The final day of the ’19 International Relations Fellows was one that everyone will remember. First waking up to a run around Theodore Roosevelt Island, we then slowed the pace to walking around Arlington Cemetery. To have have seen so many soldiers spread out in front of us was a memorable moment. We were given time to think by ourselves as we walked on this hallowed ground while thinking about what service and sacrifice means to us. We then headed to the house of the legends that raised our own Mr. McMahon. We gathered around the table and listened to someone wiser than we could ever guess, and stayed completely enraptured the entire time. To hear about some feats that Mr. McMahon the elder accomplished in his life was the best possible way to end a week of incredible opportunities. After seeing so much I can speak for myself and my other classmates when I say this was truly a changing experience and a wonderful start to a even more wonderful four years.

Ellie Thornton

Thursday was an exciting day for the 19’s. In the morning, we visited the Pentagon and were given a VIP tour by a special friend of Norfolk Academy. He told us about some of the history of the Pentagon and his views on U.S. involvement in the Middle East. We were also able to find the legendary purple water fountain and visit the hallway of the Secretary of Defense. We then paid tribute at the Pentagon Memorial in honor of the men, women, and children who died as a result of the terrorist events of 9/11. After the Pentagon, we enjoyed some Ethiopian cuisine from Keren’s restaurant in Washington D.C. After our hearty meal, we went to the Estonian Embassy where we were treated with a taste of Estonian diplomacy by Tanel Sepp. Mr. Sepp explained how Estonia plays it’s part in NATO (North Atlantic Treaty Organization) and the EU (European Union). After the Estonian Embassy, we went to the hotel before heading off to Ray’s Hell Burgers where President Obama has enjoyed a meal on more than one occasion. This was especially interesting because one hungry Hispanic decided to order a massive milkshake and the Hot Mess and was unsurprisingly unable to finish it! Back at the hotel we played the drawing game before going back to our rooms and getting a good night’s sleep in anticipation for the day ahead.

– Alexander Burkett

Today we visited Buzzfeed, met two FSOs, and talked with Greg Priddy from the Eurasia group. In the morning we did a morning run (without Dr. Rezelman), which bonded us together as we jogged around Georgetown and saw the steps from the movie Exorcist. We then met with Ellie Hall, a journalist who works for Buzzfeed.  She is an NA graduate class of ’07.  She told us all about her job and described her many experiences and the stories that she covered, from ISIS to the British royal family. It was very interesting and inspiring to hear about her career and her past. We then spoke with Mary and Michelle, two State Department Foreign Service Officers.  They summarized their experiences as diplomats explaining the state department’s cone system and exchanging stories about their travels through places such as Estonia. They described all their language training and even spoke some Estonian for us! It inspired us to hear about their cool stories and great travels. Lastly, we talked with Greg Priddy, part of the financial risk consultant firm Eurasia Group. He described his job and explained how he predicted future trends in other countries’ economies. Afterwards we even played a game with him, dubbed the drawing game. We all had a laugh as we admired our amazing drawing skills. Today was amazing and full of fun! I couldn’t ask for anything better.

– Brammy Rajakumar

Tuesday was surely not a day to forget for the IR Fellows of the class of 2019. The fellows were treated with the chance to sleep in and eat breakfast comfortably in the morning, a great way to start off a day. After breakfast, we headed to the Air and Space Museum at “The Mall.” This was especially cool because Dr. Rezelman and Coach McMahon were our private tour guides. After this we made our way to Georgetown’s campus for a delicious lunch at a famous restaurant that’s in a basement called “The Tombs.” We then made our way to meet retired Army Infantry and Special Forces Colonel David Maxwell. Colonel Maxwell, who works in the Center for Security Studies (CSS) is an expert on relations with North and South Korea.  He told us stories about his five tours of duty in Korea and his adventures patrolling the Demilitarized Zone between the two nations. He shared with us his view for the potential outcomes of the conflict between North and South Korea and left us with a lasting impression of these two nations.  After this, we went swimming at the hotel pool and enjoyed playing “Marco Polo.” For dinner, we went to a delicious German restaurant that was a childhood favorite of Coach McMahon’s called “Old Europe.” The Veal was outstanding! As we turn into our beds, we know that Wednesday could only be better than today, which is really saying something.

– Lawrence Bernert

Today the cohort of International Relations fellows visited both the American Red Cross headquarters (DOCC – Disaster Operations Control Center) and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB). We received a fantastic tour of the Red Cross with Mr. Chad which included a great overview of the positions held by Red Cross members around the nation,  the purpose served by the Washington D.C. headquarters, how they prepare for and respond to many levels of disaster and how they interact with the greater International Red Cross.  After enjoying lunch at our hotel from Panera Bread we set out again on the Metro and headed toward the EEOB.  We met Alex Macgillivray President Obama’s Deputy Chief Technology Officer.  We received a super tour of this amazing office complex adjacent to the White House.  We delved into how the President’s cabinet works, the inter agency process and how policy is made within Washington.  What an insight!  We then walked down to the National Mall and visited the statue of Einstein and the Vietnam War .  For dinner we immersed ourselves into the Asian world of Hotpot!

– Arman Shekarriz

There we were, six kids going to one of the most influential places in the world… But first we had to deal with Mr. McMahon and otter Dr. Rezelman, who might lecture us on the Spanish-American war for twenty hours but thankfully there was light at the end of the tunnel.  We quickly discovered a game called “Contact”. We played this game of logic and teamwork for four hours and discovered the importance of an umbilical cords, the periodic table, and Lord of the Rings.  After what seemed like a very quick trip we arrived at a very nice Holiday Inn in Rosslyn and had a good dinner at Ruby Tuesday’s.  A good night of rest will see us ready to hit DC in the morning.

– Daniel Moscoso