after this summer, I wouldn't trade the late nights at the bar or watching real housewives for anything.
SO in 14hrs I will board my flight back to New Hampshire to spend some time with the family, catch up with friends, do some woodworking, rehab the sailboat, get back to the gym, and make some memories finishing my last semester. I have had an amazing time in DC, and the thanks goes to my friends for making it so. So as they say it's not goodbye, just see ya later.
-Ross-
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)