Sunday June 25, 2006

Woken up at the brutally early hour of 6:30 by loud knocks and yells, I stumbled out of bed to breakfast and then to the busses. Somewhere in between, the heavens opened up and started pouring torrential rain down on us. We ran towards the waiting vehicles, unaware that the bad weather was only beginning (keep on reading for our extreme weather adventures)!

Our first destination was one of the most meaningful ones during the whole Presidential Scholars experience - the Department of Education to do something that all of us scholars had plenty of experience with: community service. Upon arrival, I found it humorous that the modern building had entrances constructed in the semblance of red one room schoolhouses with the words "No Child Left Behind" inscribed on them. Well, at least we aren't at the Department of Agricultural! For the community project, we had collected books and toiletries before the program and brought them with us. In the basement of the Department of Education, we rolled up our sleeves and went to work sorting the books, creating toiletry kits, and making peanut butter & jelly sandwiches. The large piles of finished product were a testament to our commitment towards service and will help to alleviate the misfortunes of others. During this time, we also made origami cranes for a Presidential Scholar who could not be with us; he had had a relapse of bone cancer just prior to National Recognition Week. With a goal of 1,000 folded cranes, we hoped to fulfill a Japanese legend that said the folding of one thousand cranes would realize a heart's desire. For us, we wished, while we folded, the best for our missing Presidential Scholar and for his speedy recovery. I hope that he is doing well today.

The red school houses serving as entrances to the Department of Education really stand out amid the otherwise serious bustle of the nation's capital.

After our work was done, I was starving and fortunately our next destination was a "Defining Our Future" working lunch at Phillips Flagship Restaurant, which served amazing seafood buffet with all kinds of delicacies. While we ate, there was a talk focused on several areas including the necessity of science and engineering for America to remain strong, the increasing globalization of the world (and the subsequent need to learn languages and cultures) and the Presidential Scholars' duty to uphold ideals of integrity and service. From the luncheon, the connecting power of our stay became evident as we listened to company executives and government officials. In fact, one company, Northrop Grumman Corporation directly mentioned the exciting possibility of internship due to our ability. The Boston Consulting Group also sent a congratulatory letter.

After the lunch, the 2006 Presidential Scholars enjoyed more of the connections inherent in being part of a prestigious program as we tapped to alumni network during an afternoon of workshops, the descriptions of which are copied here:

Workshop I "What is Business?"
What does it mean to pursue a business career? What are the different ways to get business experience? How do I come up with a business idea? How do I set up my own business? What does it take to be an entrepreneur?

Workshop II "Careers in Medicine"
What does it take to become a doctor? What opportunities are there to help me decide whether to go to medical school? What are the varieties of careers in health care? What is the future of public health and healthcare?

Workshop III "Pursuing a Career in the Arts"
How do you start an acting career? How can you make it in the arts? What are the different ways to be involved in the arts, both professionally and personally?

Workshop IV "Loving the Law"
What are different career paths one can pursue with a law degree? Are there too many lawyers? Should I go to law school?

Workshop V "Natural Disaster Preparedness"
How do we prepare for health emergencies in his country? Who are "first responders" and what do they do? How does the government respond to natural disasters?

Workshop VI "International Affairs, Government, and Politics"
What is it like working in international affairs in the current geopolitical environment? What are the different ways to work in international affairs? How is it different working for the government and in the private and nonprofit sectors?

I was personally involved in the Business and Medicine workshops, both of which were well administered by the alumni. After these sessions, we were brought to the reception and exhibition of visual arts and writing Presidential Scholars at the Corcoran Gallery of Art. My fellow arts scholars had a whole exhibit room on the second floor to themselves where various pieces of artwork and writing were displayed on walls and stands. TVs were also stationed for the video graphics artists. The place was packed and I was so excited that my friends had the wonderful opportunity to have their work in a premier national gallery. On the first floor, the Presidential Scholars and other guests also gathered to hear the literary works read aloud by the authors; it was clear the tremendous amount of talent and effort put forth in the writings as the powerful words flowed throughout the gallery and into our hearts.

Upon leaving the exhibition, we looked forwards to another exciting event - the Teacher Recognition Dinner at the Andrew W. Mellon Auditorium. I would have never accomplished what I had and become the person I am without the gracious help of all the teachers and mentors throughout the years and the other scholars felt similarly. We could not wait to have our influential teachers recognized for their outstanding efforts. I broke out in a big smile in seeing my teacher again; graduation had been just two weeks ago but it felt great to see a familiar face, especially of someone who had been such a big part of my school life. In addition to the amazing food and the elegant surroundings, we were treated to two great speakers. Dr. Anisha Abraham, a 1986 Presidential Scholar who is now a doctor spoke of her own experiences, not knowing 20 years ago where she would be today, an accomplished woman committed to helping others. She encouraged us to find mentors and be mentors, get out of our comfort zones, and give back to others. Teacher of the year Jason Kamras, who teaches in one of Washington D.C.'s most impoverished middle schools, also spoke as an advocate for improved educational opportunities through improved teaching.

The most memorable part of the night, however, was after the conclusion of the Teacher Recognition Dinner. During the course of the evening, powerful thunderstorms, brilliant flashes of lightning, and torrential rain had flooded part of the city. As we prepared to leave, we were shocked to find that the street in front of the building was inundated with waist deep water. Automobiles bobbed on the streets as tiny waves crashed against the parking meters. One of the shuttle buses had broken down in a vain attempt to escape the rising waters. For many of us, it was a surreal experience, yet how ironic was it for the scholars from New Orleans who had been displaced by Hurricane Katrina only to encounter a similar disaster in the nation's capital! After waiting for a long duration, we decided to make a dash for one of the buses in the street. Going commando, the guys pulled up the suit legs and waded in formal attire through waist deep sewage water. Luckily everybody made it safely and we were all so excited from just the experience that hardly anybody complained. We sure are a unique class of Presidential Scholars and we won't ever forget this memory!