International Student House Washington, DC

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ISH-DC Residents Attend Special Farewell Tribute to Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel

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I recently had an opportunity to speak with a prospective ISH-DC resident who was weighing the options of seeking a graduate degree program here in Washington, DC as opposed to a university in another city in the US. I told him “if you want to stay in just another city, go ahead, but if you want to have an amazing experience in one of the most important cities of the world, come to school in Washington and stay with us at ISH-DC.”

My perspective was recently reinforced when a group of ISH-DC residents received a very special invitation to attend an event honoring Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel at Fort Myer, the US Army base adjacent to Arlington National Cemetery. Secretary Hagel’s wife, Lilibet, is a member of ISH-DC’s Board of Directors and has helped plan several visits for residents to the Pentagon and the 9/11 Pentagon Memorial.

When the invitation was issued, we were told by a member of Secretary Hagel’s staff that we were in for a treat, which I’m pleased to report, was incredibly true.

The ISH-DC delegation, which included residents from nearly 20 countries, was seated aside the section reserved for high-level US Government officials and senior members of the US military, as well as members of the Hagel family and their longtime friends. The tribute parade featured music by the US Marine Band, commonly known as the “President’s Own,” and the US Army Old Guard Fife and Drum Corps, which regularly performs at the White House for the welcoming ceremonies for foreign heads of state. The parade included honor guards representing all of the services of the US military. The participation of President Obama and Vice President Biden in the ceremony reinforced how truly fortunate the ISH-DC residents were to be included in such a remarkable event.

Official links to the event:

Seeing the World through Words

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Would you like me to describe it to you?

As a legally blind person I get this question quite often. Well-meaning friends, associates, family members and even strangers attempt to capture and convey the wonders of our vastly visual world. I frequently marvel at their creativity, clarity and commitment.

Their eclectic perspective of the visual scenery that encompasses our everyday existence has given me the chance to see life through someone else’s eyes. Let me just say, the view is breathtaking. There is so much to be gleaned about someone’s personality and perspective on life purely based on the way they choose to describe the activities, people and physical atmosphere of the world around them.

You quickly begin to learn what’s important to someone by what they choose to include or exclude from their descriptions. For instance, a parent will often acknowledge the presence of children when describing a place or space. Cultural connoisseurs tend to highlight the historical or traditional significance of a space/object.  Fashionistas typically describe clothing, shoes and accessories in considerable detail. Peers at the International Student House frequently describe new destinations, daily adventures around DC and weekend excursions along the coast in colorful language linked to all corners of the globe.

My curiosity has served as a catalyst for creating new relationships with people who desire to illuminate aspects of life that have been dimmed but never completely darkened, by my blindness. Personally, I love to attend theater productions, concerts, poetry readings and dine at a plethora of ethnic eateries. To be clear, my experiences would be immensely pleasurable regardless of whether someone provides a visual interpretation given the sheer joy I receive by actively engaging in amazing activities.

So who are these visual interpreters and how do you become one? Well the answer is simple; anyone can be an interpreter of the visual world. Nonetheless, it is paramount that I emphasize a few differences and distinctions amongst visually impaired people. First, not everyone will be receptive to an unsolicited description. Most blind people have a very perfectly pleasing and uniquely personal sensory method of gathering information/details about their surroundings. A visual interpreter respects the abilities and autonomy of those in the blind community.

Throughout the years I’ve had the honor of meting many blind individuals who are managing to maneuver throughout this sighted world with a mind-blowingly high degree of efficiency and effectiveness. Which brings me to my second and perhaps most important point. A visual interpreter should strive to be cognizant of the inferences and interests of the person receiving the description. To accomplish these interpreters may pose a series of questions to gain a greater understanding of if, what and how the visually impaired person would like you to interpret. Again, everyone is different. Correspondingly, some people may appreciate an in depth description of everything from magnanimous to minute details. Others may prefer a more panoramic or ‘big picture’ portrait of non-auditory actions or activities.

Try asking the following questions before you begin your interpretation:

  1. Would you like me to describe what’s happening? Do you want a visual interpretation?
  1. Would you like me to interpret facial expressions and body language? Should I describe clothing, hair styles and accessories? Should I mention any culturally specific gestures or non-verbal behavior?
  1. Would you like me to describe objects, scenery and settings?
  1. Would you like me to use descriptions that include   colors, textures and shapes?
  1. Are there any specific hobbies or interests that you would like me to use as a point of reference? Should I relate the description to any comparable experiences? For example, relating the description to tactical tasks such as cooking, fishing etc.

Keep in mind your interpretations should be tailored based to the preferences of the person receiving the description. Lastly, be creative and have fun. Visual interpretation is a budding art form that stems from a genuine willingness to heighten the aesthetic awareness of blind friends, colleagues and family members. Thus, these techniques and styles blossom anew with each intuitive, interpersonal and innovative description.

 

 

2014 ISH Global Leadership Awards

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On the evening of Thursday, October 16, 2014, International Student House (ISH) of Washington, DC was VP Biden and Dr. Bidenhonored by a visit from Vice President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden at the Sixth Annual Global Leadership Awards held at their historic facilities located at 1825 R Street, NW.  The event began in the early evening with a cocktail reception in ISH’s Great Hall where guests mingled in anticipation of the dignitary and his wife.  Upon their arrival, the Award Ceremony commenced with greetings by ISH Board President Grace Tompkins, and by Italian Ambassador, Claudio Bisogniero, this year’s Diplomatic Chair.  Dr. Jill Biden then addressed the crowd, followed by Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel who in turn introduced the Vice President.

 

Bahia and GroupISH resident scholar Anjelica Aboul Hosn (Lebanon) presented The Family of Rafic Hariri with this year’s Global Citizen Award for their outstanding support for educational exchange opportunities, and their work to encourage civil society, effective governance and sustainable human development.  During her remarks, she referenced the Hariri Foundation and its belief, “… that education is the key to sustainable social and economic development, and that all children should have an opportunity to learn, achieve, and reach their full potential, regardless of their economic conditions.”  Bahaa Hariri accepted the award on behalf of his family, many of whom attended the event, most notably Her Excellency Bahia Hariri, Member of Parliament and former Minister of Education.

 

ISH also honored former US Senator Richard G. Lugar with its Global Leadership Award for his Lugarlifelong commitment to public service, his exemplary bi-partisanship and his achievements in promoting intercultural dialogue and peaceful global citizenship.  During his introduction presented by ISH resident scholar Taylor Murray (USA), a special congratulatory letter from President Obama was read, click here to read the complete letter.

Abraham Akoi, a remarkable young man from South Sudan who lived at ISH from 2008 to 2010 while pursuing both a Master’s Degree and MBA from Johns Hopkins University, was the recipient of ISH’s Distinguished Alumni Award.  He was unable to attend.  In his place, Wendy Magoronga, an ISH resident scholar from Zimbabwe completing a Master’s Degree from Johns Hopkins University, shared her similar experiences as a student from Africa.  Not only does she face the financial constraints of a student from a developing nation studying in the United States; she also awaits challenges as a rising female leader who hopes to return to her country and make a positive impact on its economic progress.

 garden night

An elegant dinner followed in ISH’s dining room and garden where miniature white lights softly lit an expansive clear-top tent.  Jewel-toned floral arrangements adorned the tabletops and were placed throughout the Tudor-Style mansion.   A jazz trio played as guests were being seated.  Other special guests included several foreign Ambassadors and embassy representatives, and Members of Congress.

 

Secretary of Defense Chuck Hagel and ISH-DC Board Member Lilibet Hagel served as Honorary Chairs; Diplomatic Chairs were The Ambassador of Italy and Mrs. Claudio Bisogniero who had graciously hosted a special tribute dinner in honor of this year’s awardees at their beautiful embassy residence, Villa Firenze, a few weeks earlier.  Dinner Co-Chairs were Lawrence P. Dunham, former Assistant Chief of Protocol; and Linda Donavan Harper, former Executive Director of Cultural Tourism, DC.  Sponsors included Robert J. Abernethy, Jamal Daniel (Crest Investment Company), Lockheed Martin Corporation, Fatih and Eren Ozmen (Sierra Nevada), Gallup, Chevron, Duke Energy, Overseas Military Sales Corporation and others.

 

Founded in 1936, ISH offers an unparalleled residential experience to a diverse community of graduate students, academics and post-graduate interns.  Over 10,000 scholars representing over 140 countries, including the United States, have passed through the doors of ISH since its founding.  Residents are offered a multitude of activities throughout the year that instill a spirit of cooperation while building a solid understanding of US culture, government and business.  Through in-depth programs and a focus on cross-cultural dialogue, ISH strives to be a model international community and represents “soft diplomacy” at its best.  Proceeds from the event allow ISH to continue its mission of providing an exceptional residential experience while promoting peace and understanding.  A portion of the proceeds will help support ISH’s scholarship program for students, both international and American, who have financial need.

 

Click here to view the 2014 Global Leadership Awards photo galleries! 

Residents with Board

ISH Resident Scholars Discover DC

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Team one Jumping Tie Breaker
Team One jumps for joy as they capture the tie breaker photo for the win!

ISH Resident Scholars were on a mission in the National Mall during the @ISHwashingtondc #NationalMall Scavenger Hunt!  Each team raced to various museums, monuments and historic landmarks while taking photos and tweeting them to the ISHDC Twitter handle, @ISHwashingtondc.

A special congratulations to “Team One”. They were the team who collected the most points to win! To see all of the photos from this afternoon’s adventure, click here.

 

Team One Pic
Team One Group Photo!

International Student House of Washington, DC | 1825 R Street, NW | Washington, DC 20009

International Student House of Washington, DC is a private, non-profit 501(c)3 organization located near Dupont Circle in the heart of Washington, DC. Donations will help support our mission to provide an exceptional residential experience to a highly diverse international community of graduate students, interns and visiting scholars. The House promotes inter-cultural dialogue, encourages life-long connections, and fosters global citizenship.