An Interesting Beginning
I arrived Saturday. Throughout the weekend I met tons of other interns and seemed to have been off to a great experience! Now, after the first day of actually working at the EPA Criminal Investigation Division, my attitude is altering.
This morning I rode the Metro Subway packed with others in business attire reading the Times and Journal on their way to work (like a scene in a movie!).
Upon arriving, Reggie, my supervisor, met me at the door and for the next hour or so gave me a tour of CID and introduced me to many people in offices with big desks and lots of frames on the wall which are probably supposed to make them seem important. After this he showed me the desk I will be located, handed me a few documents, and orientated me to the work (I just nodded my head as he spoke jargon which I couldn't comprehend). After this it was about 10:30 and Reggie wanted to go for a walk. We walked outside and across the street to the Smithsonian Museum of American History! We spent a good 30 minutes there and then walked around the streets and to Starbucks were he bought a coffee for Craig, the boss. Now the "work" could begin!
Reggie and I then spent a good two hours preparing a one and a half page memo which we basically cut and pasted from another document (keep in mind most everybody in this office has multiple degrees and work experience, including Reggie). The rest of the day was spent editing a document which has just about nothing to do with law, justice, or the environment. Awesome.
I REALLY hope things get better, because right now I feel like I am wasting time and a whole lot of money!
The other thing: Although I had a great weekend, the last couple days have been somewhat boring (I know I'm in DC!). I haven't done much anything social except watch the Pistons with a couple guys last night and played a game of Euchre today with fellow Michigan folk and a Kentucky guy whom I call Napoleon. Oh well, it is still just first week. I haven't had a plethora of time.
This morning I rode the Metro Subway packed with others in business attire reading the Times and Journal on their way to work (like a scene in a movie!).
Upon arriving, Reggie, my supervisor, met me at the door and for the next hour or so gave me a tour of CID and introduced me to many people in offices with big desks and lots of frames on the wall which are probably supposed to make them seem important. After this he showed me the desk I will be located, handed me a few documents, and orientated me to the work (I just nodded my head as he spoke jargon which I couldn't comprehend). After this it was about 10:30 and Reggie wanted to go for a walk. We walked outside and across the street to the Smithsonian Museum of American History! We spent a good 30 minutes there and then walked around the streets and to Starbucks were he bought a coffee for Craig, the boss. Now the "work" could begin!
Reggie and I then spent a good two hours preparing a one and a half page memo which we basically cut and pasted from another document (keep in mind most everybody in this office has multiple degrees and work experience, including Reggie). The rest of the day was spent editing a document which has just about nothing to do with law, justice, or the environment. Awesome.
I REALLY hope things get better, because right now I feel like I am wasting time and a whole lot of money!
The other thing: Although I had a great weekend, the last couple days have been somewhat boring (I know I'm in DC!). I haven't done much anything social except watch the Pistons with a couple guys last night and played a game of Euchre today with fellow Michigan folk and a Kentucky guy whom I call Napoleon. Oh well, it is still just first week. I haven't had a plethora of time.