I have had an eventful couple of weeks since my last post, both at the office and around Washington, DC.

 

I spent a day two weeks ago in Riverdale, Maryland at the U.S. Department of Agriculture's (USDA) Animal and Plant Health Inspection Services building to learn more about their programs. I particularly enjoyed a meeting with two economists, as many of my college classes related to economics. 

 

Another interesting meeting took place in the Eisenhower Executive Office Building, right next to the White House.  This was an interagency meeting on increasing opportunities and participation in youth sports across the country.  I think this is a great initiative and was excited to be able to participate in a discussion with people from other government agencies.  I played soccer, basketball and baseball as much as I could when I was younger.  Without these opportunities I probably never would have made it to the Major Leagues.

 

USDA has a program called HealthierUS Schools Challenge that recognizes schools that excel in fostering healthy eating and physical activity among students.  As a professional athlete, I am very concerned with nutrition and exercise in my own life, and I believe it is important to promote their importance to our nation's youth. 

 

I was honored to accompany Secretary Vilsack to Hollin Meadows Elementary School last week, where he and First Lady Michelle Obama met with teachers, parents, students and administrators.  Hollin Meadows received a Silver Star from the HealthierUS Schools Challenge.  In addition to meeting several of the students and hearing about the programs that have made the school such a success, I was able to meet the First Lady.  I mentioned to her that we shared a common alma mater in Princeton University.  I enjoyed not only meeting her, but also watching her and the Secretary interact with the program participants from Hollin Meadows. They were both very engaging and encouraged an interesting and informative dialogue.

 

My first three weeks interning for USDA have been extremely interesting and enjoyable.  A native of Austin, Texas, I grew up spending most weekends on my grandparents' farm, the same farm where we currently raise Texas Longhorn cattle. Instead of returning to Austin after the baseball season, I came to Washington, DC to take advantage of this great opportunity to learn about both agriculture and the government while also making a difference.

I knew USDA played a significant role in the lives of farmers and ranchers, but I continue to be amazed by the breadth of programs and agencies here.  Rural Development, for example, does amazing work in rural communities, from building hospitals to improving water supplies to increasing the availability of broadband internet.  I also have a greater appreciation for USDA's role in disease and pest control and its significant impact on the success of our country's agricultural output and economy over the years.

In addition to learning about USDA, I have been afforded some great opportunities through my internship.  This week I went to a Tribal Leaders Reception for the National Congress of American Indians.  I met several interesting people, both tribal leaders and people who work in other departments of the government.  The reception was held in the Smithsonian National Museum of the American Indian.  It was my first time visiting the museum and reminded me of all the great museums and government buildings in Washington, DC.  I have been to a few of them now, with my favorite two being the Library of Congress and the National Archives.  I'm looking forward to more great experiences in the weeks to come.