Last Sunday, three of my classmates and I left for DC to participate in the American Student Dental Association National Lobby Day. We were there to lobby for two issues that were important to ASDA and the American Dental Association, not to mention a free trip from the dental school. On Sunday evening, we got in pretty late, but managed to eat at a place called Old Ebbitt Grill. It was a nice place that is located two blocks from the white house, and our concierge said it was a local favorite. Monday, we were in meetings most of the day that were meant to help everyone understand the workings of Congress and the details of the issues that we were lobbying for. It was very informative and there were approximately 350 dental students there. We escaped around 4 and rode the metro down to the mall to see the monuments in the midst of the spring cherry blossoms. Monday night we splurged and ate at The Palm steakhouse. Here are some pictures.
On Tuesday, we met with eight congressional offices. We had four meetings on the House side and four on the Senate side. We met with the Legislative Aides, but did get a chance to meet one Missouri Senator. He just happened to be in the office when we were, and wanted to hear our "agenda." It was a great experience, and just a great opportunity for me. It makes me thankful to live in a country where anyone can just call up their representative, like we did, and meet with them to discuss issues that are important to us. It is easy to be "swooned" by the political experience Washington, and I really enjoyed all of it.
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