My 2010 New Years Resolutions

I'm never the type to pledge a brand new me at the beginning of every year. Instead, I think it's more appropriate to reflect on what's taken place over the year and draw from it to learn what worked and what didn't work. This year, like any year, teaches us a number of things about the world we live in, our peers and ourselves. Here's what I think I need to pay more attention to come 2010:

More Networking - I've learned more about networking than I've ever realized this year. I never knew how important networking is in this world; both in the social world and in the professional world. This upcoming year, I hope to meet more and more influential people that shape who I will become over the years. It's not what you know... It's who you know..

Career Plans - Everyone knows what they ultimately WANT to become; it's the road in getting there that should be more and more emphasized by us all. I want to become an expert in constitutional law; now I've got to focus on getting to graduate school to get a doctorate in constitutional law. I want to eventually run for office; now I've got to figure out how to get experience in campaigning and understanding the dynamics of what currently works for our political system and criticizing and doing away with what doesn't. I want to run a business; now I've got to make my business plans for 2010-2011.

Nicaragua - I've missed Nicaragua and it's been years since I've gone to visit my family there. The beaches, the people, the culture, the food, the weather; everything. Last time I went, I was in 11th grade. I turn 21 in May and it'd be great if I could visit Nicaragua to soak in everything I missed when I went in the past. I've always wanted to look into doing non-profit work there and like anywhere in the world, there's plenty of work to be done.

Time away with the Family - it's one thing to be at home with the family but it's much different to be away and have little to worry about. Like so many people out there, our family hasn't been able to afford a REAL vacation for quite some time... Some time spent with the family away from our troubles would serve us all well.

See; I'm a man of simple taste. I don't ask for or need much. I don't make a long extensive list of new years resolutions with cut off dates 52 weeks later. Lists of things to get done in just one year might not work well. At our age, we shouldn't talk about who we're going to become over the next year; we should already be who we want ourselves to be right now. If you tell yourself you're going to go under a renewal over the next year because it's your new years resolution to; chances are you won't. A new year of course brings forth new things in life, new people and new ideas. Best of luck over the next year to us all and Happy New Years.

- David Javier Solis

Home

So I've taken a hiatus from blogging for a while since I've come back home and haven't really reflected on what's gone on with me lately. To wrap most of it in a nutshell though, I'm back from D.C. and now trying to figure out my next thing step in my career. I'm looking into law school, grad school and opening a small business. Besides that, I guess I've really just been enjoying my time here at home with my family; the people that I enjoy spending time with most. With New Years coming up, I gotta figure out what 2010 has for me and what I hope to get out of the next year. New Years resolutions don't really do much for me like for most people. Hope Christmas went well for everyone. Take care and Happy New Years.

- David

Back to the Drawing Board

I came to Washington, D.C. with my own set of ideas and while some have changed and some have been reinforced, I find it a great privilege to base much of the political awareness I possess on my experience here in this city and on Capitol Hill. I've taken courses that dealt with the workings of Congress, the functioning of interest group politics, urban issues and the role of arts in a democratic society. These courses have taught me the details of how our political systems work and though there is much more to learn about our political world, I can't begin to express the value of the insight and knowledge I've attained in the course of 4 months.

I've seen much of what Washington D.C. offers; whether in museums, monuments or in the Congressional offices I've worked in through my internship. Retrospectively, I can look back and say to myself that although I could've done a few things differently (i.e. seen more of the D.C. nightlife), I truly believe I've done much of what I came into D.C. to do. I've learned much of what I've wanted to learn and have come to the conclusion that there is yet more to learn. In a professional environment like Capitol Hill, the more you know, both socially and intellectually, the better your prospects down the road are. Networking has been major for me and sure; I don't have a long list of names of people I can call for a favor, but I'm comfortable with the extent of networking I've done in D.C; whether it was speaking to ambassadors, field experts, legislative assistants or members of Congress.

I love this city. I'll miss this city.

In a matter of 4 months, I've taken in an invaluable amount of information and knowledge. Nowhere else in the world would I have been granted the opportunities I was granted here. Washington D.C...

I've had a 'to do' list since high school...

Capitol Hill was the last on that list.

Time for a new List..

Back to the Drawing Board.

On the Rise,
David Javier Solis