Grateful

Grateful

The summer is coming to an end. I am so excited to go home and see all of the people I haven’t been able to visit for two months. It has been an honor and pleasure to be chosen as an EYA Intern for the General Board of Church and Society this summer. I remember after I accepted the position I had to explain to everyone what I was doing this summer and my experience of not really knowing what GBCS really was. This summer has not only taught me what this awesome organization is but also has brought so many new experiences, people, and places into my life.

The other night, Wednesday the 19th, at bible study we talked about the abundant God we serve and how he provides for us in all situations. Living in DC for the summer has taught me a lot about abundance. People travel from all over the world to come discover the nation's capital; a city of abundance, yet after about 8 pm the city becomes desolate. It is so interesting to actually live in the city the country admires for its wealth and power. Washington DC has humbled me. I have realized that all of the political figures we watch and comment about on TV are more than just figureheads. They are people too and their opinions can be swayed by the choices of the people the represent. This summer has proven to me that people really do have power and it can be used to effectively create change. I think everyone's personal perspective can change tremendously once they become a part of the action.

DC has also taught me something about community. I was speaking with our general secretary of the board, Dr. Susan Henry-Crowe, and we came across a big similarity. Dr. Henry-Crowe used to live in Columbia SC, my hometown, as well! We spoke about the importance of community and how the DC community really isn’t the same as the South. Growing up in the South and as a Christian, having a strong community has always been important to my life. In my perspective, Southern culture is rooted in knowing your neighbor and having a personal connection with almost everyone around you. DC is a different kind of city. The atmosphere is definitely geared towards connections, and tons or connections can be made, but they are more in the direction of networking or business-like associations. The South, like any other part of the world, carries a different character and style including a community like no other.

There also have been so many other people that have affected my life while I stayed on Capitol Hill this summer. My fellow interns at the NAACP taught me how to be more aware of the political atmosphere of our nation and encouraged me intellectually in my research. Even though most of them were more experienced in the research field than I am they never doubted my abilities.  My fellow interns of the GBCS program have become like family. Over the course of 2 months we have become practically inseparable and leaving these great friends will be the hardest part about going home.   

Iris Gadsden

7/21/17

NAACP Washington Bureau