Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte and group

John Negroponte

I woke up this morning, noted the breaking clouds through the window above my head and then remembered where I was. I was in Washington DC, and today was the day when we were going to interview the DEPUTY SECRETARY OF STATE! I bolted upright and immediately began to prepare myself for the interview to come.

It was all very surreal leading up to the interview. We walked up to the massive building that houses the Department of State. Flags above us were waving gloriously in the wind. We all had to clear through security and then met with Public and Intergovernmental liaison Bureau of Public Affairs, Eileen McCormack , who took us up to the legendary Seventh Floor.

Leaving the State Department

None of us were sure of what to expect when we walked through the elevator doors. One thing we saw immediately was that the décor was hands down ten times more beautiful than that of the ground level. I found myself face to face with the portrait of none other than George Shultz, a brilliant man we interviewed not even a month ago. I felt a bit more at home knowing he was there at least in spirit. As we were waiting, we talked with Eileen who gave us a brief history of her years spent in the building. Then the doors of the Deputy Secretary’s conference room opened and out stepped many Indonesian statesmen and a tall sharply dressed American, John Negroponte the number two person at the State Department, second only to the Secretary, Condoleezza Rice. Mr. Negroponte exudes a physical sense of control and power. I was star-struck and watching him with the delegation it was clear that he was a confident and experienced diplomat.

Emotions were running high as we prepared to face what we expected to be one of the most challenging interviews of the whole trip. Both elated and nervous, we entered his paneled conference room, not sure what we were about to face. What we discovered was an intellectual, thoughtful, humorous and articulate man that is not only dedicated to his job in public service, but someone that is proud to represent his country. He told us “Be proud of the American example,” and that “you represent a great country.” It is impossible to not feel patriotic when you are sitting and taking to the Deputy Secretary of State. It is like one of those moments when you suddenly stop, look up, and there, with the blue sky and rolling white clouds in the background, waves the American flag in the afternoon breeze. It’s priceless.

Deputy Secretary of State John Negroponte

Born to Greek parents in London, Negroponte studied abroad and is a man of many languages. In the interview he told us that there is “no better way to learn about a culture than to learn its language.” This is advice that we have now received from multiple people and makes me think that there might be something to this whole language business. It also makes me wish I still knew my German. He reminded us that we are only 4% of the world’s population and that China and India are rising powers that will be a reality for us now and in the future. Knowing foreign languages opens us up to other cultures and will enable us to operate in the future society.

View from the Lincoln Memorial

Another moment in the interview that was interesting was when Hannah asked the Deputy Secretary if he had been influenced in his thinking and decision making by living in other countries. He paused and said, “I have not really thought about it.” He then proceeded to tell us in eloquent terms, about the “Pacific Way,” which was a way that in the northwest they talked out issues until an agreement was reached. He said it was better than a close vote where so many would be waiting for a policy to fail. I love watching his brilliant mind do a quick search and then come up with a new answer that was so complete as if he knew it all along.

As we were winding down from one of the best interviews we had yet done, we came to the last question for the day. After all the advice he had already given us, was there one thing that he wanted us to take away that could help us in our own futures? With a smile, he told us “Hard Work.” There is no effortless way to achieve greatness, and “as long as you work hard,” he told, “people will recognize you for that.” And so, as we continue our journey in DC, I think we’ll do great things as long as we work hard!

-Ashley, Hannah and Chris

Layli Miller-Muro

Layli Miller-Muro Founder of the Tahirih Justice Center

Layli Miller-Muro is a lawyer. She founded the Tahirih Justice Center, a non- profit organization dedicated to providing legal aid to women around the world who are in serious and dangerous situations. When she was still a law student, she took on a case that may have changed the course of her life defending Fauziya Kassindja, a seventeen year old girl seeking asylum from female genital mutilation (F.G.M.) in her home country. She was assigned the case, because earlier she had written a paper regarding whether or not F.G.M. could be the basis for asylum. It is amazing that Layli while still a student pioneered a change in asylum laws to include gender based persecution. But you would never find out from her. A modest woman, she does not boast about the wonderful things she has accomplished for woman’s rights. She believes, “you will be very disappointed and you will also burn out very quickly if you’re working to be recognized.”

We asked her what was the original spark that motivated her to be so interested in issues of social justice. She responded that it came from growing up in Atlanta as a member of the Baha’i community. This provided Layli Miller-Muro many opportunities to develop relationships with kids from many different backgrounds. As she grew older, she began to notice a difference in the way people treated her compared to how they treated her friends of color. This realization, among others, was what sparked her passion for justice.

A woman of endless grace, she works tirelessly for her clients. She said that it is important not to impose her personal values onto her clients. It is not her place to convince them of what they should do or force her beliefs onto them. It is about helping them in any way she can to tackle the problems that they want to solve. She tries to maintain a balance of being passionately and emotionally committed while knowing her limits. She understands that she cannot change people; she can only encourage them to change themselves.

I can’t say I’m envious of her position because I doubt my ability to show up to such an emotionally straining job every morning, but I can voice my endless respect for her and her colleagues in the Tahirih Justice Center. They are making a critical difference in many women’s lives.

-Hannah Meade

Friday Reflection

The trip is half over. Our journey is at the turning point and I have already hit a kind of euphoria beyond what I can really express. It is hard to imagine what the next week will have in store for us. Tomorrow we leave the city of Washington, DC that already seems like home and head to the countryside that is yet to be experienced.

Looking back on this past week, I cannot fully understand what has happened. It is beyond me, and far from anything I could put into prose. I apologize because this writing cannot do real justice to what I experienced. I imagine it is like a letter from a relative in a foreign country that you have never seen trying to describe the landscape. From the first interview with Alyse Nelson Bloom and Maria Pacheco I knew why I was here. These were amazing people that immediately pulled apart my flesh and bones and grasped my heart with their humility and kindness. At the Capitol building, we met Congressman Dreier who invited us into the Rules Committee. Once there, Congressman Hastings who sat on the committee was one of the most special people I have ever met. While we watched the Rules Committee debate, at times he was looking directly at me and we were visually interacting as the hearing went on. He was engaging with me across the room and without him even saying one word, the connection I felt was indescribable. He and all the other Members of the Committee, in the midst of a very vigorous debate would also employ humor as a way of defusing things, and I was finding myself in constant anticipation for every word that came out of their mouths. After the hearing, Congresswomen Slaughter, the Chairwoman invited us into her office and showed us, the students, a respect and hospitality that was truly surprising. Then on Thursday, Admiral Rochon, the Director of the Executive Residence of the White House spent far more time with us that I could have ever dreamed possible.

Traveling in DC

The most amazing thing that truly touched my heart was that all of them said they were honored to be with us. They said THEY were HONORED! Congresswomen Slaughter looked into my eyes and told me that we are the future and she wants to do anything she can to care for and help us. What can you say to that? What can you say to these people? Congressman Farr said something I probably will never forget. He said something along the lines that you see these passionate people in Iraq or wherever that believe so strongly in their cause that they are willing to kill themselves with bombs to do what they believe is right. They are so, so passionate. Well, these public servants feel this same passion but instead of using bombs, they use political debate and the ballot box to wage their war for what they believe in. These people care deeply about their causes, and to see this directly and to shake their hands and look them in their eyes, and for them to say, “God bless you. Thank you for coming to see me,” there is nothing that describes how that makes me feel. These people have affected all of me; mind, body and heart. They have impacted me with their respect, care and love. They love what they do and they love people and being with them. That comes through in a way that I never could have imagined.

-Naveen Hattis

Hillary Campaign Headquarters

Meeting with members of Hillary Clinton’s Campaign

Hillary Clinton’s Campaign Headquarters is run by a youthful passion. Getting off the subway at the Ballston- MU station, we found ourselves in front of a deserted looking building, but when we opened the door, we were greeted by a friendly looking receptionist and walls covered with enthusiastic letters to Hillary Clinton from elementary school children. Corley Kenna, Deputy Directory of Research, came to welcome us. She invited us on a tour of Clinton’s presidential campaign headquarters. The campaign headquarters looked like nothing more than a mismatched collegiate building, but we could feel the energy and professionalism coming from the people working in every room. We noticed that the majority of people working on the campaign were young people. We continually received curious looks and questions as we made our way to the fourth floor where we met with Corley and her colleagues, Isaac and Caroline. Isaac is a spokesperson for the campaign and Caroline works in the press office.

After each had introduced themselves, we split off into three groups to have a closer conversation; we were in the gro up with Corley. She told us that her family had always been involved in politics, her parents volunteered for several campaigns. She developed an interest in politics and studied in History and Political Science in college. Right out of college, she was offered an internship with Congressman John Lewis from her home-state of Georgia. From there she found her way to the Hillary Campaign. Her passion for politics came from one of her family’s “golden rules”; you’re not okay unless your neighbor is okay, so take care of your neighbor.

Corley, Caroline, and Isaac at Clinton Headquarters

On this trip, we have been interviewing people high in their professional fields. In each interview, their advice to us has been the same, follow your passion and dreams, don’t be afraid to fail, and if you try hard enough, you will succeed. Corley, Caroline, and Isaac embody this message. They are just starting beginning their political careers with a commitment to public service and a willingness to work hard for what they believe in. They helped us to realize that taking action isn’t something we should strive to do in our futures, we can begin taking action NOW.

-Alexa, Joanna, and Patricia

Professor Akbar Ahmed

Professor Akbar Ahmed

As an American student, I know little about Islam. I’ve spent some time trying to educate myself but it was too complicated for me to understand. The past few years I’ve been stunned by how much Islam comes up in American politics, and why don’t I know more about this.

As we got off the bus at American University, I was pondering this very thought. Ambassador Akbar Ahmed, now a professor at American University, is considered the leading scholar on Islam. I was ready to learn.

Professor Ahmed came to our meeting with a lesson plan and went straight into a college level lecture. He made it clear that he wanted to educate us on Islam, he asked us to “keep scribbling” notes as he spoke. After bombarding us with statistics and explaining why our generation needs to know about Islam, he proceeded to draw parallels between the grassroots of American society and Muslim culture. Though I didn’t get to ask my question, I learned a lot from him. He reinforced that learning about Islam will be required in order to understand world culture in the coming future.

I had a deeper question I wished to have answered; why is it natural for many Indians to have contempt for Muslims? It wasn’t fair, but it wasn’t questioned in Indian culture. It seemed as though after the Partition of India in 1947 that a large group of nationalist Indians began to despise Islam.

The lecture ended and I began to gather my things, selfishly frustrated that my question hadn’t been answered. Then, in a flash, Ward pulled me into his post interview conversation with Professor Ahmed and asked me what I gained from the interview. I went straight into what I learned a lot about the importance of Islam, but that I wanted to learn the roots of the tension between Muslims and nationalist Indians. Before I finished my rapid rant, he stopped me and asked me if I was a Sikh. Beaming, I replied affirmatively, and without answering my question, he virtually read my mind and appeased me in one sentence.

“I have many Sikh friends, Jasbir, and like them, I know that a Sufi Muslim laid down the first tiles of your Golden Temple.” I left the room feeling completely lit by hope. Simply by linking cultures, we as a future generation can bridge the gap between social disagreements. It just takes the effort of research, friendliness, and open communication.

-Jasbir Nijor

Admiral Rochon

Admiral Rochon Director of the Executive Residence and Chief Usher

Director of the Executive Residence and Chief Usher. Despite the intimidating title, Admiral Rochon must be the most down-to-earth man I’ve met on this trip so far. It is almost as if he isn’t aware of his important position in the White House.

Admiral Rochon began in the Coast Guard, during the latter days of the Vietnam conflict. He had only planned to stay in the military for a short while, but instead he found himself working his way up through the ranks. He told us that he has received a couple of very important phone calls during his lifetime. The first call was from the Commandant of the Coast Guard, just as he was preparing to retire from the military, asking him to become an Admiral in Cleveland. The second, from the White House, asking him to consider interviewing for the spot of Chief Usher at the White House.

Not once during our interview with him did he make it sound like he was taking credit for his current position. He is incredibly humble. Admiral Rochon made the statement “You don’t run away from your commitments.” He definitely seemed to be a true example of what he preaches.

As he walked us down the hallways of the White House, he made our country’s history come alive. A life devoted to public service, is a life built upon deep roots and values. Admiral Rochon made it very clear that he believes that we should NEVER compromise our integrity and that we should ALWAYS be fair and equitable. “Getting ahead” in a real sense would not be possible if we sacrificed any of those values.

We got to the core of his management style when he elegantly stated, “This house is made of limestone and sandstone, but it takes flesh and blood to run it.” It’s the same with our country. We are made of hills and valleys, deserts and lakes, but it takes the hands of the people to create a nation.

-Hannah Meade

Going to the White House! Just these words are enough to send chills of awe and anticipation down anyone’s spine. In our case, we were still trying to believe our luck when Admiral Rochon, Director of the Executive Residence and Chief Usher of the White House, walked through the East Wing doors and welcomed us. You have to understand, we had no past history or connection to Admiral Rochon so the possibility of an interview, let alone a private tour was farfetched until we were standing in front of him.

I don’t believe I have ever felt the love and pure admiration as I did today for our country’s history. Every chair, every mirror had a story. Admiral Rochon graciously took us through an extraordinary tour of the East Wing, entertaining us with “fun-facts” along the way. It was late in the day so all of the usual tours had finished and we were alone with the staff inside of the big White House on the hill. The Admiral would take down the long ropes that were blocking off rooms and we were allowed to sit carefully on chairs made in the 1800’s. He led us through room after room and history was made real to us. We saw a portrait of George Washington that Dolly Madison saved when the British set fire to the White House in 1814. We glimpsed the Map Room where President Franklin Roosevelt practically lived during World War II as he monitored military activities around the world. We stood on the front steps underneath the huge columns of the White House, the green lawn spreading out before us, and realized that this was our world, our history, our chance to experience a piece of national heritage, and this was only possible because of Admiral Rochon. My God, our teacher even got to roll a ball down the President’s private bowling alley.

Admiral Rochon went far and beyond any of our expectations and we are forever indebted to him and his graciousness. This day will forever go down in our personal histories and may have even changed the course the future for some of us.

-Ashley England

Disclaimer:

“The Whole World in Our Hands” with Congressman Hastings (Florida)

Dearest reader, before you begin, we must explain that whatever we manage to write, couldn’t possibly even begin to begin to capture the experience we’ve had today.

We started off the day with a Starbucks run. Yesterday we learned that the earlier triple shot lattes got into our systems, the better we work. It was our fourth day in Washington, D.C. and we were beginning to get the swing of things. I was feeling less like a tourists in the bustling city of Washington, D.C. and more like a participant of the workforce dressed in ironed slacks and a crisp blouse. Honestly, I was beginning to feel a bit over confident. But by the time we arrived at Rayburn House Office Building, I was straining my neck looking up at the large shiny buildings that hosts the Members of Congress who make so many decisions that affect our nation. I once again felt like kids in a candy store.

-Hannah Meade

Jackie Speier

Congresswomen Jackie Speier

Our day began with a stimulating interview with Congresswoman Jackie Speier who just began her tenure in Congress in April after a special election to replace the iconic Tom Lantos who died while still in office. New to town and in the middle of voting, she managed to take the time to meet with our group. The scale of the Rayburn Congressional Offices was intimidating up until we got to Jackie Speier’s office. It just so happened to be her birthday and balloons and flowers were bursting out of her office and lightening up the marble hallways.

From the moment she sat down, she “blew us away” with her energy and spirit. She immediately impressed us as a good-hearted woman and from her history a model of perseverance and success. She started in politics when she was just 16 years old, working as an intern in Sacramento, which helped shap her passion for public service. Having faced more challenges then can seem possible in life, she told us the only way to achieve success is to “not be afraid of taking risks or worry about the possibility of failure”. She encouraged us to think about what we would do if we knew that we would never fail, and smiled when she saw all the possibilities open up in front of us. She reminded us that “failure is not fatal” and that “failing is a part of success.” I know that in many cases, the possibility of failing is daunting and can limit what people believe they can do. Hearing Congresswoman Speier who open up to us about many of her personal disappointments, helped me realize that failure isn’t a setback but a chance to try again. Seeing her before us, talking about Domestic policy and getting ready to shake the congressional world, I thought about the challenges she has faced and how it motivated her to be fearless. She told us that “you can’t be paralyzed by fear” and “if you have passion, go for it. Don’t take the easy way, always be authentic, and follow your gut.”

-Ashley England

Jim McDermott

Congressman Jim McDermott

Jim McDermott is a man of conviction. Broadly traveled, he has been to 80 different countries, and visited India on more than 20 different trips. He has made many friends through his travels in China and has spent time living in Africa. He emphasized the importance of travel and because it creates a deeper perspective. You can only really understand how lucky Americans are when you are outside America. He believes that the lack of knowledge about other cultures and their customs, cultures and governments is one of the root causes of conflict. The only way to amend this problem is to travel to these different places and discover how they function from a personal perspective. On top of that direct communication with people is the key to building relationships around the world. “Humans are social creatures and when our communication is blocked then we lose a portion of our humanity.” Jim McDermott is a wonderfully articulate man who communicated his point quickly and coherently. He is a family man who believes it is equally important to maintain healthy relations with family as well as his global community. He stated that every day that he leaves work; he devotes his time to his family. He is in Congress to make decisions that will benefit America and his family. What’s right for America is echoed in what’s right for his family. After the listening to the sentiments of Congressman McDermott, a busy politician, it stuck me how I sometimes take my own family for granted.

-Chris Fust

“Is this your tripod!” said a tall, heavy set security guard who stood in front of me at the entrance of Longworth. I turned back to the guard and timidly said “yes.” He began a thorough search of my bag. When he realized that the tripod was in fact just a tripod, he allowed me to enter the building. The ordeal put me significantly behind the rest of the group so I had to run to catch up. While the camera and tripod bounced off my legs as I ran, I thought, “What a great start to an interview.” When I walked into Congressman Jim McDermott’s office he was waiting for us to get started. He seemed impatient, like he was by obligation, his first remark was, “I’m only doing this because Congressman Farr asked me to.” Chris asked Congressman McDermott about a picture on his wall of Gandhi, I think that he was impressed with our spontaneous. He began to warm up to us.

Through the interview he shared his wisdom using examples of his own life and his travels to Africa and Latin America, he was curious and passionate about his work. He encouraged us to travel and learn other languages so that we do not continue the American trend of ignorance. “Once you have seen the 3rd world you can’t deny what it is.”

By the end of our time together it seemed we had earned at least some of Congressman McDermott’s attention. He showed sincere interest in answering all of our questions despite his very patient assistant who was anxious to get Congressman McDermott to his next appointment. He left us with one last piece of advice; follow your passion, do what you want in life and not what others want you to do. The few minuets that we had with McDermott opened my mind, and solidified what had been told to us in numerous ways and through many different sources. The message is to learn about other cultures and realize that despite having different languages, cultures and religions, we are all connected.

-Bodhi Shaffer

Dennis Moore – On the Steps of the Capitol

Mike Larson, Congresswomen Jackie Speier Scheduler

I was wishing I could have a chance casual conversation with some members of congress while we were on the steps of the Capitol Building. Amita and I were inspired by Jim McDermott’s advice to, “not wish you could do something, do it!” We summoned our courage and spoke to Dennis Moore from Kansas’s 3^rd District. We approached him, not knowing who he was or what we would say to him. In the end, Ward had to drag us away from our conversation with a man clearly filled with passion and dedication to his job. As he spoke to us about the bills he sponsored regarding the soldiers in the Iraq war, he was swelling with emotion and it was obvious he really cared about what he was doing. When asked about his motivation, he pulled out his Blackberry and showed us a picture of his grandson. It was great to see someone with such dedication to public service with genuine motivations.

-Camille Schwartz

Congressman Sam Farr

Having finished our somewhat shorter that unusual, yet wonderful interview with Congressman Sam Farr, we exited the Longworth House Office Building and at our teachers suggestion headed up the street towards the Capitol. The interview had ended due to a call for a vote in the House. Mr. Mailliard explained that if we waited by the Capitol steps we could see most of the Members of Congress coming down the steps after the vote. We gathered at the steps, watched the heavily armed guards look at us with expressionless faces, and waited. Finally the members of Congress to pour down the front steps like I had seen in so many news reels.

They proceeded to travel in different directions like a colony of bees exiting their hive. We spotted Congressman John Lewis and decided to say hello. Congressman Lewis is man of amazingly charm. “I can’t wait to see you next week!” I was astonished at how easy it was for us to stop legislators and talk to them. It made me realize that these people weren’t superstars, they weren’t the same pundits we saw in the news, they are people who representing us. Congressman Ed Purlmutter of Colorado actually started to interview me! He asked what my values were, and I was almost too shocked to respond. After quickly reciting the three pillars of Mount Madonna School he continued to eat his Klondike and ask us about our Values program.

My conversation with him made me realize that this city wasn’t some sort of impenetrable fortress that all the security makes it out to be. The way to crack this city, is with courage, preparation, charm, and a little bit of luck.

-Jasbir Nijor

Inside the Capitol Building

Congressmen Sam Farr and Mike Honda

When our favorite Congressman, Sam Farr came down the stairs we rushed up to greet him as if we had not just left him 40 minutes earlier. He was joined by Congressman Mike Honda and they told jokes and entertained us for a minute, then Congressman Farr in his wonderfully generous way said, “You want to go inside?”. After 20 minutes in the visitor’s gallery with Congressman Farr explaining the rules and process of the House it was time to go. As we were leaving Congressman Dreier of Southern California came up to talk with Sam and kindly invited to sit in on a meeting of the Rules Committee. As we came in, there was a moment when things stopped and we were introduced to the room as students from Congressman Farr’s district and our teacher Mr. Mailliard was introduced as the son of former Congressman W.S.Mailliard.

As if watching the debate was not special enough, Congresswoman Slaughter, the chair of the Rules Committee, took the time to explain the issues to us, something that I’ve been told is unprecedented in the history of the Committee; first our mere presence in the chamber, plus the most powerful committee members in the House addressing us- mere students! To be recognized was an honor. Then a very partisan argument began and a series of procedural votes took place right down party lines. They kept pointing to us and referencing the fact that our generation would have to pay the cost of the war.

By the end, an equal number of emotions rushed in to fill me; awe, excitement, inspiration, euphoria, honor, and did I mention awe? To see world leaders, not ten feet from me debating the types of issues we read about in the newspaper, speaking so eloquently and with such obvious intelligence, I was finally struck with the realization that these people are real. Seeing actual people, right there in front of me, I realized that government IS people.

In the Office of Congresswomen Louise Slaughter (Chairwomen of the Rules Committee)

We thought that our day could not get any better, but it did. Congresswoman Slaughter invited us into the Rules Committee’s office. She spoke with us, speaking of how we, as students, held the future of the nation in our hands. Following our conversation with Congresswoman Slaughter, Congressman Dreier, who had blessed us with the invitation into the Committee Meeting, explained to us issues, such as the House Minority’s extreme difficulty in expressing itself in policy, and relayed to us a delightful story of his recent trip to Columbia. He was playful, charming and very obviously intelligent. He skillfully and patiently explained his ideas to us. Congressman Farr then took up on a private tour of the rotunda. Standing between the House and Senate, beneath the great dome, my feeling of awe topped out. Words cannot describe what it was like to look around, see hand-carved statues, meticulously crafted paintings adorning all of the walls, and the symbolism present in every last detail.

When our tour ended the group reconvened with Congressman Farr on the steps of the Capitol. We were freaking out, literally jumping for joy and hugging each other, energized by what we had just witnessed. Congressman Hastings of Florida, who had been present at the Rules Committee meeting, saw us on the steps and came over to join in our conversation with Congressman Farr. Congressman Hastings is a truly great person; funny, passionate, smart, graceful, witty, and everything I’d hope to see in a politician. He offered us advice, “learn a language.” He told us a comedic story of his mother’s own insistence that he do the same.

Words cannot do justice to the people we met, the things we say. No matter how much I’d like to describe how great all these people we met were, the only real way to find out is to meet them yourself. I’ve always been a skeptic about politics; in four hours, these wonderful people have not only restored my faith in both the system and humanity, but also made me seriously consider politics as a possible career for myself. Twelve years worth of forming my own opinions, suddenly challenged by four hours on Capitol Hill. Today was a truly inspiring and life-changing this experience.

-Andrew Whitaker