Today was our final day with the CSIS staff.It was also our second simulation activity. As before, we were assigned into groups prior to this trip. The groups were about five and each group had to provide five recommendations to the new elected President regarding their issue. The groups were Energy, International Security, Human Rights, Economic Integration, and I think Natural Resources. This activity was extremely hard; I admire policy makers for our country. I did realize that I do not care at all for debate. But, we all seemed to have an outcome which was a miracle (just kidding). I got to see how creative all my classmates were and that was really neat. Linda Jamison led this activity and she was really great! We compared all of the suggestions and came out with a handful and they all seemed to cross each other somehow. We really learned how the system of economics and policy works! After our activity, we wrapped up our week with the CSIS staff, which they were all truly amazing! Katherine did an exceptional job and was very helpful with whatever the issue might be.

Tonight we had an SEMO alumni banquet, it was very nice. We got to meet several alumni from the East coast and ask their opinions and views on our new learned stuff and also the process of internship in D.C. President Dobbins, Erik Peterson, and two of our students (Tony Dentman and Shelley Wood) spoke; they all did a wonderful job sharing their experience and hope. Also, we heard from the head of the National Guard, which was really neat and uplifting.

Some of us decided to see the monuments and things lit up, so once again off we went. I have to say that Washington D.C never sleeps and I highly recommend seeing the monuments at night. We returned to the motel a little before midnight and still have to pack, so I must go now.

-Steph

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