Genevieve Carrasco
Ambition, International, Service
Policy in Practice in Washington D.C.
Myself and fellow Radford University student had the opportunity to take a Maymester course that took place in Washington, D.C. This Maymester course were towards Students from the Political Science Dept. as well as the Criminal Justice Dept. This course idea was to present 10 selected students to visit a variety of government agencies for a week. The agencies we visited were: Washington D.C. District Courthouse, GAO (Government Accountability Office), FBI (Federal Bureau of Investigations), CIA ( Central Intelligence Agency), The Capitol of Washington D.C., The Pentagon, and FEMA (Federal Emergency Management Agency). While visiting these amazing agencies we also were able to visit and talk to former Radford alumni.
D.C. District Courthouse
GAO
FBI
The first day we arrived in D.C. we had the amazing opportunity to visit the D.C. District Courthouse to witness court hearings. This was my first time actually physically watching court cases in person before. There were many cases that were utterly sad and you can see that the majority of those involved in the cases were, African American. It was very hard to listen to some of the cases that involved drugs, prostitution, and physical abuse. Watching each case made me definitely view my life in a postie matter and to always be appreciative, because some may not have it so easy.
The agency we spoke with was the GAO. Before coming to D.C., I didn't know much about the GAO honestly. But when listening to the staff members upon what they do, I realized how important the GAO is to our country. Visiting the GAO allowed us to listen and discuss questions with policy analysts who advise Congress on issues such as the national debt, climate change, and education. Now I do not believe my main focus career wise would to work for the GAO, but I really enjoyed how much their impact affects how the United States function. I also really enjoyed listening to our guest speakers life stories upon how they began a career in the GAO.
Now my top favorite agency we visited during our course was the visit we made to the FBI. It was amazing touring the actual FBI building and learning the variety of career opportunities the FBI had to offer. While touring the agency inside, we also had the opportunity to tour their museum. Which I found I fascinating, especially, since they had remaining from 9/11, as well as homicide cases. Furthermore, we were able to speak with an FBI agent, a recruiter, and counter-terrorism analysts. I was so happy when visiting the agency due to, this is a future career goal I have in mind after my years in service within the military. I would love to further my knowledge to work as a FBI counter- terrorism agent.
CIA
Visiting the men and women within the CIA, was a like being in a different world. I remember my classmates and I were so nervous when on the bus heading to their headquarters, and having to keep our eyes closed and phones off. The building was so amazing and huge when we went inside. Not many people have this opportunity to visit the CIA, so I felt that we were all undeniably lucky. We were able to speak with various CIA agents, but we could not know their names nor take pictures with them or the building. I knew the CIA were pretty secretive about their information, but I didn't know it was to the degree as interpret from movies. As a career choice, I don`t believe the CIA is for me personally. Even though it is quiet interesting the different jobs they have and the amount of traveling they do, to hide my identity all the time to my friends and my family seems a little to much for me t handle.
Capitol Hill
Visiting The Capitol was a perfect visit especially, for those students who are political science majors. When entering the building, it was astonishing on how gorgeous the building was. There were so many paintings and statues that beautified the hall as you walked down. While in The Capitol, we were given a tour by Radford alumni, Jay Rupert, who took us to the press box in the House, the Capitol TV studios, and he also explained to us his day-to-day routine inside the Capitol. In addition, we were able to speak to former Navy officers who were inside Capitol Hill, which they explained their life and why they choose the specific career choice after their time in service. I found that really interesting since I plan to go to the military after graduation. Another fun thing I was able to witness while in The Capitol, was meeting the production cast of CNN, they were so nice me and a classmate were able to take a picture with the crew.
The Pentagon
Visiting the Pentagon was quiet emotional moment, since we came to the exact area where the terrorist attack of 9/11. We were given a pretty good tour, but I did not like how our tour guide gave many rude jokes upon each event that happened in the Pentagon. I felt as though it was very insensitive they way she went about her jokes. But while exploring the tours we had brief meeting to meet with the Pentagon Police and their day to day life working inside the Pentagon. When exploring the building, I didn't realize how big it was inside. I also found it fascinating how there were barbershops, nail salons, mini stores, jewelry stores, and gift shops in the barber shop. This was because since there is so much traffic in D.C. and its hard to get chores done while on break from work, they made simple things employees need right there in the Pentagon. That way they did not have to rush in and out the building. I also loved how nice everyone was while we were visiting, it was a great visit.
FEMA
Last but not least, my class was able to make our last visit to FEMA. The tour to visit FEMA, was probably the best trip I went on besides the FBI. I loved the concept FEMA has with the strategy and improvement to help with disasters. We were able to hear real life stories of members of FEMA and FEMACorps. The main goal of this agency is to fix an issue before it becomes an even bigger issue as well as working together to help citizens in desperate need. I also really enjoyed how many of the members of FEMA spoke about being lifeguards, and because of being a lifeguard, it influenced a career with the same main focus upon helping civilians in need. I really enjoyed this tour and it really drove my passion to help others in need.
(Scholar- Citizen CLASS)
The day we visited FEMA
Taking a picture after touring the Pentagon
Me taking a picture when taking a tour at The Capitol
Me and my classmates taking a picture in front of the FBI agency
Us waiting patiently to enter the building