Wallace
Friday Jan. 15th
Today started with an extra early alarm and a rush to get ready to head off by myself to the Family Research Council, a faith-based policy non-profit focused on upholding faith, family, and freedom. The reason I had this opportunity to observe and meet with staff is because of my parents' long-term support and involvement with the organization. Once I navigated through the metro system and easily found the building, I met Alyssa Groen, the woman I would be spending most of my day with. The first thing I did at FRC was to observe the morning strategy meeting where the Vice Presidents and Senior Staff discuss what would be in the daily update. Today’s update would discuss the crisis in Haiti, the health care fact of the day, new marriage amendments, and a slew of other issues. After the meeting Alyssa toured me around the six stories including a communications floor which had a filming area and a radio studio. After the tour I met with Paul Fitzpatrick, Vice President for Development. He told me about how the organization raises money and makes personal contact with its supporters. After the meeting Alyssa, Paul, and I headed to Clyde’s Grill for lunch. The food was great and the conversation even better. After lunch I went on a marathon of meetings with Dr. David Prentice, Director of the Center for Life and Bioethics, Rob Schwarzwalder, Senior Vice President, Cynthia Hill, Director of State and Local Affairs, JP Duffy, Vice President for Communications, and the Director of Human Dignity. I learned about issues ranging from adult stem cell research, to media and communication, to running an organization, and just talking about life in general and the power of my generation. By the end of the day my head was spinning with information, but it was an incredibly eye-opening and educational experience.
Straight from FRC I headed over to the National Portrait Gallery to meet up with the group for the big dinner we had all been waiting for. Marrakesh! Morocco here we come! Though a little out of my comfort zone, I warmed up to it and especially enjoyed the belly dancer. Once I finally got over my uneasiness of eating with our fingers I really did enjoy the food. The cinnamon, powder sugar, chicken pie was not my favorite… but the beef kabob, baklava, and mint tea were quite delicious. After the three and a half hour meal, we made it back to the hotel where I quickly fell asleep from utter exhaustion.
This trip so far has been such a great experience in all arenas. I have experienced so many new things, met so many interesting and influential people, and become much more independent. My day today forced me to be the intelligent, articulate young woman Harpeth Hall has taught me to be, as well as to be open to new experiences and different cultures. I wouldn't’ trade any of it, good or bad, for anything!
