First Impressions

Talking about first impressions is cliched, I know. I do, however, think it's important to address these first impressions because it makes you realize what you value, or what you look for first. It doesn't matter so much if my first impressions are correct or not, it matters that I know what I care about. So here's a not-so-brief analysis of my first impressions from this first half-week in D.C.

First impressions of the city: Truly multicultural. Wow. It's amazing. Everywhere you go there's people of every nationality, speaking their native languages, dressed in anything from traditional Indian-wear to girls with burkas under their red, white, and blue plastic hats. This is what all of America should be like--a true melting pot and proud of it.

First impression of the transportation: Surprisingly clean. We actually saw a guy going up and down the escalators to the metro, cleaning the handrails and the silver space between them. It's quite nice. There are maybe 2 more lines here than in Toronto, so it's not terribly confusing and relatively easy to memorize, especially when all the stops I need will be basically on two lines.
              Impression after using transportation: Not too bad. Could be better organized, and the resources they provide to tourists need to be updated, but everyone in the metro (security, workers, even natives of the city) is very friendly and eager to help. No one looks super sketchy while you're riding and asking for help is easy.

First impression of the studio: It's absolutely gorgeous. Spacious rooms and changing areas...it's beautiful. Haven't been terribly impressed by the organization and communication of the studio, so I'm being stretched to "go with the flow", which is a bit stressful for me. More analysis of the studio to come once I actually start dancing.

First impression of the people: So far I've really only met people who my parents knew when they lived here. But everyone I've met is very friendly and welcoming. Only a few awkward instances of "Do you remember me?" and me honestly not remembering at all. Overall, they're clever and funny, I can tell why my parents love these people and why these people can put up with my parents. My Aunt Janet (not biologically related, but may as well be) is absolutely wonderful, and I think we'll get along quite well for the next month. (I'm living with her during my stay in Washington). The Snyders, Neffs, and Randolphs, have all been extremely kind and I feel quite safe in that there are so many people willing to come pick me up or have me over when needed.

First impression of the climate: I did not leave SC for this. This heat and humidity is absolutely not okay. Bleh. And here you have to walk around and do stuff outside, which is miserable. At home, I only had to be outside long enough to get in the car, but here you need to walk to the metro, which isn't over-airconditioned. But this weather shouldn't last long, or so I hope.

So there's my raw, qualitative data, and here's my analysis:
               In a city, I value cleanliness, organization, friendliness, and diversity. The cleanliness, I think, is really just something anyone values--who likes to live in a dirty city where everyone's smoking or throwing trash on the ground? I probably value organization because of who I am--I like things to be logical. Friendliness and diversity I probably value because of South Carolina. Friendliness is common in the south, though I do feel it's pretty fake sometimes. Diversity I value because South Carolina is so lacking of it. Everyone merges to a common culture, and you just don't see the variety of backgrounds in the quantities expressed in D.C.. In studios, I love space--wide floors, high ceilings--it's just easier to dance when you don't worry about traveling too much, but I also value organization and communication because they offer a sense of security, especially when you're coming to a new place. In people, I appreciate humor and wit, which is found in abundance in this circle of friends.

So what does it matter that I know I value these things?

Well, college is coming relatively soon, and I need to be thinking about the places I want to live and the people I want to be around. Already, in 4 days, I've learned that I want to live in a city that has many cultures well-represented, that is clean and organized with well-designed public transportation, and I want to have (and keep my) clever friends that 15 years after I move away, I can sit around a dinner table and pick up right where you left off.

These past 4 days, I've been learning a lot about my birth-town, and the people who shaped who my parents are and who I am today. These past 4 days have validated the part of 2 Timothy 3:15: "You know they are true, because you can trust those who taught you." So incredibly true in my life. Thank you, Paul for your wise teachings, and also a thank you to my parents, Ms. Cynthia and my other beloved ballet teachers, cabin crew, and so many others I know I can trust and hold onto the things you've all taught me so I can go and uphold my faith on my own.