Week 10 - Just like a waving flag.

We've had yet another amazing week here at SEGL. Yes, I'm aware that I over use the word amazing. But honestly, there really isn't a better way to describe this program. It's simply amazing.

Monday:
Today was the due date for our rough drafts. We were allowed to use morning E&L to work on the paper. Those two hours were insane. We worked during the whole period and got all our work done. I like working under pressure. Maybe that's why I like journalism. Hmm.
During math class Anne Baker came to speak to us about the importance of math in everyday life. I'm beginning to think that I might actually need this stuff. The funny thing was that she's actually an HB grad. I noticed her class ring and we have the same one since she went to my high school. She's also the best friend of my little sister's best friend's mom. Small world.
We had exercise block with Henry. It's brutal but so worth it in the end. We played soccer in our normal park. Unfortunately, we had a little run in with the Capitol Police. Apparently that park is still Capitol grounds so we aren't allowed to play there any more. We have to run down to the reflecting pool to play now.
Also, Maylen finally cooked for us! She made us salmon tikki masala. It was sooo good. I hope she cooks for us more often.

Tuesday:
Today was another ordinary day at school. We all got our edited rough drafts back. They were very harshly graded, but we need to see that in order to make them the best that they can be. This week will be crazy. Somalia deadline is drawing near!
During Flex, we finally had our financial fitness class with Heather. We learned the basics of budgeting, credit cards, and salaries.

Wednesday:
Today was an amazing day! On our walk to school from Robek's, we saw our first major protest. The Vietnamese-American Community of Massachusetts was protesting against communists.
For E&L, we worked on our Somalia project. So much time has been devoted to this. The rest of the semester will be similar. We only have 3 more case studies left. To break up the monotony of paper writing, we took a trip to the State Department to meet with THE people in charge of counter-piracy initiatives. We met with Robert Maggi and Peter Hearl. They provided us with a lot of insight into our papers. At the end of the session, Isabel, Kyra, and I were jumping for joy because we figured out the angle of our paper. Finally! After that we got a tour of the 8th floor which is where all important State events are held. We got to go out on to the balcony and snap a few pics of the great view. I felt so patriotic. Basically it was an incredible day!

Thursday:
Today we continued to freak out about Somalia. Why on earth did we pick a legitimate failed state to write a policy document about? It's so difficult to fix since it already failed. It feels like we need to save the world.
We had Chinese class again. This time we talked about Chinese holidays. We don't learn as much language rather culture. It's still fascinating though.

Friday:
We worked all during last period E&L and we finished our papers and turned them in at 6 pm sharp. We are done finally! In other news, today's Robbie's birthday so this morning as he left the academic we chased him down the street, hugged him and then serenaded him with happy birthday. I think we scared some people. Oops.
In the evening, we went to Good Stuff for milkshakes and sat on the Supreme Court Steps. Typical Friday night. It's our little tradition.

Saturday:
Beautiful day.
During English class, we worked on the final touches of our policy document. It should be ready to send out early next week.
We went to Old Town Alexandria and walked around. I shopped and walked around with Caity, Emily, and Kyra.  Those 3 are definitely yaya sisters. It was such good bonding, especially lunch at the little sushi restaurant.

Sunday:
Typical chill Sunday full of homework.

Now onto yet another busy week. We will be studying immigration in one of our last case studies.