Since returning from New Mexico I have spent time reviewing my meetings, catching up on work, and dreaming about what I can do with what I have learned.
In 2022 I went to Vietnam with Fulbright and last Thursday I was able to explore more about Vietnam by attending a ThingstoDoDC event Night at the Vietnamese Ambassador's home. It is a beautiful place built in 1908 I believe, so full of history and grandeur. The Ambassador and his wife welcomed us in to their hoe where we listened to a talk about trade and investment in Vietnam, we watched a show of cultural fashion from the many ethnic groups in Vietnam, and then were treated to delciious tasting of Vietnamese culinary treats, from Pho to Spring Rolls. It was a magical experience and I was able to connect with embassy staff about my project and time in Vietnam. ThingsToDoDC has these cultural events at different embassies around DC throughout the year and they are well worth the cost.
The next day we had a full day professional development session at the Library of Congress learning about all of thir resources and getting a tour to learn more about the architecture and many buildings that make up the Library. We got to visit the rare book room and see some amazing texts from Galileo, Houdini, and more. We visited the scientists of the library who work on preservation (SOOO COOL) and the archivists who collect the weird and amazing things from folks, like Carl Sagan's kaleidoscope and letters from amazing mathematicians.
Friday I went back to work on projects for the office, researching AI in education, teacher certification, and more. I got my poster presentation ready for NSTA. Saturday was a chilly, windy morning exploring the monuments. Hubby came into town to go to a concert and I was able to get him tickets for the Washington Monument. Then we strolled down to the Lincoln Memorial and then made our way to the Dia de Los Muertos event at the National Portrait Gallery/ Smithsonian American Art Museum. The bands and dancers were phenomenal. I am always excited when I can figure out the Metro system here. So far..so good! We went to Anthem down at the wharf for a concert, a hiphop group from South Africa. Then on Sunday, I got the house cleaned up as Konstantin flew back to Florida.
This week I have made more contacts within the Congressional Research Service to dive into issues I am researching that could end up as a bill or letter. I met with one of my team members to learn more about how our Congresswoman is dealing with AI. While I am looking at t from an educational perspective, the rest of the office is tackling it through other lenses. It is so interesting to see all the ways our team works together to help the people of New Mexico and the United States as a whole.
Tuesday I hung out a bit at the Capitol building listening to an amazing webinar about STEM in Rural Communities while I waited for the 8th graders from my school. I surprised them as they came to tour the capitol. I have missed the kids and teachers so much, so it was definitely a bucket filler to see them get excited to see me and get hugs!
Today (Friday) I am in Florida. I came in to pack my winter clothes as it is getting cold in DC, and to vote! I got to go to school today and surprise the kids and teachers. I felt like a rock star with how excited everyone was to see me. It makes me sad to not be in the classroom this year, but I know I am in the place I was meant to be. Today is also my parent's 61st wedding anniversary. They went out to lunch and sent me pictures. That is one of our traditions. They go eat and send me a guess where we are picture. I love being able to text and talk to them every day. I miss them, but staying in touch helps.
Next week I am working more on research and meeting up with folks who are working on similar projects so we can help each other. It is exciting! Until next time...
In 2022 I went to Vietnam with Fulbright and last Thursday I was able to explore more about Vietnam by attending a ThingstoDoDC event Night at the Vietnamese Ambassador's home. It is a beautiful place built in 1908 I believe, so full of history and grandeur. The Ambassador and his wife welcomed us in to their hoe where we listened to a talk about trade and investment in Vietnam, we watched a show of cultural fashion from the many ethnic groups in Vietnam, and then were treated to delciious tasting of Vietnamese culinary treats, from Pho to Spring Rolls. It was a magical experience and I was able to connect with embassy staff about my project and time in Vietnam. ThingsToDoDC has these cultural events at different embassies around DC throughout the year and they are well worth the cost.
The next day we had a full day professional development session at the Library of Congress learning about all of thir resources and getting a tour to learn more about the architecture and many buildings that make up the Library. We got to visit the rare book room and see some amazing texts from Galileo, Houdini, and more. We visited the scientists of the library who work on preservation (SOOO COOL) and the archivists who collect the weird and amazing things from folks, like Carl Sagan's kaleidoscope and letters from amazing mathematicians.
Friday I went back to work on projects for the office, researching AI in education, teacher certification, and more. I got my poster presentation ready for NSTA. Saturday was a chilly, windy morning exploring the monuments. Hubby came into town to go to a concert and I was able to get him tickets for the Washington Monument. Then we strolled down to the Lincoln Memorial and then made our way to the Dia de Los Muertos event at the National Portrait Gallery/ Smithsonian American Art Museum. The bands and dancers were phenomenal. I am always excited when I can figure out the Metro system here. So far..so good! We went to Anthem down at the wharf for a concert, a hiphop group from South Africa. Then on Sunday, I got the house cleaned up as Konstantin flew back to Florida.
This week I have made more contacts within the Congressional Research Service to dive into issues I am researching that could end up as a bill or letter. I met with one of my team members to learn more about how our Congresswoman is dealing with AI. While I am looking at t from an educational perspective, the rest of the office is tackling it through other lenses. It is so interesting to see all the ways our team works together to help the people of New Mexico and the United States as a whole.
Tuesday I hung out a bit at the Capitol building listening to an amazing webinar about STEM in Rural Communities while I waited for the 8th graders from my school. I surprised them as they came to tour the capitol. I have missed the kids and teachers so much, so it was definitely a bucket filler to see them get excited to see me and get hugs!
Today (Friday) I am in Florida. I came in to pack my winter clothes as it is getting cold in DC, and to vote! I got to go to school today and surprise the kids and teachers. I felt like a rock star with how excited everyone was to see me. It makes me sad to not be in the classroom this year, but I know I am in the place I was meant to be. Today is also my parent's 61st wedding anniversary. They went out to lunch and sent me pictures. That is one of our traditions. They go eat and send me a guess where we are picture. I love being able to text and talk to them every day. I miss them, but staying in touch helps.
Next week I am working more on research and meeting up with folks who are working on similar projects so we can help each other. It is exciting! Until next time...
RSS Feed