Anything is Possible
Hello all!
So I am writing this after experiencing possibly the pinnacle of my short life. Allow me to explain.
Well, I met with the Legislative Assistant for Congressman Carnahan last week. While I was there one of the Staff Assistants asked if I had been to the White House yet. I answered, “No, I would like to though”. She looked at her computer for a minute and said, “We may be able to get you a spot next week”. “Awesome!” I answered and left her my information.
This morning I received an e-mail stating, “Your White House tour is confirmed for 1/20 at 10:30 a.m.”. Now, I didn’t read this e-mail until 9:45 that morning. So needless to say I was hustling to get myself together and make it there on time.
So I sprinted to the White House not really knowing what to expect since I had never visited the White House before.
After spending some time in several lines and going through security and the like I entered the White House. They led us into the east side of the house and we toured through several rooms there which were all quite beautiful. There were also many portraits and photographs of Presidents and their families. The photographs were quite interesting because I felt as if they represented the more personal side of our country’s leaders.
After passing through the East Room we were told to line up single file and to quiet down because there was an important person in the Blue room. I figured there was some sort of foreign delegate or ambassador that was going through the White House as well. But to my utmost surprise in the next room was Michelle Obama!
I was in a bit of shock at first because I thought, “Surely she is not here. Why would she be here?”. But this was her in the flesh with Bo the Portuguese water dog by her side. We all filed through and were all able to shake hands with her as we passed through.
We shook hands. She has very slender fingers and her handshake was firm but not overpowering. I was surprised at how tall she was. She must have been about 5 foot 11 inches. She was smartly dressed in a black and white tweed jacket and skirt. Her hair was perfectly coiffed and she looked radiant as always. Here is how our conversation went:
Myself: Hi, I’m Kelvin. I’m a veterinary student from Missouri.
Mrs. Obama: Oh, Veterinarian?
Myself: Yes ma’am.
Mrs. Obama: How does he look? (gesturing at Bo).
Myself: He looks great! He is really well behaved! (He really was quite well behaved. I was surprised at his ease with the amount of people shuffling in and out. He spent most of his time laying at her feet but occasionally would pace about. I actually got to pet him, he is quite soft.)
Mrs. Obama: Awesome. Nice to meet you.
Myself: Thank you. If you could support S. 1709, the Veterinary Services Investment Act, it would help our profession greatly.
Mrs. Obama: Alright. Thanks.
Myself: Thanks!
Of course I had to say something ridiculously nerdy but I figure this way maybe she will remember me (for at least a day or so). This was truly the pinnacle of my tenure here.
Anything can happen in Washington. I have spoken with so many people working in governmental agencies, policy, or lobbyist work and they all have different paths that they took to end up here. The only thing they really have in common is that they took chances and never let an opportunity pass them by. More than anything, this is what I will truly take away from this experience.
It saddens me that this experience is coming to an end. But, at the same time my knowledge and world view have expanded so much that I am ready for anything to come. I feel open to any possibilities and opportunities to come my way and I cannot wait to see what happens next!
Kelvin Urday
AVMA-GRD Student Extern
University of Missouri
http://www.externsonthehill.com/