Washington DC: West Virginia’s Superpower Next Door

WASHINGTON D.C. (Hinton News) – For most, it resembles ancient Rome; for some, it’s simply their workplace. However, for all, it is the stronghold of modern Western politics.

It took one afternoon-long train ride to enter the heart of America – Washington, D.C. The massive and imposing architecture left me in awe, the history and grandeur of each building individually made a lasting impression on me. The culture of Washington is present everywhere you go, the mistakes and triumphs of each to come before us echo through the streets. The people, with their strong advocacy for what is right, inspire anyone who visits. When you find yourself in the National Mall, where most of D.C.’s federal buildings are located, you see a diverse crowd of individuals, all gathered for the same reason: to experience the entirety of Washington, D.C. The allure of exploration, wonder, and amazement is hard to resist in this city. It’s important to note that while you may have an idea of what visiting D.C. will be like, nothing is comparable to actually being surrounded by the city in all its glory.

As I explored downtown, and the National Mall, I couldn’t help but dream. Passing by the Capitol Building, the National Press Building, as well as both the CNN-D.C. offices and the NBC offices. I felt as if I belonged in our nation’s capital, exploring the insides of buildings, and trying to learn as much as I could. I was ready to dive headlong into what our capital might hold for me in the future, even if it simply meant visiting once more or being on assignment for a news organization. I spent the Fourth of July celebration on the Russell Senate Office Building steps and watched each firework explode between the Capitol Building and the Washington Monument, while surrounded by fellow Americans bound to the country and its cause. Knowing we were all celebrating the country despite the sorrows it’s facing brought a sense of patronage, and made me ask the question, “What’s next?”

Not only is Washington D.C. one of, if not the most, powerful and protected areas in the world, but it is also an inspiring place for most, and grants young people, such as myself, a glimpse into the professional world, where dreams are fulfilled and victories are achieved.