The Big Day Has Finally Arrived, "We’re Heading to D.C."

Morris (husband) and I arrived in DC on the afternoon of Wednesday, September 3rd.  The AARP had taken care of everything for us.  We stayed in a beautiful hotel, the Renaissance Mayflower.  This was our first time in D.C. so we were pretty excited.  That evening we familiarized ourselves with the area and things took off from there.  We were approximately 4 blocks from the White House and conveniently located in downtown D.C.  The next day we toured the White House (thanks to our Congressman).  The tour was informative, rewarding and lasted for approximately 30-45 minutes.

There was a dinner party planned for the next evening to honor the "Dream Job" Winners at Acardiana Restaurant.  This was the first time all the winners had met in person.  There we had the opportunity to meet the COO of AARP, Director of AARP Workforce (Deborah) and J.C. (WUSA-TV anchor) who were co-moderators of the upcoming sessions.  We had the opportunity to meet so many other wonderful staff members of AARP.  It was truly an evening to remember.  I was very pleased and exicted to see Heather and Carmenza from my state office in attendance.

After the dinner, we visited the Convention Center to see where we would be speaking and to enjoy the many activities/vendors that were available.  There was so much to see and do.  There were buses stationed outside the convention center as well as our hotel to shuttle us to and from the convention.  I could have stayed there another week to be honest, there was so much information.  From healthcare to firm mattresses, you name it, the information was there.  That evening we took in a concert (compliments of the AARP).  We saw Chaka Khan and Natalie Cole, two outstanding performers.  

The next morning we would be speaking at the Convention.  All the winners would be on a panel at the University Session.  Marci had asked that we meet at the conference room for a quick briefing at l0:30.  Session was ll:00 - 12:00.  Lights, cameras, action - - J.C. the news reporter, Deborah, Marci and all the winners were now there and ready to go.  It was show time!  There were approximately 150-200 people in attendance.  We were in a half circle position on the stage.  Deborah introduced us individually and talked about our dream jobs; J.C. asked the questions regarding our experiences thus far.  The questions portion lasted approximately  l5-30 minutes, with each winner having a chance to speak.  The question/answer session from the audience lasted for approximately l5 minutes.  This was clearly the most exciting thing I had ever been part of in my lifetime.  Afterwards, people flocked up to shake our hands and congratulate us on our "win" and the information we had provided.  I must admit, I was a little "celebrity shy" starting out.  That lasted all but 2 seconds and when the ball started rolling, I rolled with it!!!!!  

Speaking engagement was not done yet.  Later that day we met at the "Water Cooler" where Kathryn, Stephany and I spoke to convention attendees about how important "networking" is in all aspect of our lives, but even more so when job hunting.  I shared a story in  particular, where the AARP office in my state had invited me to a ribbon cutting ceremony.  During the ceremony, I met the Alderman’s Director.  I have been in contact with her since regarding my win.  Networking is an extremely important tool.  Quite a few people in the audience shared how they had networked and found jobs.

The next night we went to see the group Chicago (yes another complimentary treat from the AARP, and while we are on the subject, yes on the third evening, we were treated with tickets to see Paul Simon, can’t ask for more).  First time I had ever seen the group Chicago live, and I must say they "Rocked the House." 

Next day, back to "convention land."  We picked up more materials, visited the "Water Cooler" booth to support the dream job winner speaking that day, and decided to take a tour of DC.  The tour lasted approximately 3 hours and we saw some of the monumental areas of D.C.  So much to see and do.  

The evening before we left, I contacted all the winners and Marci to let everyone know what a wonderful time we had.  I also told Marci how much I appreciated all she had done for us, in putting all this together. 

I personally wanted to thank the AARP for  giving me such a opportunity.  You never know in life, at what age, you are doing to do something you have never done before.  I am the first in my immediate family to go to D.C., and tour the White House.  This goes to show you are never too old to dream, or to do or learn something you have never done before.  This experience has truly revitalized my life such that I want to do and learn more and more and more.  I also met some wonderful people during the convention and University session whom I will be contacting here in Chicago. 

I could go on and on, but I want to save some room on the site for the other "Dream Job" winners  AARP thank you again for making our stay such a memorable one.  And to the other winners, it was a pleasure meeting each and everyone of you.  I look foward to our continued friendship as our journeys continue........