WCSC: culture-crossing 101

Anyone who doesn't think that Washington, D.C., should be a cross cultural has never been offered illegal substances, propositioned by a 14-year-old girl (both to which I quickly said no), or for the first time felt like a minority in the course of just one day. So far, the experience has been great!

After being told that I look like a cute Justin Timberlake, I started thinking, "What is the most interesting thing that has happened to me since coming to live in the District of Columbia in late August?" Well, that is hard to pin down. The internship is educational and adventurous, I'm the only white guy in my class at Howard University, and I finally think I've mastered public transportation, only to find I'm on the wrong bus or subway car going the wrong way. Life is full of surprises, and I was telling a friend the other day, with God's help, I guess I can only take it one day at a time.

This summer I lived and traveled in Lithuania and Latvia for a month. Coming to DC, I had the mindset that at least I could communicate with others speaking the same language. That impression was dismissed as the first day on a bus I heard three languages other than English. I also had thought, "Well at least maybe I can blend in with the people!" only to find how much one can stick out, even when speaking the same language. I know people can tell I'm fairly new to the city, just as I am beginning to separate the tourists from the city dwellers.

You all want to know something that is exciting...and adventurous...and nerve racking? Try living with the most random mix of nine other people, each one unique in their own way. So my hat off to you Martin House people, and good luck to all of us. Everyone should try it, though, because even despite total differences of opinion, you learn to care for each other. I love my housemates and am totally glad that each and every one is in my life right now. The semester out here in D.C. is just getting started, and I wouldn't have it any other way.