Living and working in Washington, D.C. this summer has been one of the most exciting experiences I have had so far. Being in the nation’s capital has given me access to so many museums, gardens, monuments, and cultural spaces that I would not normally be able to visit in one place. I have taken full advantage of that and made it a goal to explore as much of the city as possible during my time here, using a to-do list. While my internship has been a major focus, these personal experiences have added just as much meaning to my summer.
I have always considered myself someone who genuinely enjoys museums. I love looking at art, especially paintings that show landscapes, scenes from nature, or historical moments. Some of my favorite types of art are Renaissance pieces, African art, and works that focus on Native Americans and the geography of the United States. I enjoy studying how artists capture both people and places, and how their work reflects different time periods or cultural meanings. Being able to see these works up close instead of through a screen or textbook has been amazing.
One of my favorite places so far has been the National Gallery of Art. I spent hours walking through different galleries, and I found myself especially drawn to paintings of nature and geographic scenes. I love seeing the way artists represent mountains, rivers, and landscapes from different parts of the world. I also appreciated the quiet atmosphere that allowed me to take my time and really connect with the work in front of me. I went back a few times and noticed something new with each visit.
Another highlight was visiting the National Museum of Natural History. Seeing the giant fossils, gemstones, and exhibits about the ocean made me feel like a kid again in the best way. It reminded me how much I enjoy learning when it is interactive and visual. I also enjoyed the Botanic Garden, which gave me a moment to relax and appreciate nature in the middle of the city. Walking through different ecosystems and seeing so many types of plants was peaceful and helped me reset after busy days on the Hill.
The National Portrait Gallery stood out to me as well. While the presidential portraits were impressive, I found myself more interested in the individuals who were not as well known but still had a major impact on American history. Reading their stories and seeing how artists chose to represent them made me reflect on what it means to leave a legacy. It also made me think more personally about the kind of impact I want to have in my own career.
This experience has helped me realize that community is not only about where you are from. It can also be about shared values, interests, and experiences. Being in D.C., I have met people who are passionate about service, learning, and public policy. Even brief conversations with other interns or visitors have reminded me that so many of us are here with a purpose. That has made me feel like I belong to something bigger than myself.
I have always understood that community is not just about where you are from or who you already know. It can also be formed through shared values, meaningful experiences, and being present with others. Spending time in Washington, D.C. has allowed me to see that idea come to life. Through visiting museums, walking through the Botanic Garden, and connecting with people in both formal and informal spaces, I have seen how community can grow in moments of learning, reflection, and curiosity. These experiences have not only strengthened my appreciation for art and history, they have also reaffirmed what I already believed, which is that community is something you can build anywhere as long as you are open, intentional, and willing to engage with the world around you.
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