Fourth of July in Virginia, United States

Instead of rugging up in the Australian winter, I flew to Virginia in the United States to bask under the American sun while learning about American politics. 

While I had previously visited the States, I had never been to Virginia, nor heard much of it. For these reasons, I initially felt ambivalent towards it. However, after landing and as the program went on, I grew a deep appreciation for Virginia and its significance in US history and politics. 

I settled in quickly, arriving a few days before the program started. I was excited to set foot at George Mason University; it was an enormous campus that truly made me feel like an American student. 

The program began full steam ahead. Our first group excursion was to the US capital, Washington D.C. We toured the city, stopping and taking pictures at iconic landmarks like the National Mall and the Lincoln Memorial. The atmosphere was buzzing, particularly with the lead-up to American Independence Day, also known as the Fourth of July. 

The Fourth of July was by far the standout highlight of the entire trip. It was an extremely hot and sunny day – perfect for a celebration. The day commemorates the Declaration of Independence of the US in 1776 from the British Empire. Around our campus location in Fairfax, as well as Washington DC, was a sea of red, white, and blue. Everyone proudly sported American flags. I felt extremely joyous, patriotic, and very much a part of the celebration. We began the morning at the Fairfax parade where we watched a number of local clubs, community groups and important members walk down the street. Some were dressed as mascots or on colourful floats. I also munched on a large slice of American pizza. After the parade, we made our way to a restaurant that served Southern delicacies like mac and cheese, hush puppies and key lime pie. 

One of my favourite things about the program and the location of my university campus was that it was only minutes away from Washington D.C. – the heart of US politics. Whenever were allocated free time, we would make the most of the capital. We especially adored the Smithsonian museums, all of which were free. We would spend the whole day roaming around these museums as there are several of them all along the same strip. In particular, I loved the National Museum of American History which showcased cultural, social and political developments of the US, including the original Star-Spangled Banner. 

In class, we would often discuss our excursions and how it made the US what it is today. All my peers showed a similar curiosity in the US, which made the classes so much more interactive and exciting. 

Despite it being a two-week program, I can certainly say that I have made lifelong friends, experiencing things we are bound never to forget. Going into the program, my knowledge of the United States was predominantly based on the media I consumed. Now, after my study, I have a more profound understanding, appreciation, and respect for the United States. Personally, I feel as though I have grown to become more confident and open-minded. I am able to adapt to new surroundings and problem-solve. More importantly, I believe that I am a stronger communicator, and thus I have no doubt that I can quickly create meaningful relationships with others, which will benefit me in both my day-to-day and professional life. 

Janelle Porciuncula
Faculty of Arts and Social Sciences
U.S. Politics at George Mason University, USA
Global Short Programs Travel Scholarship recipient