Hey Everyone!

I wasn't sure if I would be alive to make it past week four. But here I am, alive and well with plenty of energy left. This week was another really eye-opening experience. I had a chance to draft my bill on child conscription in Somalia into its actual form and am waiting on approval to introduce it to Congress from my Congressman. As far as my extended essay is going, I have reached the halfway point and feel like I am some fellow at a think tank here in D.C.!

My next destination was on route to the White House. Soon enough, after walking past some pretty hefty secret service guards and gazing at their P-90's equipped with red dot infrared sights and state of the art grips, I was intimidated to say the least. But once I made my way into the President's quarters, all of the sudden everyone was gathering to the windows into the backyard like a herd of cattle just found water. So I joined in and realized I was staring at Marine One, the Presidential Helicopter. Several minutes later, sure enough, President Obama himself walked out onto the freshly cut lawn and boarded. What great timing! After that extravaganza, I determined I want to be some head honcho escorted by secret service into the White house every now and then. We will see.

I was able to make it to the late Senator Byrd from West Virginia as his casket was placed on the Senate floor. I had a couple minutes to just take in the scenario, and although his political views definitely were on the other side of the aisle, he had made a significant impact in our nation's history after serving roughly 50 years in Congress. He did what I hope to do, be a major contributor to our country's policies.

I summarized several testimonies for my Congressman's homeland security hearing. And as I eagerly await this weekend for the spectacular fireworks show at the Capitol Building, I also have a barbecue at the Under Secretary of the Navy's humble abode in Maryland to attend. He will undoubtedly have a wealth of information concerning the piracy problem in the Gulf of Aden near Somalia, an excellent interview source for my paper I might add.

All in all, I am having a blast and continue to surprise myself with my ability to network and just reach out to anyone I come across. Just when I think it can't get any better, D.C. proves me wrong.

Thanks for following!