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Victoria Moore ’98
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JOURNAL ENTRIES
Publish Journal Entry This is a test of Victoria’s Journal Pad by the Webmaster.
Publish Journal Entry I have now been here 2 weeks, I have been working for one week and I hope it picks up. Work is really dull and no-one has the time or interest to give us (myself and Jenifer, the other intern) anything of any substance to do. The only insight I have into the First Lady’s Office is that it is the same as any other administrative office, I have not been introduced to anything that supports it’s title. Washinton is a very culturally mixed city but one thing that does not surprise me, but alarms me all the same, is that blacks are employed mostly in the manual and service jobs. At work, canteen and mail staff are black, as are cleaning staff and bus drivers. America prides itself on democracy and the freedom to succeed but it is still apparent that some are more equal than others. Why are black mentors, contacts and host families virtually non-existent? Were they not asked or did they not offer? I think this is something that Project Children should address. Nationalist/Unionists and Republican/Loyalist is a very narrow way of looking at the world. Life does exist beyond Northern Ireland and it’s problems and for young leaders in future to be allowed to experience the wider picture can only help put things into context. Well, 3 weeks now and work sill hasn’t improved. No, I haven’t met the First bloody Lady, so stop asking me or I won’t be responsible for my actions. I had lunch with Rosemary O’Neill today. It was so welcome to speak to someone who was interested in what I had to say and who has first hand experience of Northern Ireland but from a neutral perspective. She suggested that I approach Katy in my office regarding a research project for the upcoming “Vital Voices” conference at which Hilary Clinton will be present. There has been no more mention of my “research project”. So much for that. I have 3 years administrative experience, for which I got paid. I wish those in my office would realise that filing, faxing and photocopying is not character building. I want some real experience and work that I can make use of when I go back home. I feel so frustrated I think I might throw a humungous wobbly at the “First Lady/Intern photo session” next week. Watch out Hilary, you’re going to experience Northern Ireland animosity at closer quarters than you ever bargained for. Better not wear anything light coloured or expensive. |