Last Post

Last night my roomie and I had a smashing night on the town with friends, so I'm a little behind again on the b-l-o-g, sorry!

I began yesterday morning with a panel at the New America Foundation concerning the Obama administration's relationship thus far with China. And I'll be honest, I went into this discussion anticipating a two hour drumroll of economic jargon, vague historical references relating to this trade agreement or that other one, and 'Washington-speak' so thick I would need a katana to cut through it. Fortunately I was mistaken. The speaker, Franklin Lavin, had a very smooth speaking style and spoke candidly. Most importantly he spoke succinctly. His sidekick for the morning was moderator, Steve Clemons, the seven foot tall avid blogger of the Washington Note who had a definent air of "rock star" appeal as Dr. Williams mentioned. Together, the two led a very informative and thought-provoking discussion and even got a few chuckles here and there, something else I didn't anticipate :).

This post is the last of the Part 1 series before I leave for Texas tomorrow, but stay tuned! Part 2 will commence July 19th when I will be back in DC for the symposiums. I'd like to say though before I sign off that this month has been amazing in more ways than I could have imagined. I fed myself with neither can opener nor cooking utensils, got myself from a to b to c without a car, did NOT get killed by a vehicle of any kind, exposed myself to world culture and history here in DC, and learned valuable networking skills. Because I was given the opportunity to see how working professionals and policymakers go about their everyday business I now have a better idea of how to take my afor-mentioned katana and cut a niche for myself in the professional world.

Yet, most importantly, I somehow made it on TV. In China.. In CHINA!!! I am the proud audience member of the first Congressional hearing concerning the Uyghurs of Xinjiang that was apparently broadcasted on the news in that region. Check it out!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2RlIc5ZLIGU

I guess I will leave it at that. Until July!

Jennygirl out.