Category: Washington, DC
Mary Grieco
DC on a Dime: How to Successfully Budget in One of the Nation’s Most Expensive Cities
Mary Grieco
Summer 2015
I like to think that I’m responsible with money. I also like to think that I’m well acquainted with reality. Well, as a 22 year-old college student interning in the great city of Washington, DC this summer, I can attest to the fact that DC is most definitely challenging in the money department. However, DC is incomparable to the other Holy Trinity of Expensive Cities to Live In: New York, Los Angeles, and Boston. Perhaps this is because Washington citizens realize that DC Summers are synonymous with Student Interns, and the nineteen colleges in the area alone accentuate the fact that some budget-friendly amenities are a necessity. The initial introduction to the DC lifestyle was somewhat of a rude awakening, with the Metro raising fees during rush hour and my gym membership costing more per month than Wifi fees in Boston; regardless, I’m proud to admit that I finally think I’ve figured out this eclectic city that I’ve called home since late May. Have no fear Mr. Responsible and Ms. Frugal: you may still decide you want to live in Washington, DC after all.
Jiawei Lu
Running in DC
Jiawei Lu
Summer 2015
For those of you who are enthusiastic about running, studying abroad in DC is your best choice! As an international student, my understanding of DC is only that it is the capital of the U.S., people here are quite professional, and the cherry blossoms in April are fantastic. In Boston, I normally run along the Charles River after class, because the process of running not only makes me healthier, but also offers me a special period of time for me to refresh myself, especially when I am under pressure. Before I went to DC, I had already made a decision that I needed to buy a gym membership because I was not familiar with the running area in DC. However, everything changed when I actually arrive in DC.
Krystal Guang
Impression of DC
Krystal Guang
Summer 2015
After I got accepted to the DC program, I did not expect a lot - I thought it would just be a boring twomonths with a busy schedule of homework and interning without some fun things to do. However, after I lived here for almost two months, my impression of DC changed. It’s no longer a “vague” city to me. It’s now a city that I have experienced and explored with joy.
Gabriella Zen
Dressing for Success: Fashion and Feminism
Gabriella Zen
Summer 2015
I grew up surrounded by style and an appreciation for a well-coordinated outfit. I was told stories of purple suede booties, thigh-high leather boots, crème silk blouses, and olive wool coats. My grandmother used to hand-sew my bibs and baby clothes using fun colorful patterns. I spent afternoons with my mom at the garment manufacturer factory where she worked in merchandising. She took me to her annual sample sales that would bring hundreds of women wanting to get their hands on the most beautiful clothes.
At a young age I was encouraged to add personal flair to simple school uniforms, focus on colors and fit, find that balance between classic and current. As I got older, I started exploring my own personal style. I am the most confident when my outfits are thought out, coordinated, and well fitted. I firmly believe that people dress for themselves; not for examination by others.
Kathryn Teran
Surviving DC without asking your parents for more money
Kathryn Teran
Summer 2015
Washington DC—not quite city not quite town, where history is made, opportunities are found, and networks are linked. The Metro (DC’s public transportation service) is clean and functions consistently until 3 am on the weekends. Shopping is abundant and there is food from every corner of the globe in every form from bakeries to food trucks to restaurants with $2.50+ tasting menus. For all you ladies and gents over 21 coming from Boston, behold, the promised land of happy hour. If you’re staying at the Deb you will be thrilled to find that the restaurant right next door has $1 margaritas. God Bless America.
We have arrived, well, kind of. Unless you’re fortunate enough to have either a paid internship or your company pays for your public transportation, costs will start to add up, and fast. It happens slowly, and then all at once—your food truck lunches, bottomless mimosa brunches, and frequent use of the metro will add up and have you looking at your bank statement wondering where the money that was supposed to last you all semester went.
So, my tips for surviving DC without awkwardly asking your parents for more money?
Lindsey Hover
The Roses and Thorns of Working Remotely
Lindsey Hover
Summer 2015
On my first day as a young working professional in Washington, DC, I sat behind my computer screen and watched as my peers hastily cooked their breakfasts, suited up, and headed out to begin their commutes. Sitting there in my sweatpants, I felt a mild jealousy, glamorizing the suits and skirts, and the half hour commute to work as emblematic of a “real life” that I, as a remote worker on two jobs, was missing.
Kelsey Nagle
Advice to an Incoming BUDC Student
Kelsey Nagle
Summer 2015
I joined the DC program believing that I would just go through the motions of interning while getting some class credits out of the way, and would come back after two months and carry on with my life. However, DC has helped me to learn so much about myself and my views, and has helped me figure out a lot about my future. My best advice about starting a program such as BUDC is to keep an open mind and take advantage of the opportunities that will be given to you.
Claire Peaceman
How I Made Lemonade of My Summer
Claire Peaceman
Summer 2015
I have spent most of my time recently making lemonade from the lemons life has thrown my way. I spent almost every day of the spring semester searching for my perfect DC internship opportunity. I had every job posting website bookmarked on my laptop, I called in favors from contacts I had in Washington, and I spoke frequently with Chelsea and Walter to strategize. I ended up applying to nearly 50 different internship positions. And still, I boarded the plane to Washington in late May with no set placement lined up for myself.
Weiran Cheng
Dining in DC—Good Japanese Food
Weiran Cheng
Summer 2015
Before I came to DC, one of my friends who had visited DC told me it was a really boring city. She said, “It’s just a city where people go to work and you’ll find there’s not many good restaurants.” Since I like dining out and exploring good Japanese food, what she said really disappointed me. However, after two months of searching and trying new food, my friend in this program and I have both found special and very good Asian dining places in the city. The restaurants standards and modern style really go beyond my expectations.
In the following paragraphs, I will introduce some good Japanese food in the Adams Morgan and Dupont Circle area, which are convenient and close to the Debonair.
Katya Gonzalez-Willette
6 Keys to Time Management in DC
Katya Gonzalez-Willette
Summer 2015
1. Buy an agenda or planner
Between your internship and classes you will be very busy throughout the semester. It is vital you write the important things down so you know when your assignments or deadlines are coming up. You don’t forget to do them.
2. Create a healthy balance between work, class and a social life
Even if you are very busy, remember to make time to enjoy yourself in DC because the city has so much to offer! It is important to give yourself a break from the chaos of work and class to go out and explore. Tip: maintain a healthy balance and don’t let your social life get in the way of your professional and academic development.
