Harry and Reba,
We have been home from Washington, D.C. for weeks, and it is time I told you what I
took away from the trip. It was my first time in our nation’s capital, and I am so glad I went.
There was so much to see and do, and the excitement of the Memorial Weekend celebrations
only added to the experience.
While in D.C., I got to visit most of the major monuments and museums with various
other scholars. I greatly enjoyed the Smithsonian venues, most notably the American and Natural
History Museums. I have always enjoyed learning about history – if I had more time in school, I
may have added it to my list of majors and minors – and as an aspiring doctor, exhibits like one
of the first laboratory penicillin samples were a pleasure to see.
The national monuments were also spectacular sites, especially the ones I saw in the dark.
A group of us went out for a night tour and saw the Lincoln Monument and Vietnam Memorials,
among others. I must say, the Vietnam Memorial took my breath away. I believe I could have sat
on the ground and read the names for hours, I was so entranced by the still and pensive
atmosphere.
I was also very emotionally affected by the Memorial Day activities. A few of us were
out sightseeing during Monday’s parade and had to stop and watch. The sight of so many brave
veterans and current servicemen and the sound of the applause for them filled me with pride and
a few tears. I am often moved by such patriotic moments, and the timing of the concert and our
trip was perfect for this.
Of course, the Arvo Part performance was well worth the trip by itself. The concert was
wonderful, and as my first true symphony orchestra concert, a great new experience for me. The
music was beautiful, intense and haunting, and the promised spirituality was strong and moving.
Part is clearly a cultural treasure for Estonia, and it was a cultural treat to hear his work
performed by Estonia’s best.
Attending the after-party, meeting the ambassador (however quickly) and even tasting a
little Estonian food was also enjoyable, but Harry, I am very happy you decided to haul us all out
and take us back to Georgetown for burgers. Our table shared multiple appetizers family-style, as
Reba will remember, and being all together in such a relaxed and friendly atmosphere was such a
warm experience. That dinner highlights one of the best parts of the trip for me: the time spent
with fellow Huge scholars. This trip was the first time we have gotten to spend extended time
with the other scholars, and it was a great chance to really get to know our vibrant and motivated
group. I know that creating a network amongst scholars is one of your intended goals of the
Foundation’s scholar interaction, and this trip gave us our first chance to build strong and lasting
connections.
So Harry and Reba, thank you for founding and then fostering these connections. Thank
you for bringing us all together to support one another, and for adding your own support in as
well. Thank you for your contributions to our educations and for the amazing opportunities you
have created for us. This D.C. trip was an especially memorable one, and one that makes me
even more excited to possibly visit Estonia with everyone. The country and the culture will be
wonderful to experience, I’m sure, but made even more so by the wonderful company with
which we will experience it.
On an endnote, as long as I am writing to you, I’d like to give you a short update on my
recent activities. I started working on a long term care unit at Tabitha Nursing and Rehabilitation
here in Lincoln, and absolutely love it. This job only confirms my medical aspirations… which I
am one step closer to reaching. I completed the MCAT – I got a 33! – and have just submitted
my early decision application for the University of Nebraska Medical Center. I will let you know
as soon as I receive a response, which should come very close to our Huge Foundation dinner in
October. I look forward to seeing you both then.
Thank you again for bringing us all to Washington, D.C. It was a wonderful trip.
Best wishes,
Taylor Pospisil