Young & Stylish Living in Washington DC

The Price is Right, Bitch: 5 Reasons Why Every Washingtonian Woman Should Pick Up Golf

Okay, okay. I understand that most girls will take one look at this headline and think, “Seriously, what the hell is she thinking?” A game dominated mostly by men, golf isn’t exactly the most popular sport among women—but trust me on this, it is freaking awesome. (And, if you look here, you can see that the ladies who play golf professionally are absolutely gorgeous. Nothing lacking there!)

For those females across the DMV who are not already informed as to why golf, in actuality, is a powerful tool for us, trust me: I used to be one of you. Until about a year ago, I considered golf to be among the most boring of athletic contests. Despite the many family members, friends, and ex-lovers who obsess over game, I resisted every chance to touch a golf club, more or less step foot on a course.

Finally, last summer I agreed to go on a super awkward first date to a driving range in Alexandria called Top Golf. At first I was apprehensive, but eventually agreed to go after he assured me that alcohol and food were readily available. And if all else failed and I really hated it, they had miniature golf as a backup plan. (This is a great place to go if you’ve never played before and aren’t trying to mess with a course… or find yourself needing an easier alternative. But because it’s not close to a metro stop, you’ll need extensive help if you find yourself needing a quick escape backup plan for your date…)

While the “date” certainly wasn’t the first of many, I was hooked on this place—and in turn, addicted to golf. In reality, Top Golf is more like a driving range disguised as a game, that is fun for people of all ages and skill levels. The balls are registered to the players name and record one’s score (giving you points) as they’re hit into targets located throughout the range. I always found this fun, especially as a beginner, because even if you completely mess up (but it bounces in a target), you still get some gratification for it. (This happens happened to me… often.) Maybe it was the fact that Top Golf has waitresses serving food and booze to each individual bay, or that it’s one of the few places in the DMV where cigarettes and cigars are permissible, or my general perfectionist nature, but for the rest of the summer I would spend entire afternoons here hitting buckets of balls. (You know you’re a frequent customer when the desk staff knows you by name. Should I be embarrassed? Me? Never.)

For the first time in a long time, this was something that did not come easy to me—I am was absolutely awful at golf. From that moment on, it was my goal to play as often as possible to improve my game, if for nothing else, out of sheer frustration. Fortunately, after one year’s worth of extensive days at the range, bribing guy friends to put up with me and shoot Par 3 courses, and way-too-many blisters, I’m finally starting to see my skill come around. (Don’t get me wrong, I still suck comparatively to the more experienced. But in this game, it’s all about practice and patience. #message)

As the frustration faded over time, the I found the game became not only enjoyable, but beneficial in more ways than one—especially for professional ladies in the Washington DC area. Even though excuses won’t get you anywhere on the course, here are my top five reasons why every Wasingtonian woman should at least try (if not seriously work at) playing golf:

1. The Preptastic Golf Clothing and Accessories
   
   First and foremost, if you absolutely have to stand outside and play a game you’re less-than-stellar at, you might as well look cute while doing it. (And I’ve been told that if you don’t at least attempt to put together a half-decent outfit for the course, it will result in sneers from others.) Women love to color-coordinate their fashions anyways and golf is the perfect occasion to play around with the polos, khakis, and Bermuda shorts already in your closet.
   
   Or if you’re like me, you can use this as an excuse to go shopping! Vineyard Vines, JCrew, or Ralph Lauren all have preptastic items that are perfect for a day on the course or at the range. If you’re looking to get a little more serious with your golf attire, sport-specific companies like Titleist or Callaway make several girl-friendly options. (Easily spotted as most of it is pink.) The best part is, that if you end up absolutely hating golf, nearly all of the clothing you’ll buy for it can be worn again. Not a total loss if you get some cute new fashions, right?
   
   
2. Enjoying Beautiful Weather and a Few Libations with Friends
   
   As the nice Washingtonian weather usually extends itself from March to October, there are plenty of beautiful, sunny days to be enjoyed. Instead of sitting inside, golf is the perfect opportunity to gather a group of friends and get in the sunshine! Aside from the general awesomeness of basking in the sun (and getting a tan), courses are often neatly groomed making the scenery something nice to look at as you play.
   
   And of course, no perfect spring or summer day would be complete without having a beer or two. (Or ten). While some places serve alcohol on-site, most will say that booze is prohibited on the course. This is a “guideline” that no one takes seriously—one can pretty much assume that every golfer has beer somewhere in their bag, that will be drank as soon as the clubhouse is out of sight. Getting buzzed drunk on the course isn’t just encouraged, it’s practically expected. How many other sports do you know of that embrace the alcoholic arts this much? Don’t worry, I’ll wait. And even if golf doesn’t end up being your thing, it’s always fun to get drunk with your friends in the sunshine, regardless of what activity you’re doing.
   
   
3. An Excuse to Work on Your Fitness
   
   Despite common misconceptions about this game, golf is a serious workout that results in lots of sweat, blood, tears, and blisters. Unless you get a cart, you’re either hauling or carrying your clubs with you to each and every hole. Combine that, with chasing your sliced shots all over the place, and you’ll find yourself doing a whole lot of walking.
   
   I always found that golf was a great opportunity to not only build some muscle, but endurance. The terrain on the course isn’t always flat, straight, and wide—often it twists, turns, and narrowly goes up hill. What’s most attractive about this form of exercise is that you’re working out while playing a game, making it not only fun but easier maintain the motivation to continue onward. Maybe it’s the efficiency monger in me, but if I can shed a few calories while being completely entertained I figured you’re just killing two birds with one stone.
   
   
4. Golf Courses and Driving Ranges are the Costco of Eye Candy
   
   It isn’t any secret that golf is a game generally dominated by men. This isn’t because of sheer ability (I’ve seen some really, really shitty male golfers before), but because most women would rather get their nails done than swing a driver. Simply put, there aren’t a whole lot of ladies hanging around a range or shooting 18 holes.
   
   It is in the best interest of Washingtonian women to use this awesome, a-lot-to-a-little ratio to their advantage. Just like lady snowboarders or wakeboarders, their rarity makes female golfers just that much more sexy. (I’ve had just about every one of my guy friends tell me that a girl who golfs is hot. Period.)
   
   Plus, it’s a great date idea. If your guy isn’t ecstatic enough you’re willing to give it a try, golf also gives him an opportunity to give you pointers… and get close to you while doing it. If you’re solo, you can still use this statistic to your benefit. With so many strapping gentlemen around, it won’t be hard to find someone to give you a few pointers. Pick the cutest guy you see without a wedding band and ask him for some advice on your swing. You never know who you’ll meet. ;)
   
   
5. The Best Business is Done on the Golf Course
   
   It may be a game played for leisure, but a shitton of business dealing and networking takes place over a bucket of balls or a round of 18 holes. However, it’s the relaxing nature of golf that makes it a great time to make new professional contacts.
   
   As rounds can last anywhere from a few to several hours, you’ll spend quite a bit of time with your fellow players. This allows a great opportunity for you to really develop a professional relationship with your contact that is based on shared, mutual interests. Again, if you’re respected both in and out of the workplace, it will make you both memorable and a stand-out. (Personally, I find that being the only woman in the group sets us apart from the get-go, but I digress.) And because you’re developing this bond in a relaxed, calming atmosphere, your contact will be much more at ease when it comes to opening their wallets, helping you secure a new client, or opening up a job opportunity.

The days may be long, the buckets of balls many, and the blisters painful, but trust me ladies: it’s in the best interest of every Washingtonian woman to give golf a try. Anything that combines great clothes, drinks in the sunshine with friends, dime piece eye candy, and a little bit of exercise sounds like a damned good time anyways. Throw in the possibility of making new professional connections or deals, and you’ve got the young professional’s mecca.

And if you end up hating golf, think about it this way: each of my provided reasons to play are all things that have absolutely nothing to do with the game itself. Even if you swear to never pick up a golf club again, you still get to keep the clothes, suntan, good times, and the men. Guaranteed. You can’t lose. And in this city, there’s nothing I love more than a sure thing. ;)

Love, Y&SDC

Washingtonian Preptitude Comes Full Force at Gold Cup

Ranked among bourbon and boat shoes, there are few things as southern prepified as horse races or polo matches. (Think Kentucky Derby) Held across the east coast and south in early spring, these events are anticipated all year long by those who attend. Washington DC also hosts a slew of horse races and polo matches, such as Preakness (in Maryland), Foxfields (Northern Virginia), and the grandest of them all: Gold Cup.

Being a passionate supporter of the preppy arts, I’ve heard of Gold Cup several times since moving here. In addition to being a local tradition 87-years-running, it’s an event where I can get together with my friends, wear pearls while donning a beautiful sundress and over-sized hat, and spend a day in the sun. And of course, I had another motive to go as well: these are the very few times a year where all of the men in attendance pay great attention to their outfits—pastel pants, loafers or boat shoes, and bow ties are not only common but practically expected here. Basically, my dream eye-candy goldmine.

Despite my great knowledge about Gold Cup (and the fact that anyone can purchase tickets if they want to), this was the first year I attended. Although I was ready to buy a ticket for myself, my superhero event-planning-guru gal pal came through in the clutch again snagging me free entrance to the prestigious Members Hill area—a seriously less crowded, yet more exclusively affluent section. (Seriously, I owe you a gift basket or an Edible Arrangement or something AC…)

From the moment I secured my pass, I started researching what I’d wear to the event from the dress to the shoes to the enormous hat on my head. Everything had to be just perfect for my Gold Cup debut. Most of my girlfriends (and guy friends for that matter) who also attended took their outfit just as seriously, putting great time and effort into what they were planning to wear that day. (And because my event planning buddies are oh-so-busy, they had to carry multiple outfits with them to continue their day at additional galas and gatherings afterward. #badass) If for no other reason than to ride the preppy wave, it’s always a good idea to wear clothing that is made of a lighter material to these events. Especially in the humid DMV, it’s important to stay cool and be comfortable in what you’re wearing for long periods of time.

Fortunately, my preparation paid off as my Gold Cup experienced exceeded my expectations. If you’re fortunate enough to gain access to Members Hill and company-sponsored tents you likely also have transportation to and from the fields, located in Leesburg, Virginia. While a free ride anywhere in the DMV is an awesome thing, the shuttle bus to Gold Cup was actually a pre-game. (One I took full advantage of!) Before taking off, the TransPerfect associate assigned to our bus (our sponsors) told us flat out: anything we wanted or needed, they had ready to serve to us. And she was not kidding. In addition to muffins and other snacks, they had many bottles of champagne and orange juice for mimosas. (My bus proudly finished ALL of them.) Throughout the entire trip, she walked up and down the aisle refilling drinks and serving food (in heals, no less), creating the perfect start to an awesome day. What wouldn’t be great about that?

As if the day couldn’t get any better, upon arrival we headed over to the TransPerfect tent which was not only fully stocked with food, but bartenders serving top-shelf liquor as well. And with cute men in preppy duds standing everywhere, I was really in my mecca. I couldn’t be happier. It was everything I expected it to be. But like most things however, I came to learn that the day was going to be much more than I initially thought (and likely teach me a lesson in the end). Read on…

In spite of my obsessive planning, the one thing that I forgot was to pick up a cigar for the event—of course I remembered when upon boarding the bus. Fortunately, the tent also had a wide array of cigars that I immediately took too after grabbing a drink from the bar. Standing next to the boxes was an attractively adorable your-parents-aged couple also enjoying a smoke and a drink. After complimenting the woman on her gorgeous yellow and white patterned sundress, her husband advised me on which cigar I should try. Upon lighting up my chocolate-flavored stogey, I also ignited a conversation with the man who I could instantly tell was truly warm and genuine—there was never a second where I felt that he looked at me as an immature young professional, but instead an equal. I absolutely love and respect people like this.

While we chatted, I learned that he was not only a former FBI agent, but a successful entrepreneur. Right away, I knew that this was someone I wanted to learn from. If he had created viable businesses, there was a lot he could teach me that could benefit my own company.

Even with the things we initially had in common, it wasn’t until our conversation progressed from professional to everyday chatter that the greatest lesson of the day befell upon me: in Washington DC, the best way to do business (and network for that matter) is to find common ground that relates you to your contact on a personal level. Not only will it help the person remember you, but it can create a professional bond that can prove incredibly useful as your career progresses.

I got lucky with this man—not only was he a Michigan native, but also a Wolverine alumni. Boom.

While not everyone will have it this easy, finding common ground (especially with something as personal as state of origin or alma mater) is among the best contacts one can make. In addition to helping me become more memorable, we instantly find that it’s easier to relate to one another. (In my case, we both attended football games in the Big House and knew the importance of winning the last game of the year… every year.) It didn’t matter that we talked very little about any actual business while at Gold Cup—instead, it was much more valuable that he could relate to me in both a professional and non-professional capacity, and wanted to meet again in the future.

Simply put, doing business with me would be a much easier (and more enjoyable) process because of our common interests. Like I stated in my previous entry on the Washingtonian Mentorship Rule of Reciprocity, it is much easier to benefit (and learn from) a contact when you respect them both professionally and personally. And while that’s true regardless of one’s age or years of experience, it can especially come in handy when trying to really connect with someone who may be quite a few years older, if not significantly more experienced than you.

When we sit down to talk next, this man and I will have much more to discuss than just business matters. This connection works to create a personalized relationship that not only helps one get to the next level in their career, but grow as a person as well. Learning from mentors in which you have shared interests (both personal and professional) is the best way to make your career as mistake-free as possible. They have SO much valuable information to share that you can benefit from. And more often than not, they’re just as willing to teach you as you are to learn from them. These are among the best contacts a Washingtonian newbie can make when moving here, as they will help you grow in more ways than one.

In the end, Gold Cup 2012 was absolutely awesome. As if dressing to my preppiest with my friends wasn’t great enough, I was excited to make a new contact who was not only knowledgeable but shared so many interests with me. And of course, the day wouldn’t have been complete with making a few romantic connections, mingling for pleasure as well as business. (Kudos to my other girlfriends who also successfully snagged a date out of the day!) While I don’t kiss and tell, I will leave readers with the notion that I strive for success in all my endeavors—and I usually get exactly what I want. But like I said, I don’t kiss and tell.

Making Sunday a Fun Day: Channel Your Inner College Student with a Post-Brunch Drum Circle

Since the day we start preschool, we are taught to believe that Sundays, by definition, absolutely suck. Instead of viewing it as the beginning of a new week (and new opportunities), we see it as the end; the end of the weekend, end of freedom, and most importantly, the end of our homework procrastination period. (Because after all, who hasn’t used Sunday to catch up on all of the assignments you should have done days weeks months ago?)

Unfortunately, entering the work force does little to change this lesson we’re brainwashed with since youth. Sure, homework and tests may be a thing of the past, but Sunday still means that the weekend is over—and that you will have to wake up for work Monday morning, regardless of how hungover you still are from the weekend. I get it, there are a lot of things that are less-than-awesome about Sunday.

As difficult as it may be, I urge all Washingtonian imports to rid themselves of this notion immediately upon arrival. When I first moved to the DMV, I rarely used Sunday for much more than a recovery period from the past two or three evenings of drunken debauchery. (And don’t get me wrong, some Sundays are still spent exactly like this…) It took me years to realize how much I was missing by spending my day on the couch. Instead of being idle and calm, Sundays in the DMV are alive and buzzing with people out and about—one would never get the idea that anything was ending. You’d be amazed at the fun you can have on a Sunday in the Washington DC.

Being a melting pot of people from every background, there are few things that all District veterans have in common. However, it will take a DMV newbie about a nanosecond to learn that a Washingtonian’s favorite meal is, without-a-doubt, Sunday brunch. In addition to being an opportunity to refuel with good food after a weekend of drinking, more often than not, the meal includes a few several Bloody Marys or Mimosas… starting the party right where it left off the night before. And even if you can’t bring yourself to think about (more or less drink) alcohol, it’s the best opportunity to talk to your friends about the shenanigans that took place just a few hours ago. (Because, what else are they for, if not to remind you of what you did while wasted? *Bonus points if pictures are included.) 

And because DMV residents take brunch seriously, restaurants also step up their game for this ever-anticipated meal. Nearly every spot in the area opens early and has some sort of “special” something (whether it be food or drink discounts, stellar Bloody Mary bar, huge buffet, etc.) that will make them the “it” spot to spend your mid-afternoon. The competition for the best brunch spot in Metro DC could potentially be more lucrative than that of the presidential election. But as usual, I digress. In short, Washingtonians are absolutely obsessed with brunch. Expect to do a lot of it while you live here. Plus, if you think day drinking is weak, you’re weak.

But because you start getting slightly completely buzzed at brunchtime, it’s hard to just end your day right there. I don’t know about you, but after getting my drank back on during brunch, the last thing I want to do is go home and twiddle my thumbs. Some Washingtonians browse the local boutiques, while others check produce at the farmer’s markets, or continue the party at another bar. Usually, it isn’t difficult to convince your friends to hang throughout the afternoon, especially if the weather is nice.

Maybe it’s because the experience reminds me of my college “commons” (we called it “the Diag”), but I personally choose to spend most post-Sunday brunches at Meridian Hill (Malcolm X) Park located at 2500 16th Street NW. (Between Adams Morgan, U Street, and Mt. Pleasant). When one first walks into the park, it seems like the stereotypical Washingtonian crowd, complete with families with children or pick-up soccer games—nothing to write home about. However, it isn’t until you follow the beat of the drums that you enter the land of hippie-hyper-drive… and the people watching is phenomenal.

It isn’t just the abundance of Whole Foods bags, tightrope walkers, or friends-balancing-friends-on-their-feet that makes the experience Woodstock-esque. Instead, the main attraction here is the drum circle. Since 1972, Washingtonians from all walks of life have gathered here from 4-9 pm on Sunday to enjoy the excessive African drum ensemble. (Sometimes involving 15-20 people, impromptu of course) Even though all are welcome to bring drums (or other noisemakers) and join in, there is certainly a hierarchy when it comes to beating the beat here. Some of the drummers have been here for several years, and seniority is respected. (Maybe that’s why it always sounds awesome, and pre-planned?) 

While most come to just listen, others dance, juggle, make hula-hooping an extreme sport, or walk between trees on tightropes. This, with a sprinkling of former frat boys in pastels makes drum circle at Meridian Hill Park an awesome place to not only enjoy my Sunday afternoon, but people watch as well.

But if your idea of a good time post-brunch doesn’t involve a flashback to hippie music festivals of past, I can still give you a few reasons why checking out drum circle at Meridian Hill Park (at least once) is a solid idea:

1. The park itself is beautiful, with a ledge that overlooks a cascading set of waterfalls and a clear view of the Monument. On a nice day, the scenery in itself is enjoyable.
2. Because most longtime Washingtonians don’t even know about drum circle, it’s incredibly rare that tourists will venture here. (It’s nearly impossible to find an area that’s practically tourism-free in DC, especially during the summer)
3. It’ll give a newbie a more clear idea of the “common Washingtonian” than if they attended bottle service at Josephine’s. Ranging in age, race, ethnicity, and background, there is no one type of person that attends drum circle. Even though I hate to admit it, not all DC residents are clad in polos and pearls all the time, if ever—this serves as a stark reminder of that.
4. It’s free, so if you hate it and it sucks, you wasted nothing more than a few minutes of your time.

In the end, whether you attend drum circle or not, I encourage all new imports to make the most of their Sundays. (…skipping brunch unless under extreme circumstances, is not an option.) Just because work does resume tomorrow, doesn’t mean that today can’t be awesome and you can’t act accordingly. Don’t feel irresponsible, but know that you’re channeling a nostalgic, collegiate time where moments with friends were much bigger and more numerous than our worries. Sometimes, this is little slice of paradise is all the motivation one needs to tackle the week ahead.

WHEN SOMEONE COMPLAINS THAT THERE’S NO METRO IN GEORGETOWN

whenindc:

Never, ever, ever. In fact, the residents of Georgetown have consistently voted against it to keep “undesirables” out of the area. But if you really need a ride to that part of town, the Circulator runs every 10 minutes from points all over DC (and even in Rosslyn) and only costs $1.00.

The Washingtonian Mentorship Rule of Reciprocity: Pay That Shit Forward

Maybe it’s the history major in me, or that my love affair with the District began circa spring 2008, but there’s something about the warmer weather that makes me very nostalgic. Each year has been completely different then the one before and I’m always amazed to analyze and reflect on how things changed over time. (My professors would be proud, as this was pretty much the basis of every test I ever took in college. Bravo.)

Any avid reader of Y&SDC would expect that I’m incredibly comfortable with Washington DC—and they’d be 100% right. (Shit, I’m trying to make writing about it a full-time career, I better be acclimated to life in the District!) But in my relentless efforts to relay to the new Washingtonian how to transform themselves from tourist to accepted citizen, I nearly forgot one undeniable truth: that I, was once new to the area myself. I didn’t show up in DC armed with knowledge of the best happy hour martinis (Bar Dupont), music venues, clothing boutiques, crab cakes (Old Ebbit’s Grill), or other essential pieces of information. Instead, it took years to acquire it—usually through word-of-mouth from someone who was if not older, had lived in the District longer. DMV veterans aren’t known for hiding a good thing, and often recommend their positive experiences to others. 

In fact, the reality of the situation is: most people who call themselves Washingtonians today are the imports of yesterday. Simply put, many of us were once new ourselves and therefore relied on the advice (and at times, avocation) of the more experienced to adjust. (Why do you think you’re reading this blog?) Does this remind anyone else of Greek life back in college? Just me?

Last week, I attended another event held by The Wine Cooperative at the Ronald Reagan Building for the Benziger Family Winery. Like every other event, the drinks were plentiful and food was succulent—there wasn’t a detail skipped when it came to the five-course meal.

And just like the previous events, there were plenty of 20-to-30-something professionals in attendance for me to mix and mingle with. While I did collect a few business cards and enjoy myself a little too much, this was the first time the experience resembled a fancy sorority mixer rather than a real networking event. (NOTE: Certainly not the fault of the hosts, by any means.)

But, basically the scene was this: about seven people standing in a half-assed circle, wine in hand, introducing themselves to each person individually. (…despite the fact that everyone heard it the first time…) Conversation then moves to the basic “where are you from” and “what do you do for a living” type of questions. While these are typical inquires when meeting new people, networking this way really sucks—it’s more than likely you won’t remember anything about anyone, in spite of the redundant introductions. In fact, I only person I recall one girl from this situation, and it’s because her delivery instantly reminded me of the collegiate classic, Animal House. As she stated both her first and last name over and over again, all I could think of was:

“Eric Stratton, Rush Chairman. Damn glad to meet ya.”

The jury is still out on whether this is a good thing to be remembered by when at a professional networking event. (It did inspire the Animal House video inclusion, however.) I vote nay, but I digress.

Fortunately, the event turned around quickly, as everyone took their seats for dinner to begin. I was placed at a table with four other ladies; my friend of many years (the event planner truly responsible for my attendance at these sweet shindigs), two others who worked in her department, and one guest. As we chatted through the evening, it was apparent to me that those employed by the RRB had varying years of experience. Out of the group, my girlfriend had the highest seniority and expertise in their field—a point made by another at the table, who had just less experience than my gal pal. She explained to the newest member of the team that my friend was not only incredibly fun to be around, but someone she would want to learn from in order to advance her career—as she found success doing just that. As the conversation progressed, I was surprised to learn that my girlfriend had also been mentored by another co-worker who I’ve come to know well in recent months. I guess that makes sense after all, as everyone, has to start somewhere.

As the advice was paid forward, I began to think about the Washingtonian mentorship rule of reciprocity. (Or in plain English, how people really advance themselves in Washington DC.)

This event reminded me of the benefits one can find from a mentor that is more experienced and successful, but within one’s age range. Because my degree is in history and not business, learning from those who were more experienced than I was key to being successful in starting my own company. While most of the mentors I’ve been fortunate to have are older and been in the workforce longer, the best advice I received was from a college buddy of mine.

A talented musician with keen corporate intellect, he had already began his own business (with a friend) that was making waves locally. His experience in starting, building, and sustaining a company (even at such a young age) provided insights beyond anything he ever learned at the prestigious Ross School of Business. Because of his success in something I was looking to do, my friend served as a great “mentor” to me as well. (I use that term lightly, as I never got into shenanigans like that with any others…). However, what really made his advice invaluable was that he was my peer and not my superior—whenever we talked business, it was in a relaxed atmosphere with a beer in hand. At the end of the day, advice given resonates more when you respect the giver both personally and professionally.

The same is true in the busy and fast-paced DMV, as well. Washingtonians plan ahead and want to know what to expect before it happens. Because advice given may be some harsh pills to swallow, hearing it from someone who you can look up to in a “work big brother” or “work big sister” type-of-way is always better. These are the people who just went through what you’re currently experiencing and therefore are the ones that can tell you how to advance and learn. (…and if your job sucks, cope!) And because you’re closer in age, it’s often easier to open up with these people and develop a good relationship, if not a friendship. Trust me, having allies in the work place is essential—if for nothing else, to have someone to bitch with over happy hour drinks once you’ve left the office. I’ve found that these are the people that are more likely to stand up for you too, just as Eric “Otter” Stratton did for the overweight potential pledge in the video clip above.

Every person you meet in life will teach you something, so one might as well make sure the lessons learned are valuable. Finding the right mentor, regardless of age, is a key piece to the puzzle of Washingtonian networking. The most important thing however, is to pay it forward. As previously stated, everyone had to start somewhere. Use your experience and knowledge for good, and you’ll benefit in more way than one!

WHEN I MEET A CUTE GUY THAT WEARS SPERRYS AND SEERSUCKER

I’M JUST LIKE:

Maybe, that’s just me?

(Source: howdoiputthisgently)