Alas, I have begun this Blog. My last week here in Washington, DC is bittersweet. For two years now, I have gotten used to the habit of jogging past the embassies on Massachusetts Ave. and seeing the skyline of the monuments along the Potomac. I never take them for granted because everytime I see the dome of the capitol or the spires of the National Cathedral, i still can't believe I actually live here; however, it hasn't really been until this summer that I have felt comfortable calling Washington, DC my home and I'm going to miss it. I've seen so much of the city this summer and learned so much living in a house with my teammates and being a commuter.


I worked with Travelex Holdings, a foreign exchange company trading currencies, preparing international drafts and wires and even selling and buying commodities such as gold and silver. My goal is to pursue a career in investment banking working with emerging markets, somewhere along the lines of currency trading and commodities. I am interested in this because the reactions of the market are instantaneous with economic and political developments. I believe that with my education at AU, I have acquired an international acumem that many people in the business community do not. With my work this summer, in addition to FX (foreign exchange), I was also brought on board to do business development. Aside from meeting with people from the World Bank on more than one occation, I have tapped into the diplomatic community with the embassies. So far the list includes: Azerbaijan, Brazil, Ghana, Macedonia, Nicaragua, and South Africa. The people I have spoken with from these embassies are amazing! Talking to the first secretary of Azerbaijan about the new oil pipeline delivering to the Mediterreanean sure beats reading The Economist! I look forward to keeping contact with the diplomats I have met and attending more events. Many people are under the misconception that embassies are a fortress where political affairs are conducted and are limited solely to the citizens of that country; however, embassies are here for diplomatic purposes as well, or public relations. They each public diplomacy programs open to the public where they can share their culture, whether it be a Brazilian art exhibit or tasting South African wines and liquers. Its a great opportunity to rub elbows with people and just culture yourself.

Aside from that, what I'm going to miss more than Ben's Chili Bowl and frisbee on the quad are my friends. If you're reading this, you know who you are. I will miss you sooo much! One thing that I feel has defined me as a person, is that I have never associated with a group. I have always had different friends of different walks of life, but it really wasn't until I started rowing that I found that group of people who I identify myself with. There is no cookie cutter for my oarsmen because we all come from different walks of life. We just share a common interest for excruciating pain and the epitome of teamwork. My orientation posse from last summer, all my Kogod Finance Group fellow geeks I will miss you all! This is not at all a goodbye but an "I'll see you later." Stay tuned because it is going to be one exciting semester.