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

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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

And the winner is...

Hey Everyone!!


I just wanted to share some good news before I work on my latest entry. On Wednesday I attended a meeting for the Washington Semester Student Assosciation and was elected Co-Vice President and Special Liaison to WISH housing (off-campus housing). I am excited to see what this leadership brings.


Stay honest and keep those around you honest!
- Josh

Wait..I live where?

Hey Everyone!!

I can't believe it has only been abour about 2 weeks since I moved to Washington DC. I have done so much in these past few weeks that it seems like I have been here for months! After moving in, I met my roommate Fred when he arrived later that night and we ventured out and poked around our new neighborhood, which of course ended in a late dinner at McDonalds in Union Station (open till 11 if you were curious haha). The next day after moving in, my parents, of whom I am much appreciative, stocked our kitchen with food and drinks. I also met my other roomate Chris and the three of us began walking around and talking. Throughout the next few days we met the girls who live on the fifth floor, Meg, Michelle, and Tata. These three girls quickly became our best friends and the continuing nights were filled with bonding and much laughter. By the end of the week, we met and bonded with the Apartment on the 4th floor. We became a unified group, a family, or as we like to call it Real World DC: Capitol Hill!!!


I never thought how busy i would be while I was down here. Three days a week I have classes and the other two I have my internship with a Senator. This has been my first week of actual classes, last week haveing quickly met with my teacher and class for an introduction. My seminar here, American Politics, is and 8 credit course that includes both classroom lectures and about 4-5 speakers in different fields. On day one we started running and never looked back. We discussed what built the American Political System, what it is made of, and how it applies to today's society. Yesterday we met with two great and powerful speakers. The first was an inspiring 25 year old who, at only 25, founded 2 organizations and eagerly awaits going public with his 3rd in February. His major focus is on the power of the youth -- the fact that WE do NOT need to stand in line, wait for "our time" to stand up and speak, because this is OUR TIME, it is the time WE NEED to stand up. Even as young people, we can be resepected, but we must act professional, be adults, work harder and smarter, and through those will respect come. I encourage all of you to sign up for his new organization, Our Time. To join and become part of constituency that is ready to stand up for our generation click here. The next speaker was a specialist in American Public Oppinion. Her remarks were very interesting in showing us how certain oppinions remain consistent over time, how some oppinions have vastly changed, and how the way a question is asked ina poll or study can cause ambiguity and contradiction. After the speakers, I remained for my first Research Seminar, the last part of my semester in Washington. Duing this seminar we were given the task of writing a 40-50 page Research Paper using the great city of Washington DC as our labatory. I am thinking about writing about either the absence of Civic Education in schools in America or the effect of the No Child Left Behind Act on teacher and the student. What topic do you think I should write about? Any more ideas?

As I wrote about in my last blog, I am currently living write on Capitol Hill, just a 2 minute walk from the Capitol Building. On Friday, since many congressional committee hearings are open to the public, I had the opportunity to attend the Budget Committee Hearing, Although it was long, and the discussion often went places that I did not understand, I still had the honor to sit feet away from the Chairman of the Federal Reserve Ben Bernanke, and many distinguished Senators who are members of the Budge Committee. This is one of the many "star-struck" situations I have entered into over my first few weeks here. My first day leaving the elevator of one of the senate buildings I walked by the Honorable Senator Barbara Mikulski, who that day officially became the longest serving female senator in American history. She even stopped and had a conversation with me about the importance of teachers after I told her I wanted to be one. Crazy! Here in DC, however, it is not just the people that provide the "star-struck" feeling, but also the buildings. Even after weeks living here, I still am in awe everytime I see the Supreme Court Building, The Capitol, the monuments, and especially the White House. I sometimes I still feel like I am on vacation, since it is almost unbelieveable that I, a student from a small town in VT, am now living and studying in Washington DC. It is an amzing and often times overwhelming experience.

Socially, these past few weeks have been great. Like I stated before, my housing complex, made of 5 apartments, has become a family. Last night we bonded with our 3rd floor neighbors and the whole house was complete -- hanging out, eating, and laughing together. The funny thing is -- we are all extremely different. As a whole, we have different personalities, different goals, differernt priorities, different views, and are even from different countries (one of my housemates is from Georgia and two are from Norway). This is not like many of the friends I have made that are also Washington Semester Students who live on Tenley Campus, the satelite campus of American University. Each person is unique here, not one the same. I can now say I have close friends, who are not only from around the United States, but around the world. Saturday, January 8th, was my birthday and I was able to spend it completing a scavenger hunt with 7 fellow students put on by Things to Do in DC, a hunt that sent 6 teams racing through the streets of DC. This provided me with an opportunity to bond with seven students which started a bond that continued during my Birthday dinner and, if I am fortunate enough, will continue throughout the semester and beyond. Spending my 20th birthday in DC was an amazing experience, I will not soon forget.

As you can see, I am having an amazing time here in DC. I would love to hear about what you think about my blogs, so please comment :). If you have any questions you want me to discuss, or pieces of blogs that you would like me to discuss even further, please ask in my formspring :).

Have a great day!

Stay honest and keep those around you honest
- Josh

Teaser for Next Blog...

Hey Everyone!! 


I am currently awaiting details on what I can include in here about my internship, so stay tuned for a new blog coming tomorrow night!! Until then, here is an in depth look of where I live on campus.


THE LIVING CONDITIONS


I am living in the heart of the Capital --- 3 blocks from the actual Capitol Building!! It is a one bedroom apartment that I will be sharing with two other people. My first roommate, Fred, is a sophomore from Morehouse Collage in Atlanta Georgia. My other roommate's name is Chris. He is actually a member of the Graduate Gateway program (Washington Semester for Graduates) and hails from Virginia Tech in Blacksburg, Virginia. The three of us are very different people, but have really gotten along great. We all seem to have developed different roles and practices out of habit. Curious what I am? The cook!Not to brag, but I have made some pretty delicious dinners already :). There is never a dry moment in Apartment 1 - there is always laughter going on and never ending crazy antics or witty comments. Our neighbors are awesome too and I look forward to writing more posts about them as 311 3rd St. becomes a family!

LOCATION! LOCATION! LOCATION!


From here there is a metro station (DC Public Transportation) just a few blocks away and many restaurants and stores around. Here is a map that shows my location and a picture of the outside of the apartment, I live on the first floor :) To make the map more meaningful, I can point out (ie. polite way of saying name drop haha) a few places. If you travel diagonally a few blocks -- yep the Capitol Building and behind that the Supreme Court and Library of Congress (nbd right?). I work in the Hart Senate Building which is literally a two minute walk from my house..amazing! Tomorrow morning I will start running around our beautiful neighborhood and eagerly await finding hidden treasures on my run. 

SAFETY FIRST!!!!!!!!!

You may have heard DC is a very dangerous place to visit and/or especially live. Where I have been and where I live there are cops EVERYWHERE!!! Seriously though, this is such a great place to live and experience. EXPERIENCE IT!! Come visit me?

STAY TUNED FOR THE NEXT BLOG :) 

Stay hones and keep keeping them honest! 

- Josh

FIRST DAY!!!!!!!

Hey Everyone!! 


Today I arrived in the great city of Washington DC. Since I cannot move in until tomorrow, we explored a little and drove by my new apartment. It looks so nice (can't wait till I can see the inside). The picture below is of the outside of my apartment. What do you think? 

After leaving my apartment I walked the few blocks it takes to get to the Capitol Building and then walked to the amazing Union Station. This walk gave me the opportunity to see some restaurants, explore the local grocery store, and find some places to get  my dry-cleaning done and my hair cut. All in all it was a very successful trip!! I can't wait to move in tomorrow : D  : D!!

Christmas Tree in Union Station

So what am I doing in DC this semester? Well, like I stated in my first post, the Washington Semester Program is a combination of a seminar program, internship, and a research paper. My seminar will focus on everything American Politics. I feel so privileged to be able to have this opportunity to work with such a great Senator from Rhode Island. As of right now, I am still thinking about a topic for my research paper...any ideas?? 

Well until next time...stay honest and keep those around you honest!!

- Josh