A Summer in Washington, D.C.

Politics, journalism and shopping. My three favorite things. Fortunately, I spent a month of my summer in D.C. and got to experience all three in the best way possible.

From July 1- July 14, I stayed on campus at American University and drowned myself in the world of journalism and communications. I took 2 courses: Professional News writing and Advanced Video Production.

In my news writing class, we were taught by a former writer for USA Today and even got to take a field trip to the HQ in Virginia to see the process of creating a newspaper.

In my video production class, myself and 8 other students created separate documentaries for the Smithsonian Museum on the Big Bang. While doing so, I interviewed an astrophysicist from NASA.

Besides from just work, I was able to meet friends that shared the same interests as I did. We got to go to the Eastern Market to shop for handmade jewelry and crafts and got to experience different cultures through food and local music festivals.

After the journalism program, I spent the other 2 weeks at George Washington University, taking part in a community service and politics based program through BBYO, a jewish youth group.

The first day of our program, we went out to a local park and spoke to homeless people and shared some items with them, such as socks. Hearing their stories was enlightening and definitely changed the perspective we took toward homelessness. One of the most interesting things we learned was that even if you don't have any spare change, just a smile or a greeting can brighten up anyones day.

Another aspect of the program was working at a service site. My service sight was called Bright Beginnings, which is a free daycare center for homeless children. The children were not only happy and cheerful, but they were kind and innocent- just like any other child you may meet.

The next part of the program was lobbying our senators. The group of Florida kids, about 10 of us, went to meet with Senator Marco Rubio's Legislative Correspondent. I chose to speak about the Cut, Cap and Balance Act, which ended up being dropped in Congress the following day.

Overall, my summer in D.C. encompassed my favorite things. I was able to learn a lot about homelessness, journalism, poverty, politics, culture and especially myself- as I was able to meet new people and share new experiences.

Reel Big Fish Concert- January 20, 2011

Hey Guys!

Tonight was an event composed of rowdy crowds, crazy people and lots of loud music. Although it's not the experience I am used to- I loved it. The energy that each of the four bands brought fourth was incredible to say the least.

First, Koo Koo Kanga Roo, which I have to admit is a new favorite of mine, came out playing a song which sounded something like a "rock'n' roll" alphabet. With the 4 members of the band wearing matching black sweatsuits, they were adorable! The crowd loved them even more when they threw out a huge circular rainbow pad which blanketed the crowd. Koo Koo Kanga Roo's take on child's music made for a time of dancing, screaming and jumping.

Next up was Suburban Legends. While they were both loud energetic, the songs were slower than Koo Koo Kanga Roo's which downed the overall mood. With that said, most of the crowd had no problem slamming themselves into each other and screaming on the top of their lungs.

After a bit of a break, the favored Aquabats took the stage upon all fans flashing up their Aquabats hand sign. Wearing matching purple spandex shirts and black shorts with grey belts, the Aquabats made the fans wild. At this time, I decided I needed to escape the madness in the center of the pit.

After much, much anticipation, Reel Big Fish took the stage. Aaron Barrett, lead singer, took the stage in a colorful Hawaiian shirt and sported his famous sideburns. Standing from up above, it was clear to see how pumped up the crowd was over RBF. The energy they brought to the stage was incredible and made me want to dance!

Oh, and before that I got to sit down and talk to a few members of RBF, but to read that, you guys will have to stick around and wait for the great answers they gave us. Let's just say that we spoke about babies and Hannah Montana came up. It was very interesting.

( Pictures coming later, too!)

Overall, Koo Koo Kanga Roo and Reel Big Fish were my two favorites, and I think the crowd's favorites as well. All the bands brought energy to the stage and left a mark in my mind. For anyone who is considering seeing any of these bands in the future, I give you two pieces of very helpful advice: 1- Wear closed toe shoes, 2- Prepare to dance and have an AMAZING time- singing and screaming AND dancing!

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