Our summer in DC is over now, and I have returned home for a couple weeks before moving back to school.  This experience has been amazing and the last week served as a great conclusion to a summer filled with many new and exciting activities.

Last Saturday almost everyone at GW got up early (for a Saturday at least) and walked over to the White House for our tour.  It was self-guided, but we could ask the Secrete Service employees any questions we had.  They knew a lot about the particular rooms that they were stationed in, and Kristen definitely asked some interesting questions.  Although the tour was quick, it was nice to have everyone there together.  That afternoon Erin and I went to Georgetown and walked down M Street looking at all the different stores and restaurants.  We stopped and ate a little appetizer at a Vietnamese restaurant, and on the walk home we even saw the Old Stone House that Pat had been looking for.  

Sunday I went to church with Pat for the last time and to the pool with Erin.  We had our "Last Supper" together as a group of interns which was a little sad, but it still included plenty of delicious food and the usual good humor.

Monday was our rehearsal day for our final presentations.  It went more quickly than I had expected and was not all too bad.  I had to make some minor changes and additions for my PowerPoint but everything went smoothly.  Afterwards, Bill gave us a short tour of his work at the Maryland campus.  That night I was also sent to get a gift card for Gary White and remembered on my return that I needed to do some shopping.  I was gone so much longer than expected that Andy, Alex, and Kacey were all leaving to look for me when I got back to GW!  Thanks for caring so much guys.  We had cake for Pat's birthday yet on Monday but did not get to go swimming again.

Tuesday was the big day of presentations.  Everyone did so well, and I was very proud of each of them.  I had to say goodbye to Ted, Ed, Jessica, and Kendra who are all from work but exchanged emails first.  We took a tour of the Neil's Bohr Library which contains a lot of unique records from very famous physicists.  The awe and delight on Kacey's face was priceless to see.  Because it was very hot in the afternoon a bunch of us walked to the pool only to find it closed for cleaning.  That was pretty disappointing.

Wednesday morning was our closing breakfast with all of the interns and Liz which gave us an opportunity to provide feedback on the program.  We all went home afterwards and took naps, packed our things, and relaxed at GW.  There was one last party on the roof that night, and for the first time all summer Andy was less than 200 pounds!  I am glad we could share his excitement and pride.

After such an amazing summer (and a lack of sleep in the previous nights), it was very difficult to leave on Thursday morning.  It was a little easier since everyone was awake when I departed except Alex who had left much earlier in the morning.  I definitely had a great group of friends to say goodbye to and a few tears to shed on the lonely Metro ride to the airport.  Thank you again to all of the organizations and individual people who created this experience for me.  I absolutely loved every part of it and learned a great deal about myself.  Thank you all for taking the time to share your lives with me and making the summer one I will never forget.