terminal reflection: my DC experience

In my life, I’ve spent countless hours in terminals around the world reminiscing of that summer or semester’s great memories. At times, it feels like my life is on constant fast-forward from one summer to another, one terminal to another. So terminals evoke rather bittersweet emotions for me, they remind of the amazing experiences I’ve been so fortunate to have had in my lifetime but also of the multitudes of places and friends I’ve said goodbye to.

So now here I am sitting at the Reagan National Airport terminal waiting yet again for another flight home. Yet as I sit watching people slowly crowd the terminal, it’s difficult to fully realize that my time in Washington, DC is up and that I’m going home.

My summer in DC was outstanding; the city is amazing and the experience was unforgettable. It’s difficult to convey my love for the city to people who haven’t experience it for themselves. To them, my gushing over meeting politicians and visiting historical sites can seem like a fanatical experience quite appropriate for a “power-hungry” city like DC. Rather, I have experienced quite a different city throughout this summer, I have experienced the “historical DC,” the “proud DC,” and the “selfless DC.” Sure, those power-hungry people certainly exist in DC, but the good people have left a much better impression on me. In this city, I remembered the millions of good Americans who have given their life serving this country. In this city, I realized the tremendous impact that a few great leaders have made throughout the course of history. And in this city, I was reminded of the earnest hope and desire a person can have to change this world for the better. Politicians are often written off as sleazy or self-gratifying, but I’ve come to believe that almost every one of these men and women serve because they genuinely want to and can effect positive change for people. Sure, I disagree with many politicians regarding how to best bring about that change, but regardless of their thoughts or political persuasion, I have a tremendous amount of respect for them.

As with every great “experience” I have had in my life, I have considered what it is that I’ve learned during my time in DC. After all, this term experience cannot loosely be attached to any event or period of time, rather, experience requires judgment. Judgment is required to discern what was learned and how I grew, so that my summer in DC is more meaningful than just an event in my lifetime. I’ve learned from this experience the true power of hope and meaning of ambition.

So now I continue to hope. Hope that a Black man can become president. Hope that Asians can be better represented in politics and media. Hope that this world can become a better place. I also continue to strive. Strive to live for more than financial security and power. Strive to live for Christ and on behalf of others.

“There’s nothing wrong with making money, but focusing your life solely on a buck shows a poverty of ambition.” – Barack Obama.

I love DC.

Why do I love DC, you ask? Because only in DC can you be eating dinner at a Chinese restaurant with friends and happen to see Presidential Candidate Congressman Dennis Kucinich walk in with his wife. Last night, seeing him stroll in and take a seat was astonishing for my friends and I, who all happened to be very interested in politics. Of course, being the young, brash aspiring politicians we are, we wanted to say hello but ultimately felt that would be rather rude. Instead we decided to settle for some glimpses of the back of his head en route to the restroom. As we were leaving the restaurant, however, it just so happened that the congressman and his wife had finished their meal as well. And we shook hands with Congressman Kucinich in the hallway.

I also love DC because only in DC can you go to Capitol Hill and meet Presidential Candidate Senator Barack Obama. That’s right, this morning I shook hands and took a photo with Senator Obama, the man I believe should be the next president of the United States. It was extraordinary meeting Obama. He is a man that I have only the utmost respect for, a man that can empower this nation’s young people, and a man that I believe can change this nation for the better. I sincerely believe he is our generation’s JFK and will forever be remembered in history as a great man.

In fact, I believe in Obama so much to the point that I am seriously considering spending the remainder of my summer in New Hampshire interning at his campaign headquarters. I’ll keep you informed. But for now, I’m relishing my last remaining days in DC.

I'll never grow up

Last night I had the most frightening nightmare. No, it didn't involve the bogeyman or me going to school naked... it was much worse. Last night I dreamed that I was bald: friar-like hair, peeling head and everything. My nightmare is just another confirmation of a fear that I've realized since I've begun working in DC... I'm growing up. Here are the telling but unfortunate signs:

1. Late night activities. Throughout the week they are nearly non-existent. Everyday I come home exhausted from work and then spend 4-5 hours vegging and watching tv with my roommates. The highlight of my night is my evening run.
2. Business cards. As a child I was an avid basketball card collector. I would buy, sell, and trade cards of all different athletes. Now business cards are my new passion. In only 2 weeks I've amassed an impressive collection of business cards of all styles and colors; the envy of any resident DC'er.
3. Handkerchief. Yah, I carry a handkerchief around now.
4. Washington Post. I can't seem to make it through the day without reading the paper.

As I continue to age, I appreciate my life as a student more and more. It makes me seriously consider becoming a professor and spending my entire life in school (this of course, would make my mother thrilled). Regardless, I hope that I'll enjoy each and every day of my life now.

I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up
Not me, Not I, Not me! So there!
Never gonna be a man, I won't!
...
'Cause growing up is awfuller
Than all the awful things that ever were.
I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up,
-Peter Pan

holocaust: a rude awakening

It's my first weekend in DC so I decided to hit some major attractions with friends. First, we headed to the Library of Congress, which was absolutely beautiful. It was full of history and little details that made it a really grand place to be.

Then in the afternoon we visited the Holocaust Museum. Needless to say it was quite a powerful experience. Seeing the letters and bunks, hearing the voices and the stories made the Holocaust become so much more real than a school history lesson or a television documentary. I was struck by a deep sense of sadness but also shock, "how could such terrible things have happened to millions of people with so many people standing idly by?"

But as I walked through the museum thinking of how I would have acted differently, how I would have helped, it came to my realization that such treacherous incidents did not end with the 1940's. Holocausts are taking place right now in Darfur and North Korea. The problem today is the same problem as that during the Jewish Holocaust, people don't know or simply don't care.

It's up to us to know, to care, and to do something about it.

"Thou shalt not be a victim. Thou shalt not be a perpetrator. Above all, thou shalt not be a bystander." - The Holocaust Museum