I have settled into D.C., and am, to my surprise, obsessed. While the city itself is great, I am even more wowed by the incredibly welcoming and passionate community that has welcomed me so warmly.

This summer, I’m working at the American-Arab Anti-Discrimination Committee (ADC). My role is twofold: I’m pursuing an independent project while also supporting the organization’s day-to-day work. For my personal project, I’m developing a comprehensive educational timeline on surveillance policies, expanding on last summer’s research.

My daily tasks vary, but they mostly involve gathering information on government policies that affect Arab Americans and translating that research into accessible formats such as infographics, pamphlets, or video scripts. I love the variety, and each day brings a new topic, skill, or perspective to explore.

This past Tuesday, I worked a half day so I could independently join an anti-war organization on a visit to Capitol Hill. We met with representatives' offices to advocate for the War Powers Resolution. Visiting Congress was a fascinating experience, especially since I had never imagined myself directly involved in the political realm. What stood out most to me, though, were the people I was there with. Almost everyone there was over the age of 70 and had been involved in activism for most of their lives. It was inspiring to spend time with people who have maintained their passion and commitment for so long.

I am incredibly excited about my work at ADC and look forward to discovering more of what D.C. has to offer!