Becoming a political nerd in D.C.

It's time to become a real, bona fide adult. Or maybe this is just practice. This semester I will abandon my life at IU to work and study in Washington, D.C. There are two reasons I chose SPEA's Washington Leadership Program: one, because I know it is a true test of my maturity, and two, because it is a true test of my professionalism. These are not the only reasons, however.\nMy main concern was graduating on time. I had absolutely no direction upon my arrival at IU, and I took my time deciding on a major. I finally decided on policy analysis, diving into the interesting subjects and really enjoying my classes. \nDespite the belief that SPEA is a walk in the park compared with other majors, I was working pretty hard. So when all of my friends and roommates decided they were going abroad, I knew I couldn't stick around Bloomington all by myself. I searched high and low for programs that worked with my major and would allow me to graduate on time.\nI pretend to speak French fluently, so although my main focus was on programs in France and French-speaking countries, that idea turned out to be a lost cause. Because I was doing some soul searching freshman and sophomore year and had declared a major at the latest date possible, I couldn't really do any of the programs and graduate on time, and I didn't think my parents wanted to keep paying for my undergraduate education until I turn 25. So when I heard about WLP in one of my classes, I knew it was a perfect fit. I could continue my policy classes, earn a six-credit internship and live in D.C. as a political nerd.\nNow I am preparing to work from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. four days a week at the U.S. Department of State. I will be taking two classes with the expectation of an active social life. My real goal is to have lunch with Condoleezza Rice and try to respect the Bush administration. We will see how that one works out. I must confess that there are so many things I am looking forward to other than my job. I am excited to take the Metro to DuPont Circle, one of my favorite places in D.C. and to have some Cosi coffee (it's better than Starbucks). I can't wait to wear my new suits with my fabulous black heels -- I love to play dress-up, and "professional woman" is my favorite role to play.\nThere are so many things in D.C. I have yet to discover. I will be living there for a weeks before my classes and job start, so when you are reading this, I will be taking the Metro around D.C. trying to find new adventures. Farewell Bloomington, I will miss you and Little 5. I will really miss my close friends and our fabulous apartment and my boyfriend, Ari. I know I can always go home, but I am just so ready for D.C.