Last weekend I went to DC for a few days to attend an AMSA Political Leadership Institute. It was basically a weekend seminar on politial skills -- speechwriting and delivery, grassroots organizing, interacting with the media, preparing issue briefs, lobbying, delivering presentations, etc. It was particularly fun to meet other med students from around the country (most of whom were 1st-years) and hear about their experiences. I'm looking forward to seeing most of them at AMSA's national convention at the end of the month.
It was both exciting and unnerving to be back in DC. Living there was a really good experience for me -- good job, fun social scene, lots to do. And the fact that I got into med school while I was there certainly doesn't hurt. And I got to see a lot of my friends while I was there. The strangest part about being there, however, was the feeling that it was home. Or that it had been home. And that I hadn't really recognized it while I was there.
It's an understandable feeling -- I only lived there for a year, but it felt a lot more like home than had Baltimore (which, admittedly, was only my home for 10 months). DC was the place where I established my first real community after leaving California...among coworkers, old college friends, and new friends. It was the first time I'd really forced myself to become more independent by living alone. And unlike Baltimore, I didn't really want to leave.
Anyway, the trip helped me recognize how much life has changed in the last 7 months, in terms of friends, lifestyle/schedule, personal goals, and self image. The fact that is has only been 7 months is pretty scary...but at least I'm able to visit my old home, enjoy it, and come back to a place where I am happy to be.
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