Getting Started

It's two weeks before the fellowship starts - two books on legislative processes to read, two art exhibits to see before they close, two "move in" logistics to solve (cable access and finding a yoga class). Am set with my metro smart card, D.C. public library card, routes to Trader Joe's and other neighborhood amenities.

I'm a suburban girl by custom and a country girl by heart, so this will be my first experience living in a city - and what a wonderful city this is - not only to visit, but, I anticipate, to live. Almost everyone has been nice, the shopkeepers and service workers especially helpful, the tourists are obvious and often asking directions, and there's so much to see and do! The mass transit is wonderful, but if I'm willing to walk three miles, I can get to almost every place of interest. And if not, I have my bicycle with me (right next to the old couch - I may need to figure out some other arrangement on that one).

D.C. seems to be a city of contrasts - people with many resources and those with few, the historic next to the modern, the formal mixing with the informal (dress, homes, activities), and I may be noticing a trend for sideburns with the men - who knew?

I'm looking forward to an exciting year with this wonderful opportunity to be immersed in learning about federal policy and promoting public health. It feels like Congress College. My first two weeks will be an orientation, joining the Brookings Institution fellows. By mid-January, I expect to know in whose office I'll be working.

I've left behind a home and family (husband, two cats, extended family and friends) in New Jersey, community organizations and professional voluntary responsibilities (launching the NJ Public Health Institute with a respected colleague, Drew Harris), and stepping aside from elected office as councilwoman on my local borough council after 7 years. Giving back the keys to city hall was expecially poignant, but I may be back!

Let the adventure begin!