Not A Goodbye, But A See You Later

I promised myself I wouldn't cry. And I didn't. I knew this day would come sooner or later. The day I would have to say goodbye to a city I've grown to love and cherish, and people I've become so close with. Still, acknowledgement and acceptance doesn't make reality any easier. It still hasn't hit me that I just finished up my last day in D.C. for the summer. While I'm anxious to go home and spend some well-needed quality time with my family, I can't help but feel that a piece of my heart will forever belong to Washington, D.C. 

When I woke up Friday morning, I promised myself that I would cherish every single one of my lasts. I took my sweet time walking to the Foggy Bottom metro station for the last time. I stood, rather than walked, up the escalator stairs at the Capitol South metro station. I took the longest possible walk from the station to Rayburn. No matter what job or opportunity I come across next, nothing can beat the view of this internship. Finally, I stepped through the metal detectors one last time--naturally I set it off on my last day--and made my usual morning route to the bathroom and even snapped a few selfies. Hey, it's my last day! No judgement!

 Not always the most reliable, but the Metro (usually) had my back!

 But really, who has a better view on their walk to work? 

Congressional Bathroom pictures. Couldn't leave without snapping a few.

Since the House was out of session, Friday was a relatively relaxed day in the office. All of the staff spent a couple hours in our reception area talking and reminiscing. Since it was Adam's and my last day, our staff went out to Wendy's and picked up lunch for all of us. Honestly, I cannot tell y'all how much I am going to miss these people--each and every one of them! Around 2 P.M, it was time for Adam to say his goodbyes as he had to leave early and catch his flight back to Texas. Gosh, what can I even say about this boy? We may have a crazy brother/sister, love/hate relationship; but there is no one else I'd rather share this experience with than him. I am going to miss him so much. Seeing that I'm a sentimental sap, I had to force myself not to cry when I gave him one last hug and watched him walk out the front door. But, it's not a goodbye. It's a see you later.

 In our humble abode for the last time. Working hard or hardly working?

 Texas! I'm going to miss the boy so much!

The rest of the day went fairly predictably. Besides a few last minute tasks, I really didn't have too many responsibilities. And then, 5 P.M struck--it was time to say my final goodbyes. First up was Hill, our legislative director. Hill gave me a warm hug and told me to contact him if I ever needed anything. I sure am going to miss Hill's calm southern drawl and friendly personality. Then came Jessie, our scheduler. I absolutely adore Jessie! She's fun and energetic, but organized and focused at the same time. Hopefully, we can get together in Atlanta the next time she's back in town! Unfortunately, Jonathan--our legislative assistant--and Richard---our communications director--had to dip out early so my goodbyes with them were short and sweet. Last but certainly not least were my two favorite staffers, Asa and Vanna. After saying goodbye to those two, I was on the verge of tears. But, it's not a goodbye. It's a see you later. 

Congressman Barrow's office. 

Feeling like a Congresswoman at this desk. 

And again, just chilling in the boss man's office. No big deal.

As a young black female interning on the Hill, it's difficult finding a role model. Someone you know understands you and everything you face on a daily basis. Someone you can look up to and model yourself after. And that is exactly what Vanna--our legislative correspondent-was to me. Not only is the woman beautiful and smart, but she's also hardworking and willing to pay it forward to younger girls such as myself. I cannot thank her enough for everything that she did for me. While I'm sad to leave her, I know that our friendship will continue to grow stronger. 

The lovely Vanna and I. 

And where do I even begin with Asa? One of the funniest and friendliest people I've ever met, Asa--our staff assistant--and I became fast friends in office. His willingness to help me and patience to teach me meant a great deal. Additionally, he was always fair in his expectations for myself and the rest of the interns. Of course, he always kept me laughing and smiling. It's nice coming into an environment knowing no one and walking away from it with someone you can call a true friend. That's exactly what Asa has become to me. I can't wait to see his crazy self in Athens for the LSU game. Until then, we have all our great stories to hold us over!

Asa and I. I'm going to miss his crazy self!

After walking out of the Rayburn House Office Building for the last time, I headed over to the National Art Gallery's Sculpture Garden for Jazz in the Garden, where I met up with the rest of (B)UGA for our farewell get-together. The usual crew consisted of Liz, Andrea', Kizmik, Eli, and Kizmik's friend Tieesha (no Femi again, sadly). It was hot and crowded outside, but we still had a fabulous time indulging in fellowship and refreshing sangria. Afterwards, we headed over to U-Street and had a delicious dinner at the highly regarded Busboys & Poets. When we're all together, we always have a great time! It was a wonderful ending to an already great last day in the city.

Jazz in the Garden with my Dawgs!

Dinner at Busboys & Poets! #delicious #endingwithabang

But my Friday wasn't over quite yet. When I got home from dinner around 11 P.M, my roommate and I decided to take a quick taxi ride up to the Jefferson Memorial. I was exhausted and I contemplated not going. But boy oh boy, I'm sure glad I did. The Jefferson Memorial is breathtaking; it is easily one of the more beautiful monuments. After spending a good while shooting the breeze and discussing our last days on the Jefferson steps, we headed back over to Foggy Bottom and called it a night.

 The Jefferson Memorial is easily the most beautiful of them all. Look at that view!

Wise words by our third President, Thomas Jefferson.

Elizabeth and I in front of good ole' Thomas. 

So glad I got to spend the summer with this amazing girl! 

Well folks, my time in D.C. has come to a close. Saturday morning, my father and my Uncle Mario are coming to help me move out of City Hall/George Washington University once and for all. After a brief stop at my grandparent's house in Richmond, my father and I will drive down to Charlotte and spend some much needed time together. Sunday morning, we'll hit the road again and I'll be home in no time. This isn't my last post (I anticipate my final one to be Sunday evening). Nevertheless, this is the end of a major chapter in my life. I did it! I conquered D.C. and made it out alive. And while I'm leaving and I'm not quite sure when I'll be back, I do know one thing: this is not a goodbye; rather, it's a see you later. 

Thanks for the memories, D.C.