Time flies. It doesn’t really matter if you are having fun or watching paint dry. Time just flies…especially on the weekends. I can’t even remember what a weekend feels like, which is probably because there is always football to be watched, sites to be seen and fun to be had. These past two weekends, I have had friends from out of town visiting…and I love them both for spending the money and taking the time to visit and I wanted to make sure that they have a good time while they are here – but that takes a lot of E-F-F-O-R-T. I believe they both had a good time (not like they would tell me if they didn’t) and it was a good break from the usual…oh wait, nothing about the past two months has been “usual”. I have never had to be as flexible as I have been while in DC - I am a planner and if something doesn’t give, well it is pretty much like my very own emotional and mental WWIII. But I have survived and I sent my friends back to their loved ones in one piece. We did Washington right and did so with high marks – TENS across the board (even from the Russian judge). So, my social life and experience in DC is amazing…but different. DC (socially, politically, environmentally, professionally...) is vastly different from Boston and Fort Worth, therefore adapting to a completely the different environment has been difficult. Additionally, I have never work 36 hours, taken two 3-hour night classes, participated in TWC programming, attended galas and events, attempted to see the sites, museums and surrounding area. All in four months. So I am in uncharted territory, mentally, physically and emotionally. The environment is different, as is my daily routine as is my lifestyle. The “go, go, go” mentality, combined with “work hard, play hard” philosophy matched with an overall lack of time – life is different, challenging and exhausting. But fun. ;)


So I am keeping my head above water in regards to my personal life, what about my professional experience here in DC? Working for Tricom has been a blessing, especially compared to what I hear other students are doing. But even before I had talked to anyone, I knew this internship was exactly what I wanted it to be: a stepping-stone into my professional career. I do not feel like an intern, I feel like a contributor. This internship has been the most successful relationship I have ever had and I hope it is a mutually satisfying one. I am learning, developing and perfecting skills and techniques that I will need for the rest of my career, while positively contributing to Tricom’s reputation and work ethic (with the exception of the whole carrying case glitch – epic failure. I will now quadruple check everything before I hit order). The most challenging and satisfying part of my job is when I get three or more projects all at the same time. I feel the pressure. I experience the thrill of working within a deadline. I like being busy, and there is always so much going on in this PR firm (i.e. if I got a dollar every time I heard Scott say "I have been talking to some new clients" - well, it would be like I has getting paid for this internship...) – I am never bored.

Highlights include: helping with the EWA interviews (which I will get to do again in a few weeks!), attending a National Public Lands Day site event (where the sweetest girl scout said “I Barack Obama, hereby proclaim…” – oh goodness, you had to be there!) and making media calls (no, I am not crazy – I love calling people and convincing them that I have the BEST story E-V-E-R).

I haven’t run into any problems at the office in regards to professionalism – everyone is supportive, complimentary and caring. Additionally, my objectives and ultimate goals for this experience have already been met and exceeded. I look forward to perfecting my skills and taking the public relations professional world by storm in eight months (give or take a trip to Europe). I am keeping my head above water (professionally and socially), while enjoying the calmer/quieter moments – I can’t ask for anything more.