Reflection

     The second round started with a lot of promise. Our first round was pretty difficult and everything that caused problems in New Jersey seemed non-existent in Northern Virginia. This time we were housed within walking distance of many good restaurants, stores, bars, and the metro. We were given a ‘meaty’ project in web development that allowed us to expand our skill sets. The team composition had changed, and we were much more relaxed and eager to spend time with each other. In many ways, this spike was an improvement from the first. I loved spending time in DC, eating better food, and residing so close to my sister. However, our database development project brought an incredible amount of stress that left me feeling drained nearly every day. Much of the work consisted of database administration that I performed in my last job;  a job I left to participate in more meaningful work. We worked long days, weekends, and holidays, and I rarely had the time I needed to unwind. I often went to headquarters to assist with urgent projects that made me feel stressed and isolated from the team. I know I grew short-tempered, moody, and grouchy through the six week period. But the thing is, when I look back on round one at this point, I can’t help but remember Hoagie Haven, Turning Basin, and our POC Phyllis. And I know that I will look back on this round as well and realize that things weren’t completely terrible either. I loved the way the team came together on trivia nights and how we pelted each other with snowballs on our telework day. I ate well at Ted’s Bulletin and hit the city with friends from Otter 2. And I know that even in the worst days here, I never stood alone. And that comradery is what keeps me going and makes the bad days worth it.