DC — So Much to See!

About the author: Lily Liu’21 is an FSI Global Policy Intern at the Asia Foundation in Washington D.C.. Lily is currently a prospective International Relations and Public Policy major at Stanford University.

I have been loving everything that DC has to offer. The omnipresence of political discussions, quirky events, historical monuments and eye-opening museums really made my daily life here more colorful. There are always great events that open my mind on the newest dialogues in policy. Whether it is hearing from the CEO of the Millennium Challenge Corp at CSIS, learning more about challenges in literacy improvement in Pakistan from a leading scholar at the Wilson Center, or observing a discussion on US-China relations on the city levels at Brookings, I have learned much more about the complications of policy making and various evolving thoughts on regional security and international development.

Besides attending thought-provoking events, I have also enjoyed exploring DC’s many other delicacies. Here are some of my favorite memories so far:

■ Attending one of the Busboys and Poets open mics with my close Stanford friends. The performers at Busboys and Poets really whipped out a diverse range of talents, ranging from witty stand-up comedies, tear-jerking poetry and heart felt original tunes. The excitement in the room was contagious!

■ Watching the July 4th fireworks at the Kennedy Center with other interns

■ Reflecting on our cultural experiences and the history of discrimination after walking through the ground floor of the African American History Museum

■ Kayaking near Georgetown waterfront and enjoying the sunset view

■ Doing Archival research for TAF at the Jefferson Room in the Library of Congress — what a magnificent hall!

■ Learning salsa and enjoying live music at Jazz in Garden

■ Trying Ethiopian food for the first time with Claudia and June on U street — definitely my new favorite!

■ Hearing from three top-notch political journalists discuss their reflections on the 2016 election and on their newest approach in reporting on the 2020 election at a Free the Facts event. I was really excited to hear from their analysis of what the media got wrong in the last election, and just learn more about their daily life!

■ Touring the NPR with my friend’s alumni match — my journalist heart definitely palpated when I saw the election coverage room

■ Having a heartfelt and teary conversation with Christina after watching the movie “The Farewell” together on a Saturday afternoon

■ Going swing dancing near my apartment

■ Meeting DJ Nordquist at the White House and learning more about her role at the Council of Economic Advisors and her professional journey as a fierce leader

■ Countless ice cream trips at Jeni’s and Ice Cream Jubilee on 14th street

■ Morning and evening runs at Meridian Hill Park, Saturday afternoon potluck, and bumping into the vivacious drum circle on Sunday nights

■ Celebrating the end of summer with a dinner at Le Diplomate with my roommate!