My first few weeks here in DC have made me so happy that I decided to participate in the CIW program. Working at C-SPAN for just a few days so far has already given me a new perspective on the communication industry, and the classes I am taking are bringing me up to date on exciting current events and political decisions that are happening right here in the nation's capital. Having the opportunity to meet Justice Ginsburg has definitely been a highlight of my time here. It was incredible to see, first hand, how influential a Cornellian woman can be. I can tell that this semester will be a growing experience as I build new relationships and gain a better understanding of a post-graduation lifestyle as I live and work in a major US city.

My roommate and I have decided to challenge ourselves by trying out as many cupcake stores as we can while we are in Washington DC. On one of the first nights of the program we hit the infamous Georgetown Cupcake. Unfortunately, this was also Inauguration Weekend, so there was a line not only out the door, but wrapped around the block. Dejected, we decided to try again on a less popular day. When we arrived at a completely average time, like Tuesday at eleven, (presumably uncupcakey), we hopped right in and sunk our teeth into some of the most delicious cupcakes of our generation. (The Mocha was particularly delectable). Next, we decided to stick a little closer to home and visited Hello Cupcake in Dupont Circle. The selection was disappointing and the basic flavors were nothing too special. BUT, the specialty flavors like Gianduja (a hazelnut delicacy) and Peanut Butter Blossom packed a punch. We put it as a 6 on the “1 to Georgetown” scale…they are conveniently located, after all. Finally, this weekend, we ventured to Larry's Ice Cream. From the shabby appearance to the frightfully vulgar Larry himself, I must say we had the best time. And for that matter, I had the best Cookie Dough ice cream—I mean, in my whole life, nothing has been quite as good. True, it’s expensive, but when a scoop of ice cream caresses three cookies worth of dough, it is completely worth it. Needless to say, we will be going back to Larry’s many times while in this wonderfully sweet and cupcake filled city. Next on our list is Red Velvet!

Now that we’ve been in D.C. for a few weeks, my favorite part of the city is the running. Far different from unending cows and hills of Ithaca, D.C. is a great place to run because of the interesting shops to pass, people to dodge, cross walk signs to ignore, and most importantly, giant monuments to run under. There are even student and professional running groups to join, if you don’t want to run alone. But I find running behind the Capitol passing senators and congressmen outside on a Thursday or running in the front the White House on a Saturday morning to be the most exhilarating part of my workout. And with this in mind, my favorite run here has become a short and sweet jog down to the mall, along the reflecting pool, and up the stairs to the Lincoln Memorial. And of course once you reach the top of the stairs under Lincoln you have to throw up your arms in total victory, then start the journey back.