My Time in D.C.

1. I learned many things in Washington, D.C., not all of them concerning media. For example, I learned that Doctor Rob Williams is a proud secessionist and owner of Vermont's only yak farm. However, the most important thing I learned about media is that Twitter can be a useful media tool. As Dr. Rob explained, following a person's Twitter account can help you understand that person's story. While Twitter, from an outsider's perspective, can seem uninteresting, it can be a valuable tool for learning about the lives of others.
2. While I may have had pre-existing stereotypes about Armenians and Azeris, those stereotypes were instantly vanquished the moment I met them. Everyone in the program is kind, thoughtful, and intelligent, and I have really enjoyed spending time with them. I really bonded with all the Armenians during our time in D.C. Unfortunately, I did not get to see the Azeris much in D.C., but I can't wait to work with them here in Vermont.
3. The most difficult part of the program so far has been the fact that the Azeris arrived late to D.C. Because of this, we missed valuable "teambuilding" time, and it will be a little bit harder to get to know my Azeri counterparts. However, since I know the Azeris are hard-working, amiable, amazing people, this is only a minor setback that I know the group will overcome.
4. I have really enjoyed meeting the 29 people I have been communicating with online for the last 6 months, and sharing the experience in D.C. with them. It has only been 5 days, and already I have learned so much about the other DOTCOMers, and the amazing cultures they are a part of. I have already learned a little bit of Armenian (baarev, which means "hi," and handjuick, which means "party"), and Azerbijani (getz, which means "go", and yok, which means "yes.") As the month continues, I can't wait to learn more about and more from the 29 other DOTCOMers.