Crowds. Washington, DC is full of crowds trying to get to places. People rushing to work, people rushing home, people rushing to meetings. The metro is always shoulder to shoulder during rush hour. Everyone walks with a purpose because everyone does have a purpose. Even at the park, it’s more relaxed, but there are still crowds of people. Looking around, I realized that I am now a part of this bustling crowd.

The wonderful thing about these crowds of people is that no matter where I go in the city, people are making a difference. From making someone’s day with a delicious pizza to donating to a good cause, there’s always happiness amongst the hustle. Every now and then, everyone takes time to relax and enjoy each others’ company. Taking the time to get to hear people’s stories, it’s easy to see that everyone has a place in this city. At the office, I hear so many stories about the impact World Food Program is making, and each co-worker has their own contribution. I have studied nonprofits and nongovernmental organizations in school, but to be a part of one is an incredible experience.

At the end of June, I wrote a blog post for my internship about an article called “30 Women Under 30 Changing Food”: http://wfpusa.org/blog/importance-women-food-and-agriculture. Women play a large part in food security; almost half of the world’s agriculture and fishery labor forces are women. Also, women work longer hours because they have less access to necessary resources. Along with the women that work directly in the fields, women are influential in the market, government, and all aspects of food security.

These women featured in this particular article were all young yet accomplished. Leanne Brown, age 29, is author of Good and Cheap, a cookbook with recipes for those with limited income, particularly those on food stamps. Yasmin Belo-Osagie is co-founder of She Leads Africa at the age of 26; She Leads Africa provides business advice to female entrepreneurs in Africa. All of these women have done incredible things already; it is an inspiration to me to read their stories. Access to resources and opportunities are a major obstacle for many women worldwide. I am blessed to have so many people in my life that are willing to help me. From my supportive family and friends to my university that offers programs such as the CAPS Fellowship, I am surrounded by support. Even here in DC, my CAPS mentor Carrie Parrott Monahan and coworkers are all eager to help me make my next step. By offering connections and suggesting possible career paths, everyone is very encouraging. This summer has been inspirational and eye-opening. I am still uncertain about where I will work after this summer, but I feel much more equipped to find a job I’ll love. I know some of what is out there and that everywhere, there are people that care and want to help. Even in a large city, the right support system can help you fit in anywhere. The extensive Valpo community is another wonderful resource. My roommates and my mentor Carrie all bring a piece of Valpo with them. We may be states away, but Valpo is always with you.

Although I have a long way to go, I am finally able to start to find my purpose. It’s a continual process that never really ends, and that’s invigorating. One’s purpose is as fluid as a crowd in the metro. In each place, every person has a purpose.

Traveling is a passion of mine. I have been to the capital of six countries, but I had never been to Washington, DC before this summer. It just felt wrong. And now I know why. I have already fallen in love with this city, with everything from the glimmering skyscrapers to the mouth-watering food trucks to the streets bursting with life.

As hectic and professional as the city is, one must find time to relax and enjoy the little things. Sometimes that means going to the park one Friday with your coworkers to pet puppies. Even disregarding our puppy outing, I have had a wonderful time working for World Food Program (WFP) USA.

I wasn’t sure what to expect being an intern at a United Nations associated organization. It seemed intimidating, but I knew it’d be a great experience. And even though it’s only been two weeks, it already has been. Specifically, I work with climate smart agriculture; with the changing climate, smallholder or subsistence farmers need to adapt. WFP USA helps bring climate smart technology to these farmers. A part of my job has been to research what is known about climate change agriculture, what other organizations are doing, and what WFP USA is doing. Previously, my knowledge about climate change agriculture was limited, but now I feel like I have something to contribute to the team. I even have my first blog on their website: http://wfpusa.org/blog/world-environment-day-wfp-talks-about-going-green

Another part of my job is to attend events related to climate change, agriculture, or food security. One event I attended was the Atlantic Council and EU discussion for Climate Diplomacy Day called “Climate Security: The Next ‘Battle Ground’?” Among the speakers were H.E. Gérard Araud, Ambassador of France to the United States; H.E. David O’Sullivan, Ambassador of the European Union to the US; and the Hon. Sharon Burke, Senior Advisor to the International Security Program. They emphasized the importance and hazards of climate change. A changing climate is a threat to food security, human security, and national security.This panel was a great opportunity to hear experts share their knowledge and express their views.

These past two weeks have flown by, but I have loved every minute of it. Even when it’s pouring or blistering outside, there is a museum to escape to or friends to complain with. I am definitely looking forward to what the rest of my summer holds.