I am sub-consciously excited!
This summer I will be in The Hague, The Netherlands, working for the International Institute for Democracy and Electoral Assistance (IDEA). The organization "produces comparative knowledge in its key areas of expertise: electoral processes, constitution building, political participation and representation, and democracy and development, as well as on democracy as it relates to gender, diversity, and conflict and security." It turned out that one of the draws of my resume is the fact that I'm getting a dual degree with the policy program. I will spend the summer researching the implementation of democracy around the globe and working with people to facilitate inclusive and comprehensive constitutions. I spent spring break getting my plane ticket and housing, so I'm set, logistically.
The question that I have gotten from everyone when I tell them my summer plans has been "Are you excited?" My answer thus far: "I think so, but I don't really have time to think about excitement right now." As the semester winds down and I face the craziness that a dual degree bestows (5 finals, two papers, and two presentations), I know that thinking about how incredibly amazing my summer is going to be will only distract me. However, I decided to take a moment to post this entry to answer the question honestly.
Yes, I'm excited! When I received my acceptance email, I was bouncing around my apartment all day calling random people to tell them the news. I'm going to Europe! I get to research! I get to write things! I get to be a part of an organization that works with other countries to promote democracy! When I think about the project I've been assigned, I wonder what sort of research it entails and whether writing a regression model for the data that I compile would be appropriate. I'm ecstatic! And, yes, I know that a couple of those sentences made me sound like an absolute nerd, but I am okay with that! This summer is going to be amazing!
I have taken this moment to jump around in excitement again - at least in the virtual world. However, I now must return that excitement to my sub-conscience because thinking about it before all my work is done will only distract me. So, in case there was any doubt, yes, I am excited about my summer internship, but for now, I find it's best not to think about it ;)