We have now been in D.C. for almost two months and have less than a week left. Although I miss home and all my family and friends, it will be hard to let go of D.C.. It has been an unbelievable summer and the lessons, memories and friends that I have made will last me a lifetime.

After working for Citizens Against Government Waste and researching and writing about all the wasteful spending by the federal government, my eyes have been opened to a whole new world. With our national debt at an all time high and constantly increasing, the younger generation will have to face this burden in the future. I have enjoyed researching various earmarks in appropriation bills and writing press releases or position papers to help uncover some of the wasteful ways that lawmakers spend tax payers’ money.

Looking back on all that we have accomplished, it is hard to imagine that we have only been here for two months and have also been working full-time. Just to name a few of the things that we have done: saw all the monuments along the mall, toured the Smithsonians, National Cathedral, White House tour, Nations Capitol tour, kayak on the Potomac, bike ride to Maryland, Washington Nationals baseball game, Baltimore Orioles baseball game, Congressional baseball game, Randy Johnson’s 300th win, Texas State Society BBQ, Buddy Guy / Susan Tedeschi concert at Filene Center at Wolf Trap in Virginia, KA Convention, Arlington cemetery tour, Segway tour, National Zoo, volunteered for Heartland Values PAC Leadership Conference, ect.

Working full-time, touring all the sites in D.C. and going to numerous happy hours and late night bar hoping in Georgetown has made this summer an unforgettable experience. But what has truly made this summer special has been touring the city and spending the nightlife with such a great group of guys. In his song “The Best of What’s Around,” Dave Matthews says “turns out not where, but who you’re with that really matters” and I can not think of a more appropriate quote for this summer. While D.C. has been amazing, if I did not spend the summer with my fellow KA brothers, hometown friends in D.C. and my family that came to visit me, then my time in D.C. would have always been incomplete.