Spring Has Sprung!!

Hey Everyone!!

It is official -- spring has sprung in the great city of Washington, DC!! This is my favorite time of the year and as the snow becomes a distant memory and the temperature rises to the mid-70s and 80s, my focus on academics stray. This weather is amazing and the walks are breathtaking. Luckily, the work of the semester is pretty much over and the time to enjoy life is here.

One of the best parts of the beginning of spring in Washington is the blooming of the Cherry Blossoms along the tidal basin. In 1912, Japan's Mayor of Tokyo gifted 3,000 cherry trees to the city of Washington as a symbol of foreign unity. Each year, as the blossoms bloom, Americans can remember this special gift and this special unity. The city celebrates every year with a week long of festival of converts, activities, and even a parade. Last week the city turned pink for this special event.

I had the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of the blossoms with a great friend Sara a few weeks ago as the white blossoms began to turn pink. It was a great experience to forget about the constant essay work and the stresses of school and enjoy the breathtaking views on the walk around the basin. From the Washington Monument to the Jefferson Memorial and back we witnessed why people from all over the US and the world flock to DC this time of year. Below are some of my favorite pics from that day and that walk.

A Painter Paints The Gorgeous Sight

A Sight of Love

The Sun Peaks
Through the Cherry Blossoms

Life in Dc

A Circus Life

Hey Everyone!!

So I know there is long gaps between blogs lately, but it has been crazy here in DC. In another blog this week I will write about my research paper that literally consumes all my time. Now, I have a moment to relax and tell you about some of the things that have been going on. These past two weeks have led to amazing opportunities that will never be forgotten. I am so grateful to have experienced everything I have up to this moment and am still   taken aback by life in DC everyday. 

Speakers:

I feel as though over the past few weeks have our class' speakers covered the theme "you can do anything you want if you put your mind to it". We have heard from former Us attorneys, Hill workers, creators of organizations, etc. What have I learned? Exactly as stated before, you can do anything if you just want too. 

Self Confidence!!

One of the first speakers we had in the past two weeks was an experienced FBI agent who has risen through the ranks and now serves in one of the most coveted positions in the FBI. Now you may think someone like this may be too serious or boring, but our speaker spoke with ease and humor. He told us the story of his life and engaged the 32 of us with his stories: the ups the downs and the in-betweens. Later we spoke with a former, US attorney. Through all of his journeys, all of his titles, his successes and failures, he gave up what he had the fame, prestige, for his family - to make sure his kids were able to get the best education possible. We also met someone who worked so hard, studied so hard, and had the opportunity to work for a senator. Unfortunately, her passion for working on the hill was taken away as the voters decided to not re-elect the Senator. She did not give up and now has another high profile job for the federal government. Last week we heard from one of the founders of a highly controversial conservative  interest group, GoProud. This organization, since its opening, has experienced opposition and messages of hate because although they represent most of the same views as conservatives, they represent gay conservatives. The co-founder knew this would happen, but it was more important for him and the other co-founder for the voices of a silent minority were not being heard. Their desire to succeed gave the voice to those who were once not heard, those who were afraid of coming out as a conservative that coming out as a homosexual. Lastly, we heard from a student that knew what they wanted - to become a lawyer defending the Constitution of the United States. He worked hard, put himself through proper schooling, and now gets to do what he loves everyday. 

Many people join the Washington Semester Program to meet speakers from across the spectrum of the professional world of Washington DC. I knew that I would meet incredible people, people with great stories and significance. Never did I think I would gain as much insight as living life to the fullest as I truly have. While others are networking and getting possible contacts from the people we meet, I am learning the power of desire and believing in yourself. 

Circus Time:

Me with all the proper circus gear

One thing I have learned while living in the great city of Washington is the ease of getting lost in life. In a world of people who are clothed in suits on a day to day basis, a world surrounded by breaking news headlines, monuments, memorials, important people and buildings, it is easy to get swept up in the craziness. Quickly I learned upon my arrival that most of my life here would be an "adult life" - one where I would have to take a step back from my usually quirky always looking to do something stupid to brighten someones day or get a laugh. Often, I joke I am a ten year old stuck in twenty year old's body. Here that is not true, it can't be. I am okay with that though. I know what its like to have a 9 - 6 job, what its like to write a 60 page paper, what its like for school and work to consume every moment. However, sometimes I get the opportunity to take a break, to sit back, relax, and most of all have fun.

The Best Part

Last week, a dear friend of mine, Sara, approached me about attending the Ringling Bros Circus that weekend. Yearning to do something fun and spontaneous we decided on a date and within two days I had tickets. The day quickly arrived for Sara and I to attend the circus and we waited with baited breath. It was so much fun to be with a friend and enjoying life at the circus - dressed in shorts and polo rather than a suit. During intermission, we quickly ran down to the snack bar and indulged in the snacks of yesteryear - popcorn, cotton candy, nachos, washed down by an ice cold coke.To make things even better the cotton candy came with a whimsical hat that made for many hilarious pictures. The circus was filled with oos, aahhhs, and plenty of laughs. Joy and awe blanketed any thoughts or stresses of every other day -- for those two short hours, our lives were stress free. Sara and I bonded that day and have quickly embraced the concept of living in the moment and have planned out future trips to the blooming cherry blossoms, the zoo, etc. 

Sara and I Ready for the Cicrus

These past two weeks have been quite a whirlwind. Later this week I will post again with pictures and the telling of a great April fools joke, a weekend with my family, the blooming blossoms, and reflections on the future. Until then I will wake up, go to school, go to work, and enjoy living the Capital life. 

Stay honest and keep those around you honest!!

- Josh

Well Hello There

Hey Everyone,


I feel like it has been decades since I wrote in this last.  So many things have happened that I wanted to catch you up on  from my hiatus from the world of blogging. 


SPRING BREAK

My nephew Jesse in
 one of his Birthday Presents

A few weeks ago we had Spring Break and while some of my friends were jetting off to LA, to the Virgin Islands, to Europe, there was no better place in my mind to go then my two homes. Firs I made a quick stop at my actual home in Rhode Island. It was my nephew's first birthday and I was so fortunate to be able to be at his party. After the party was over I jumped into my Ford Explorer (which i have missed so dearly) and made the 5 hour journey back to my second home, Saint Michael's College. It was go nice to be back with my friends again.   I really realized how much i miss and love the people of SMC everyday while in DC. I have made many friends down here, but nothing can compare to my friends at St. Mikes. After spending a few days I packed all my stuff to leave for Rhode Island, but was blocked my more than 2 ft of snow falling in less that 24 hrs. Crazy! Eventually I traveled back to Rhode Island, where I focused on spending as much time as possible with family and helping out in the classrooms that I volunteer in every break. Oh yeah. I also had an interview at the state house in RI and am really hoping to get an internship with the RI Department of Education!!! 


A Capital Life=A Busy and Hectic Life

The White House 

Upon my arrival back into the city, I faced a two month stretch of a busy hectic schedule. With seminars piling up, the congress getting work done, and my looming research paper - I have not been able to breathe. I guess  it is part of the life. Would I exchange it for anything? No. Absolutely not. Sure, I could be seeing the Eiffel Tower, the pyramids of Egypt, Buckingham Palace, but truly nothing excites me more than to see the Capitol Building, the White House, and all the monuments on a daily basis. I will never have this opportunity again and I am working hard to make as much out of it as possible. Our speakers have been so amazing as of late, from members of congress, to FBI supervisors, to DNC staffers, to US Attorneys. 

My Class with
Congressman Cuellar (D-TX)

The best part about the speakers we have had so far, in my eyes at least, the fact that so many of them are alumni of the Washington Semester Program, some even have been students of my professor. This simple facts make political futures so easy to grasp - that the experience I have gotten at WSP will propel me into the political world with a step up. Whenever I sit and listen to alumni, a curious thought passes through my head...will i speak to this class one day? what will my title be? what will my bio say? what story would Dr. Lowenthal share about me before speaking? I never thought a career in politics was possible for me -- I always just envisioned myself returning to my small town of Portsmouth, RI and teaching forever. That has changed so much because of this program. I now can see myself moving down here and working on the hill, working for a non-profit, and maybe even becoming a lobbyist for education issues. These are all things that the WSP has made more possible and I am so glad that I chose this program. I am thankful for my busy and hectic schedule, because it means that I am getting to do so much, hear so much, and see so much. 


I hope to set aside more time to write more as the days pass, but now it's back to the research paper...30 pages to go :)


Stay honest and keep those around you honest, 
-Josh

To Lobby or Not to Lobby

Hello Everyone!!


This week in my American Politics seminar we are focusing on Interest Groups and Lobbyists. For those of you who don't know, an interest group is a collection of people who are organized to advocate for an issue or a set of issues. These interest groups can be small, like a community organization standing up for better schools, or large, like the national education association. These interest bring people together to affect public policy. Lobbyists, are individuals, often associated with interest groups, that advocate for issues. They are the people who meet with public officials and staff to discuss issues in hopes that legislation will favor their group or cause.


Yesterday, our class was fortunate enough to hear from a lobbyist who actually graduated from the Washington Semester in 2003. Lindsay Lee, a hill employee turned lobbyist, spoke to our class about her path to where she is now and about her job. Like other speakers, she reitterated the importance of network and taking any job that comes your way. Lindsay continued with a discussion about lobbyists, often thought of as a dirty word in DC. She talked about the importance of lobbying, giving a professiona voice to organizations and an organiziang board to get messages about. Like all fields, there are a few bad apples that ruin the bunch, and this has brought the lobbyist reputation down. Hearing Lindsay, however, deffinitely made me think a lot more about possibly becoming an education lobbyist. I really liked how down to earth she was and really genuinely cared about the message she was fighting for.

Life in DC has been crazy to say the least. From papers to office work to research to wassa work, my time has been consumed. Now, I am embarking on Spring Break. I will be attending my nephew's first birthday, visiting my school, and spending a lot of time with my family. Get excited!!

Stay honest and keep those around you honest!
- Josh

Conservative Like Me: My Journey into the Mind of a Conservative - Part 2

Hey Everyone!!

Here it is...the moment many of you have been waiting for. Last week I began a 2-part Blog Series about my experience CPAC. However, due to the events of last week, I postponed this blog for a few days. It is back. Below, you will read my reactions to the events that took place at CPAC. What is CPAC? It is the Conservative Political Action Conference, a gathering of strong conservatives to discuss their political agenda, mingle, and network with others like themselves. It was my first investigative journaling piece. I delved deep inside -- I wanted to journey into the mind of a conservative. 

It has now been two weeks since CPAC and I have had a lot of time to think about this blog. Many people believe this will be an extreme partisan bashing of the far right wing, it will not be. I, throughout this piece, will be fair. If at all offended or would like to discuss something further, please read the entire piece and then talk to me. For any questions or comments, please email Jmiranda@smcvt.edu. 

My first picture in the auditorium

I remember it like it was yesterday. The first time I stepped into the Marriott hotel was exhilarating. My friends were so excited, shaking I do believe. We quickly were registered and voted in the straw poll. Once we found ourselves in the main ballroom, we listened to some pretty big names. People clapped, people screamed their support, and it was an exciting atmosphere. Over the next three day, much of my research would be done in here. I saw many positive things come from the podium at the front. I heard the words of ways to unite the people of America, I heard people with plans on how they can save our country, I heard people excited about the political process. There were big names. I sat 20 ft from the likes of Former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich, the Honorable Mitt Romney, the Honorable Tim Pawlenty, the not-so-honorable Ann Coulter, etc. People I had watched for years on the news were right in front of me. It was hard not to be swept into things. There was such a happy atmosphere within the ballroom. I fully admit, I was surprised with how many times I stood up and cheered. There was a smile on my face, a smile on the face of my friends. It was an opportunity you could not get anywhere else, but in the great city of DC. 

Downstairs was the exhibit hall. I will admit this was not my favorite part of CPAC. Walking down the stairs, you were immediately barraged with pamphlets. Some of them really struck me and appalling. One was the ten reasons gay marriage and homosexuality was absolutely wrong. Now, you must be thinking you were at a conservative function, what do you expect? Well, not 30 ft from the flyers was a stand for one courageous group of Conservatives. They are an organization titled GOPROUD, an organization for the rights of the LGBT community. If you watched the news leading up to CPAC, you would know that many did not want this group to be at the event. One of my classmates, Kevin, interns with GOPROUD and even though people came over and criticized them to their face, they were still so proud to be there. I still can't believe or imagine what the members of the LGBT community went through that weekend -- whether it was the anti-gay pamphlets or the books and signs promoting parents to teach their kids about the wrongs of homosexuality or books to assist your friend who is gay to become an "ex-gay", yes, an "ex-gay".

Former Spearker Newt Gingrich

 Something else that struck me in the exhibit hall was the representation of stereotypes. What do you think of, when you think of a Conservative Republican. Many may think of the gun-wielding, god-fearing, left-hating, cowboy hat wearing, person. Although I encourage all to not stereotype people and to only base upon judgment when actually meeting someone, but I was shocked at what I found at CPAC. In one of the exhibit halls, the NRA had an electronic shooting range, where you could learn how to fire a gun -- this, at a political rally, this, just weeks after a congressional representative was shot and almost assassinated. Now I will not say that the NRA is evil and guns are the reason for all the violence in the world, but why shooting lessons? Another thing that surprised me was the hate towards the left and especially towards President Obama. There were mean-spirited t-shirts, a wall of pictures to throw eggs at, a dartboard, stress relievers of Obama, Pelosi, and Reid, and an Obama countdown statue, were just some of the things handed out that symbolized not a disagreement, but in my eyes, hatred. A conversation that stuck me the most this weekend, something that I had not planned and really did not want to be a part of was a conversation by two youths my age on the religion of President Obama, whether he was a Christian or Muslim. I got aggravated and almost broke my cover. I turned around and asked how these students "knew" Obama was a Muslim. They regurgitated the usual rhetoric, "he helps terrorists, secret deals with Islamic Nations, oil, etc." I then asked a very simple and fair question that unfortunately incited a gut-wrenching remark that forced me to leave. I asked, "If Obama was a Muslim, in a country that written in the words of its constitution, state a freedom of religion, what would the issue be?" Without even thinking twice, the boys responded in almost unison, "He'd be a terrorist.” That was what they were taught, Muslims = terrorist, a lesson many people teach their kids every day. Religion played a big part in the weekend; in fact, I was somewhat surprised how much God was a special guest at CPAC. Almost every speaker spoke about God and how only he could bring the country from turmoil, on a poster that asked why you were a conservative, someone wrote, because God is, and there were several Christian exhibits in the halls. This was fine, they had every right to be there, but the line between church and state were often blurred, especially when a speaker stated that America needed to return to its "Christian Values".

Former MA Governor Mitt Romney

Now, this blog is not a rant, rather a collection of observations. The left wing of the nation is not exempt from anything stated. They are not innocent of inciting hate towards the other aisle. They are not guilty of many of the things conservatives are. This shows the partisanship of our country, and I believe the fruition of the warnings of George Washington in his farewell address. What I saw at CPAC was something beautiful. It was a gathering of people who had a common interest. It was a gathering of people to support each other. I was so proud to be an American when I was there. Sure, I was deeply offended by some of the things that were said, but the fact that everyone can express their own opinions is something beautiful. In so many countries, people cannot speak their mind, they cannot express concern of the government, and they cannot stand up. As the conference was going on, the people of Egypt were rising up to their government, and the police were sent after them and their internet was shut down. This is not the only example. We live in a country where if you do not agree with something you have every right to stand up and say it. That is what I saw at CPAC, I saw people practicing their first Amendment right. I saw people who were proud to see their heroes. I saw people literally shaking or smiling uncontrollable like my friend Noelle and Hannah in the midst of political figures. I saw the ability to communicate and understand in conversations with my friend Katherine. I saw the courage to stand up for who you are no matter what, with my friend Kevin. I saw what made America so great. I saw people proud to be an American!

Stay honest and keep those around you honest, 

-Josh

Out of Crisis Comes Opportunity

Hello Everyone.

Today, I had planned on releasing Part 2 of my Conservative Like Me expose, but have decided to prolong it. As those of you in the Saint Michael's College community know, SMC suffered a great loss last night. For those of you who are unaware of what happened, a freshman male died unexpectedly. Even while in Washington, D.C., last night I felt so much loss and grief. Saint Michael's college is more than just a great community, it is a family. When a family member is lost, even though you may not know them, it feels like a ton of bricks has hit you. We lost an SMC brother last night, a brother that will never be forgotten in all of our hearts.

An ancient chinese proverb states, "a crisis is an opportunity riding the dangerous wind”. There is no doubt that the events of last night wasa great crisis for our community. If anything, we must take away the importance of love, the feeling of love. After hearing the news last night, I instantly took to my phone and told my friends how much I loved them. This is so important. Everyone is loved. Although sometimes we may forget, or feel as though it is not true, there is someone out there that loves you. This crisis has given the SMC family the chance to see that, to become aware of the importance of telling those around you how much you love them. I invite all of you, in Jordans memory, call, text, email, notify those around you that you love them. Let them know that you are their for them. In a Facebook status last night, someone wrote that you will never know when someone needs to be told they are loves, needs a helping hand. This is so true. We are not psychic. We don't always know when someone needs a hug, a helping hand, a shoulder to cry on, or just three words. We must take every chance we can to offer these to those we care about, and to those we may argue with.

My prayers go out to the family and friends of Jordan, and to anyone who may believe that ending their life  is their only choice. You are LOVED.

Peace, Love, and Hugs,

- Joshua

Conservative Like Me: My Journey into the Mind of a Conservative - Part 1

On February 10, 2011, I began an investigative journaling experience. This experience brought me from a socially very liberal and fiscally moderate to an extreme right wing conservative. Although not a stretch from my high school years, this challenge was harder than I thought it would be. I attended the Conservative Political Action Conference, an event sponsored by the American Conservative Union. This conference is what conservatives wait for every year. Held at a Marriott in DC, CPAC welcomes leading conservatives to speak and hundreds of organizations to hold exhibits in the exhibit hall. This is my story at CPAC, my journey into the mind of a conservative.

After getting out of class early, several friends and I entered the Marriott and I began living the life of my “alter ego”. We registered and got our badges, then voted in the all-important straw poll – a poll that would tell if the election was held that weekend, who the CPAC attendees would vote in. Next, we went to the main ballroom and heard rising speeches from Newt Gingrich and other political leaders. The room was filled with energy. It was filled with people of all ages, from student to senior; everyone was there to hear what their leaders were saying. Eyes glued and hands ready to clap, people were intrigued by every syllable spoken.  I decided to venture my way down to the exhibit hall and hear what organizations had to say. Personally, it killed me to take some of the flyers that were being given, whether they were angry rhetoric of the President or a list of the reasons gay marriage was an abomination to society. Looking over my schedule for the weekend, I figured out what I wanted to see and how I would cover all bases to write this blog today.

Friday brought much excitement for my friends, for it was the day Mitt Romney spoke. I arrived early and saved seats. As the countdown ticked and finally showed 00:00, my friend Hannah nearly had a heart attack, almost set to tears of joy that she would see one of her heroes speak. The honorable Mitt Romney gave a very positive speech and brought the crowd to their feet many times. My friend Hannah did not move an inch; I have never seen someone so focused on one thing in my life. The rest of the day was spent with a friend Katherine, another excited conservative. As we strolled through the exhibit halls we had conversations about what each booth was representing, even though most of the time we did not agree, I could understand where she came from. Besides speakers, I sat in on a few panels –including school choice. Tim Pawlenty and Ron Paul closed my afternoon at CPAC and gave two very different speeches, which enticed two very different reactions from the audience.

The last day of the conference, Saturday, brought on anticipation of the results of the straw poll.  Governor Haley Barbour opened my last day at CPAC, and gave a speech that was warm and inviting, a thoughtful speech that brought the crowd to their feet. Most of my Saturday was spent with a friend, Gabby, who is President of her college Republicans. Walking with her and conversing with her brought a different view. Gabby spoke of the issues that she cared about, what defined her political stance; however, many of the things she spoke of were different from what I heard from others. Ann Coulter was the last speaker before the results were announced. Her words brought different reactions from the audience, from silence to laughing to standing up and applauding, my reactions will be stated in part two of this piece. After Coulter, the result of the straw poll was announced and showed that Ron Paul won. The room was split in half – some people jumped up, screamed, and cheered, but the other half sat silently or jeered. The conference closed with a heart wrenching speech from Congressman Allen West, a speech that brought loud applause and event tears from the crowd.

I invite all the readers of this blog to read Part 2, which will include my feelings and reactions to the weekend. It may not be what you think!

Stay honest and keep those around you honest,

-          - Josh                                                                                                              

The power of the word CITIZEN..messages from Secretary Norman Mineta

Today, my class had the honor to meet with Former Secretary Norman Mineta, actually it is more like former congressmen former secretary former secretary Norman Mineta. Sec. Mineta has an amazing resume, from his beginnings in politics as a Councilman in San Jose to becoming a Congressman from California, to work in two administrations as Secretary of Commerce for Bill Clinton and Secretary of Transportation for George W. Bush. However, when the former secretary spoke, he spoke not of his life as a politician, but worked to inspire us devote our lives to public service in any way, shape, or form. Further, he asked us to commit to working for those who don't have a voice, to inspire others to speak up and be proud, proud to be a citizen of the United States of America. 


Sec. Mineta opened the conversation with the telling of a story of a family experiencing some of the hardest times for Japanese Americans in American History, this family being his. The story began with a fourteen year old Japanese boy, the second son of the family, moving to America to find a way of life, as his status as second son prevented him from having meaning in Japan. This boy, accidentally getting off in Washington, traveled a year, work camp to work camp, to his Uncle in Southern California. The now 16 year old established himself, learned English, worked hard, and eventually began a family. On December 7, 1941, the life of this man and his family changed forever, as Japanese bombers attacked Pearl Harbor. Sec. Mineta mentioned this was the first time he saw his father cry. The following February, President Roosevelt signed an executive order allowing the internment of Japanese Americans in segregated camps, which ended up mostly being horse stables at fairgrounds or race tracks. As a listener, hearing Sec. Mineta recount these events of his father's past and his memories of a child sent shivers up your spine. The most heartbreaking part was when he held a picture of a sign that was posted in neighborhoods that provided directions for "Aliens and Non-Aliens". Sec. Mineta drew attention to the last part, "non-alien". Although he was born in America, because of his ancestry, Sec. Mineta was not considered a citizen, rather a "non-alien". He told all of us that because of that very rhetoric does he hold the word "citizen" very close to his heart. After life in the internment camps and partnering with his father's insurance company, the Sec. Mineta moved to San Jose and began his work in politics.


Sec. Mineta closed the conversation with a beautiful sentiment about the country he loved and would sacrifice everything for. When discussing the diversity of the US, he stated that he doesn't like to think the country to be a melting pot, but more of a tapestry. In a melting pot, all the ingredients cook together, blend, and lose their individuality. In contrast, a tapestry is made up of several pieces threads, in this metaphor each thread resembling a person or culture. Although the pieces of thread are beautiful in their own way, when bound together to make the single tapestry they form something even more beautiful, without losing the unique beauty and  individuality of each piece of the thread. A truly beautiful sentiment from such a wise man. 


We did not get that much time with the former secretary, but I believe we all left wishing for more time to just sit and listen to his stories. This one man has been through so much. He has been the victim of the wrongdoings of his own country, but still has a burning passion for service to the country he loves so much. The word inspiring does not do him justice. This is why I came to DC.


Stay honest and keep those around you honest, 
- Josh

Norman Mineta

The definition of a relaxing weekend...

Hey everyone!!


Last time I wrote, I was stressed, crazy, and mentally exhausted. Luckily, 6:00 at work came quickly and it was time to relax. Instead of going out to the normal places, I stayed at home, read a book (it wasn't even for class..crazy :) ), and caught up on much needed work. Saturday brought another day of laziness and catching up. Later that night I attended a fashion show at Crystal City, one of the fashion districts of DC. I went with three of my housemates (Tata, Sumyie, and Rose). It was actually very fun and I felt extremely sophisticated (soooo classy :) ). At the end of the blog, there are some pics from the show. Today, Super Bowl Sunday, has been spent on campus at Washington Semester's Tenley Campus at the WASSA Super Bowl Party, put on by myself and fellow members of WASSA. It has been a great way to watch the game, eat great food, and meet fellow students in the program, especially since I don't live on campus with everyone.





The real reason I wanted to blog today is to share a poem that I found in a newspaper I bought recently. This newspaper is not your typical newspaper. It is called "Street Sense" and is a paper that is written about and by the homeless of DC. Those who are homeless have the opportunity to become sellers of the paper, they purchase them for 35 cents and can sell them for a recommended donation of $1. One of the sections is a poetry section and I would like to leave you today with one of the poems. It is called Home Free and is written by Robert Warren.

The end of homelessness, how could that be?


The Lord of us all said the poor and homeless
 would always be among thee.  


A test of life for the Lord to see how man gives to 
those less fortunate than he.


The end of homelessness how could that be?


With a home to live in - not on the street, with 
lowlife, murderers, and thieves, 


Regular folks, foreclosed on, trying to get back on 
their feet, 


And those who say shelter life is not for me. 


Remember the Lord of us all said they would always, 
be among us to see.


Stay honest and keep those around you honest, 
- Josh

Just when I had a second to breathe....

Hey Everyone!


It has only been a few days, but I feel like it has been a week since my last blog. Every day, I feel like the days get longer and the sleep gets less. Yesterday, I celebrated my one month anniversary of living in Washington, D.C. This month, has changed me so much.  In a past blog, I commented that it was starting to feel like adult time, but I should have knocked on wood. Looking back, I realize on a good day I am home before 10, on a great day before 8. These long days, however are filled with new, exciting, and challenging things. Some days it might be staying on campus for meetings, running through senate office buildings, wandering the Capitol Building, seeing newsmakers, hearing great speakers, I have learned to never expect anything anymore.

Inside the Rotunda

Monday saw a great opportunity to meet with and discuss life as Capitol hill staffers with Alumni of the Washington Semester Program. The four panelists, ages ranging from 24 to 30, discussed the struggles of living in DC and attaining a job, but also the proactive feeling of making a difference in the world. Also discussed was the set up of offices, daily routines, and how Washington Semester assisted the alumni into getting where they are now. After the conversation, one of my close friends, Megan from St. Marys, practiced giving a tour of the Capitol, which truly was the best tour as she could talk to us as friends and colleagues, rather than visitors. Monday afternoon's speaker was a media extraordinaire. Through his almost twenty year career he has seen the way people get their news go from local newspaper to today's online and social media. He served as one of the organizers of the first consortium of news from local papers in one document and has worked amongst several different companies and networks. His insight on politics from the behind the scenes was very intriguing and assisted me in learning more on how the news works to be nonpartisan. Tuesday, my class had two class discussion in which we discussed one of our texts, Hardball by Chris Matthews, and what we thought would be on this year's congressional agenda. Wednesday, the illness I had been suffering from hit me full force and called out of work for the first time ever. All the rest however, helped in getting me to be able to present a "How to Blog" presentation at our WASSA meeting to introduce the new WASSA Blog and co-host, with the rest of WASSA, the first PAJAMA JAM AND ROOT BEER PONG of the semester. It was a fun time had by all!!

Students playing root beer pong
and dancing in their PJS!!!

Like I stated in the beginning, these past few days have been quite hectic. I had two large assignments due that took up much of my free time. One was a series of memos to a candidate supporting them in a bid for a 2012 congressional or gubernatorial seat. My paper discussed the reasons why Joseph Kennedy II should run for his late-uncle's seat in 2012 and how he could do so, based on class discussions and seminars. The second assignment, and most time consuming,  was my outline for my research paper. Now, the work is done and the weekend is here. I look forward to spending time with friends, relaxing and sightseeing, taking a break from the fast life.

Stay honest and keep those around you honest,
- Josh

Announcements!!!

Hey Everyone!!


For the fourth and final post of tonight I have two big announcements to make:

1. Readers can now access my and some other amazing blogs through www.smcblogs.com and through the study abroad website at http://smcvt.edu/studyabroad/bloggers.asp.
2. After realizing how long my blogs were becoming as my weeks got more and more hectic, I decided I will now be blogging every other day and will do reflection blogs about thoughts on my mind throughout the week.

I hope all of you are enjoying reading the blog and hope you continue to read. If you have any suggestions how i could make the Blog better please comment or email me at Jmiranda@smcvt.edu. Also if you have any questions you want me to answer, please ask in the formspring box on the right!!

Have a great day!!

- Josh

Is it hard getting used to the Metro?

Fortunately, the Metro is very easy to use and is actually one of the cleanest forms of public transportation I have seen. To make it even easier there are tons of apps for Iphones, Ipods, and Droids, that bring Metro maps right to you, so you can figure out your destination ahead of time. With that said, the twenty minute ride on the metro to class everyday is somewhat annoying, but it is a great time to get some reading done or reading the latest issue of Politico or Washington Post. Almost as annoying as the long metro rides are the long waits for the Metro at night and on the weekends. However, the Metro makes life in DC very easy. Any person can pretty much get to anywhere using the Metro and it keeps the already busy streets a little less congested. 

Want to learn more about the DC metro? 
Visit...http://www.wmata.com/

What did you think of the State of the Union?

Actually, two fellow WASSA members and myself, along with the help of other WASSA members, hosted an event for the State of the Union, which was a big success. It was very nice to see about fifty students so eager to view and discuss about such an important speech from the President of the United States.

Personally, I try as hard as I can to be as nonpartisan with my blog as possible, not clearly outlining my views to maintain readership amongst all sides of the political spectrum. With that said, I really liked the speech. President Obama clearly hit on some major points and issues that our country needs to focus on. He also reached across the aisle and spoke of ways of dealing with a Republican majority in the house. I believe his beliefs of a better future are positive and what the country needs.

I will state that my favorite part of the speech was his emphasis on education. Education in America is something that really needs to be looked at. I personally do not agree with everything the President said, but the fact that he addressed education, especially teacher compensation, is a sigh of relief.

"Let's also remember that after parents, the biggest impact on a child's success comes from the man or woman at the front of the classroom. In South Korea, teachers are known as "nation builders." Here in America, it's time we treated the people who educate our children with the same level of respect"


Missed the speech? Read it here...
http://abcnews.go.com/Politics/State_of_the_Union/state-of-the-union-2011-full-transcript/story?id=12759395

Want to watch the speech Watch here 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9ZdEmjtF6HE

Missed the Republican response? Watch here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B5CcdffQ0Ic

Missed the Tea Party response? Watch here
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lxsi4CLH_sw

Play

Play

Play

Ask me anything

Always changing and always moving...

 Hey everyone!

Believe it or not, in two days will be the one-month mark of living in DC. I personally cannot believe it. Time and time again, I am emailing people from St. Mikes updating them on my progress and as the one-month mark approaches, I would like to publicly thank them in my blog. First and foremost, I would like to thank Peggy Imai from the Study Abroad office. This amazing person dealt with me as a freshman who wanted to study abroad in his sophomore year. She assisted me in almost weekly meetings and emails with my proposal to come to DC and was key in getting me here this semester. I cannot thank her enough, and am looking forward to her visit in March, when she comes for an administrative meeting with the Washington Semester Program. Secondly, I would like to thank Ms. Donna Atwater of the Career Development office at Saint Michael's College. Donna and I met last year when I began working on a resume and have developed a great relationship over the past year. Donna has been so supportive and helpful in landing me the internship I have now. I can never thank her enough! Finally, I would like to thank my family and the friends and staff at SMC who are constantly giving me support during my time here. 

Last week, our American Politics class had some awesome guests come to visit and speak. Our first speaker was a political consultant whose wit and knowledge made the lecture both humorous and very interesting. Mr. Fenn gave us the 8 C's of successfully running for office: clear, concise, connect, colorful, convincing, consistent, contrast, continual, and captivating. He also discussed the importance of finding a clear message and sticking to it if you wanted to win any office. Tuesday's first speaker brought us to the Capitol Hill area to speak with a political pollster. His insight gave us tips on the different kind of polls, how polls are conducted, and the importance of polls. This speaker flowed perfectly into the next speaker who was a media consultant and showed us how to read polls and target certain audiences. Did you know some polls could tell you where member of certain political parties eat, what they eat, what they drink, and what they watch on TV? Unfortunately, our last speaker of the week, scheduled for Thursday was cancelled due to a SNOW DAY!!! Woohoo! Instead, I spent by day working on a paper for my class which circled around picking a candidate and writing memos to them discussing campaign strategies for 2012. I personally picked the future Senator of Massachusetts, Joseph P. Kennedy II. 

This week I spent a lot more time admiring the places around me and spent a little less time on exploring downtown. My house mates and I have recently found a nice little coffee shop blocks from our house. Rather than just any Starbucks, Ebenezer’s is actually run by a church and they send the proceeds to community outreach programs, so I get to have my Caramel Macchiato and help change the world :)! This week I got my official Library of Congress library card and am now allowed entry to any of the reading rooms in the three historic reading rooms. On my snow day, I took advantage of the new card and spend most of my afternoon working and researching in the largest library in the world!! Last night brought myself and two of my closest friends, Tata and Sumiye, on a five mile walk from our apartment to the White House, Washington Monument, WWII Memorial, and the Lincoln Memorial. It would have been a perfect walk if it weren’t freezing!! I personally cannot wait until it is nice and I can walk everywhere in the beautiful weather.

Personally, this week has been crazy, truthfully the definition of a roller coaster week! After a major disagreement in my house, the family became quite divided. Most of my time this week was spent on campus with those who live there (Shoutout to my St. Mary's girls, my NYC girl Regina, and of course my girl from Amish country Lancaster, PA Liz). In my attempts to find the positives in everything, I realize the close bonds I have made with these people. I now realize how hard it will be to leave in a few months. Leave behind the people I have come to love and only be with them every day for a few months. It has been a challenging week due to the ever-crazy schedule and fast-paced life of DC. I am starting to wonder about my adjustment back to SMC when I do not have to run across town for meetings or take the Metro to school every day. Whether it was practically shaking when opening the door to the office of Vice President Joe Biden, or being speechless when Senator Joe Lieberman introduced himself to me, this week has also caused me to see the true political geek that lies inside. I feel like I am always changing here. Every day I am faced with new challenges and new experiences. It is still so overwhelming when I think about living in DC, but that is life here -- always changing and always moving. 

Stay honest and keep those around you honest
- Josh

Adult time already?

Hey Everyone!!


Welcome to week 3 of an amazing experience like no other...and what a third week it has been. From new sights to new speakers to new thoughts...here it is...weeeeekkkkk 3!!


Again, my class has been graced with some awesome speakers. On Tuesday we got to hear from a very well-spoken Republican Political Consultant. Anne Stone brought much enthusiasm and fun stories to the class as well as teaching us all about political campaigns. Her specialty involved Direct Mail and Response, and it was crazy to see all of the science behind just putting a letter in an envelope. Did you know that just the way the envelope looks can determine if it is opened or not? How about the fact that there is a formula of how to write a fundraising letter? Intense!! Stone was so funny and took time out of her busy and hectic schedule to answer every single one of our questions after her lecture. Today, we heard from Susan Morrison, a media enthusiast. She has literally worked in every single media organization. I really learned a lot about how the news has changed, especially with events like Watergate, the onslaught of 24 news coverage, and the social media (twitter, Facebook, etc.). She also taught all of us to take every job offer you are given. No job falls right in your lap, you have to work hard, take the crummy jobs and eventually you will find the job you want.


Another week brings more time to wander around. That, in my opinion, is one of the best things about DC..WANDERING!! There is so much to do here that the best way to see it is to get off at a Metro stop and see what is around there. My friend Liz and I did this on Thursday. We got out of class early in the day and decided that since there was nothing else to do we would find something. Getting off at Metro center we walked and found Ford's Theater, the place where Abraham Lincoln was killed. I remember visiting this site a few years ago and it was not my favorite, but after they refinished the museum and redid a lot in the actual theater, Ford's theater is a MUST. The museum is more interactive now with a walk though plan through the Lincoln presidency ending at that fateful day, a path that brings you right to the balcony where the president was shot, a sight that takes your breath away. As Liz and I kept walking, we took pictures of the monuments (because you can never have enough) and ended up right outside Madame Tussaud's Wax Museum and were able to talk the lady into a $16 ticket (yayy for poor college kids). This museum was so much fun and led to many hilarious pictures that will be up soon...promise!!!! This week, my housemates focused on visiting a new neighborhood and chose Chinatown to start, and besides good Chinese food, we found an amazing gelato place..soooo goood! Today, I had the opportunity to visit the NEWSEUM and attended a lecture by Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer. This is one of the only museums in DC that costs money, but the exhibits are definitely worth it. I will be venturing back soon and will most likely spend an entire blog on it, stay tuned.


On a personal level, this week has had its ups and downs. This weekend we realized how our "Real World" house could actually get real as drama struck. Tensions got high, words were said, some said louder than others, and silence from individuals loomed for a few days. I believe this is just another experience of moving into apartment life. Not every family is perfect, but with time things are discussed and taken care of, and we are slowly working our way back to full unity. Things are not all bad at the "Real World" house though. I have become so close with some of my house mates as we grow and experience DC together. This week we actually welcomed a new roomie into the mix and she has already made herself part of the family. The best part of the week is always Sundays. Our house has created a tradition that every Sunday night we all get together around my dinner table and share a meal. It is an amazing sight to see 12 people around a table all eating, talking, and most of all laughing.


I have learned a lot this weekend. Of course, I have learned so much both in class seminars with our amazing teacher and through guest lectures, but also I have learned a lot more about myself. This year I really explored what I wanted to do when I grew up. Of course I would do something in education, but what. Now, I am leaning more to politics, but who knows what this semester will bring. Also, I have learned that life is not all fun and games. Being here has made me become more serious, as my Mom says, more "adult". Here, I cannot go to class then go have fun with my friends. It's constantly moving around, attending different seminars and lectures, attending meetings, doing research, interning, etc. Sometimes life can be so hectic, but I love it. Believe it or not...I am feeling like I am becoming an ..... Adult!!

Stay honest and keep those around you honest
- Josh