As I am bundled up trying to protect myself from the bitter cold, I cannot help but think back to my first moments in Washington D.C. almost a year ago. I decided to write this week's article about my first day in D.C.

Back in January 2016, I embarked on my first Washington journey of the semester. I had no idea it would begin some of the best months of my life. This single day sticks out so much in my mind because it was the start of a brand new chapter of my life. My favoritepart of the whole day was going to Eastern Market and walking around. I felt like part of the community and as I looked around I thought -- no one here knows I'm new to this place! I loved watching young couples walk around for a date, new families buy their groceries for the week and elderly women try on jewelry together. The place was rich with culture, life and history.

To celebrate this moment in my life, I bought a thin ring with an infinity knot, that I am currently wearing as I type this almost a year later. I wanted something for myself to remind me that I was in control of my own life and in that moment was truly independent. How fitting for that is what Washington D.C. represents to so many Americans. In that moment I felt like I belonged and was part of a culture I was just beginning to know.

The whole day I felt alive because the air was crisp, the sun was out, and I was experiencing a whole new city. I could smell flowers as we passed the townhouses, hear tourists oohing and ahhing at the buildings. I felt at peace, this was going to be my city. I knew it right then.

Of all the places I have been in the United States, this is the first one I have truly felt that bleeding pride for my country. This unique place was the home to so many political powerhouses, historical buildings, memories of Americans who paved the way for us to live our lives and I was there witnessing it.

My first impression of Washington D.C. was more than just a thought, but a feeling. There is this rich history and culture that invites you in. The smells, the sounds, the people, everything about it welcomes you. And in that moment was invited in. I was invited home.