I graduated from UT on Saturday, and landed in Washington DC on Sunday!

After arriving at BWI airport in Baltimore, I successfully navigated my way to Capitol Hill using the Metro (how I've missed public transit!). I thought that after a full day of travelling, which began in Austin, TX this morning at 4:00am, I would arrive at the house ready to crash. But of course, the first thing I did after setting down my bags was head out the door. 


It was a good thing, too. Like any new place, I needed time to get a feel for the neighborhood. Here on Capitol Hill, I was suprised to see so many families outside, on the sidewalk, in the parks, and at the historical Eastern Market. Hardly a reflection of what must be a very busy part of town during most days of the week. And it is a neighborhood: I think one of the most suprising things yet about DC is that I do not see skyscrapers or shoebox apartments rising above the sidewalks; it doesn't have the look of a typical city. Then again, I probably have much more to see.

Today begins the first day of the Public Leadership Education Network's Seminar on International Policy. The turn-around time in finding out about the conference and PLEN's mission - to prepare college women for leadership in public policy - was just a few short weeks. Finding out that I'd received the scholarship was well-needed news amidst the last push of studying for final exams. In actually making this trip possible, I have all my thanks to give to the women involved in the INSPIRE program in the Women and Gender Studies Department as well as the College of Natural Sciences at UT for their support. I feel very lucky to be here!

After successfully carrying out a blog during my time in Argentina, I thought I would continue the tradition here in DC so that you all could share in my experiences. It's going to be a good week! I have much to learn.