Just finished my first full day in DC. After getting orientation out of the way early in the morning, it was time for one of those big group sightseeing adventures. I’m not going to lie, I was a little apprehensive about participating since I had only had about 4 hours of sleep and still needed to do a million things to finish getting settled in my new city. But I ended up going and am glad I did.

Today turned out to be exactly what I needed to jumpstart my next four months in Washington, DC. The premise for the trip was a visit to the National Archives, which houses all of the important documents in our nation’s history including the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution. I hopped onto my first metro train and made my way with 70 strangers to see these historical documents.

Visiting the National Archives was definitely a great way to start my stay. Being able to see in person the documents that shaped what our government continues to do today made me realize that over 200 years ago a group of men sat down and came up with what would be needed for a successful government. They created a democracy away from the crown in which people were their own rulers. In this new democracy people have true representation along with a say in what their government and elected officials do for them, not just for the privileged. This last point is why I came to Washington, DC in the first place and why I see public service as important direction of my life. You are the connection to actually use your governmental resources to help people.

Every once in a while, all Americans need to step back and remember that the success of the United States of America is miraculous and should not be taken for granted. Now with our 44th President and 111th session of Congress, our country has seen a lot, but one thing has not changed. We still govern under the same guiding principles created by our founding fathers far before they could imagine problems that divide us today such as a war over oil, abortion and same sex marriage.

From the National Archives, a group of us decided to walk to the Capital and wander around there also visiting the Library of Congress, the Supreme Court, and the surrounding office buildings. It was amazing not only to see buildings shown nightly on CNN up close, but also to witness once again a place of so much history.

This day was the best possible way to begin my trip. I got to see the beginning of our nation’s history as well as the centerpiece of our country, the Capital. Having this foundation really did help give me perspective of the city, our country and a great point of view to begin my internship.