Monument Tour in the Advanced Medical Neuroscience Internship

Following the keynote speech, interns ventured to tour the monuments. During this time, anticipation filled the air. Anticipation for the week ahead, the friendships they would form, and for some, the opportunity to see the history of our nation up close. 

To start off, interns loaded the bus with their teams. Icebreakers were thrown about, varying in range from favorite color to what country they wish they could travel to. Even for those who had seen the monuments previously, what truly mattered were the connections being made. Sure, the Lincoln Memorial may be in the backyard of multiple interns; however, they would never be in this moment again experiencing it to this degree. Building friendships with peers all with a passion for Neuroscience. 

The first stop was the Lincoln Memorial. Esteemed for its marble depiction of Lincoln in contemplation, it stands as a symbol of unity, strength, and enduring values of democracy and equality. Standing before such a powerful statue, interns were tasked with creating the best photo with their teams. At this moment, creativity needed to be maximized. Masked as a photo opportunity for parents, the biggest takeaway was bonding. Collaborating brought about the best creations and proved as a sign of the week ahead. 

Across from the Lincoln, the view of the reflecting pool is mesmerizing. A mere glance awards you with a sight of the World War II Memorial with the Washington Monument behind it. On its own, it stands as a symbol for unity. Alongside the water, connections were continuing to form, and teams were laying a strong foundation. Baby ducklings trailing behind their mothers were met with looks of affection. 

The final stop brought them to the base of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial, where the sky had begun its shift to dusk. Some interns snapped final photos, while others simply looked around, not just at the history etched into stone, but at the new friendships taking shape beside them.