Time Flies

Two years ago I started my semester in D.C. (It's actually just a bit over that, but it was on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.) In that time, I have accomplished a lot and have become, mostly, an adult. The past two years have been crazy--from being in D.C. to going back to Augie to graduating to coming to York. I'm not sure what I'm doing after this year, but I am sure that I wouldn't be here now if I hadn't done LCWS (Lutheran College Washington Semester, fyi).

My time with the Navy taught me about archives and how funding issues aren't limited to small, local historical societies. My time with my flatmates taught me how to live with other people, how to cook for myself, and how to, basically, be an adult. My classes showed me the benefit of going to Augie and working hard. The people I met were great and it is to them that I owe a lot.

While in D.C., we were asked why we did LCWS instead of a different study abroad program. One woman said, that LCWS offered an internship and a way to gain experience, when other programs would mostly be about having fun in Europe. Don't get me wrong, I like England and it's fun to be here. But, practical experience is a big part of my choice to do both LCWS and my program here at York.

One of the biggest effects of my time in D.C. was that it showed me I could leave home. Growing up, I wanted to stay at home for college. Eventually, though, I changed my mind and traveled all the way to South Dakota. Not that far, especially with frequent trips home for breaks. Going to D.C. was almost crazy for me, despite the fact I knew I had to get away from the Midwest for at least a little bit. My four months there were amazing. Without that experience, I probably wouldn't have traveled halfway across the world for a year. For the first few weeks, whenever people here would find out I'm not going home till September, they would be impressed. It is moderately impressive, but doesn't everybody leave home eventually? I mean, I was going to have to go at some point, why not make it far away for a long time?

Anyway, back to LCWS and how it changed my life. Other than some disappointment at my cinema class, I truly enjoyed my classes (not a new feeling). The workload was similar to Augie, but some of the other students thought it was hard. That, to me, was the true Augie Advantage; an advantage I am still benefiting from. The workload here is harder than at Augie, but only as much as I'd expected. (I feel like I might be surprised at the workload while I write my dissertation, so, perhaps I won't make a final declaration just yet.) My D.C. classes also ignited a passion of the Supreme Court and its history, and to a greater extent law in general. How the Supreme Court and law affect people, past and present, has become a pastime and a way for me to become involved in current affairs.

A brief York update: spring term is going well. I continue to enjoy my World War I research and my class, most of the time. My big goal is determining my dissertation topic, soon. I am intrigued by exhibit design and presentation, especially when the topic is complex on many levels. We'll see.

Two pictures:

Me with a moon thing at the Air and Space Museum in D.C. two years ago.

Me with Big Ben in London over break.

That's all for now!