As many of you know by now, this summer was my first time in DC (I missed out on the infamous 8th grade trip). I must admit… I always envisioned our nation’s capital as a strictly professional environment, filled with white upper-class Americans. Upon entering the city for the first time for my summer internship, my preconceived notions were quickly shattered. It is also a culturally diverse community, with a noticeable heterogeneity, far from what I had expected.
I visited a vast range of places in the duration of my time in DC, from Georgetown to Adams Morgan to Chinatown & all the national landmarks. We lived right across the street from Capitol Hill!
I visited a vast range of places in the duration of my time in DC, from Georgetown to Adams Morgan to Chinatown & all the national landmarks. We lived right across the street from Capitol Hill!
On my first of many commutes on DC’s public transportation system, the metro, I noticed a difference between Corporate America versus the urban natives versus the tourists. The many interns and business professionals were dressed immaculately, with a laptop briefcase slung over the shoulder, busy pounding away at their Blackberry’s. The tourists were easily spotted with their puzzled looks, maps stretched out, and fanny packs abound. The DC inhabitants, who weren’t on their way to a 20-story high-rise to report to work, were predominantly black, with stained clothes and unkempt hair. As I write this, I am realizing, I could be completely wrong, categorizing these people into groups solely based on appearance and demeanor, which is a tragedy in itself.
If the measure of a city’s diversity can be found in its food, music, and art, then Washington DC is one of the most diverse cities on the globe, not simply the tourist location and political playground I had imagined. The cultural diversity of DC is astounding, consisting of thousands of people from every walk of life, mirroring that of the greater country. This is what makes the city truly thrive. You must learn to embrace these differences by getting to know people from a wide variety of backgrounds, rather than living in the ignorant insularity of those uninterested in cultures and ideas outside of their own experience. Everyone has something unique to bring to this world, and I think that is what makes life so interesting. I believe we can learn a whole lot from each other. I leave here with a renewed sense of life. So’long for now DC, I’ll surely be back<3
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I used to follow a few bloggers who lived in DC and saw all the neat places in and around the city they went to. Very cool. I’d like to visit there sometime; I’ve only ever had a layover there.
I had an amazing summer there! I would highly reccomend it! it was nice not having to feel like a “tourist” 🙂
A little late on this, but I spent my summer in DC interning as well! It was a wonderful experience for me and I definitely want to return again someday.