Looking for adventure: Washington Semester blends real-world learning and cultural immersion
April 04, 2023
Thirteen Maroons are living and working in D.C. this semester as part of the unique Lutheran College Washington Semester program.
The students, who come from all majors, are blending valuable workforce experience with the cultural exposure that comes with being immersed in the nation’s capital.
Students in the program work at internships spanning nonprofits, government agencies and business groups that align with their core interests. They also take classes, keeping them on track for their graduation date, and join other students from around the country on excursions that explore the rich history and art world of D.C.
RELATED: D.C. semester highlights with psychology major Gabrielle Lirosi
The program, which Roanoke College co-founded with partner schools, is an ideal fit for students who want to grow both as future leaders and as citizens of the world, said Todd Peppers, Washington Semester coordinator and Henry H. and Trudye H. Fowler Professor of Public Affairs.
“We look for students who are excited about having an adventure,” Peppers said. “The Washington Semester takes them off campus and encourages them to spread their wings in a new environment with new challenges and opportunities.
“D.C. is one of the most interesting and diverse cities in the country," he added. “They get to work in different parts of the city and learn about issues facing the wider world. It’s an experience that can open many doors for them.”
Scroll through our gallery below to learn more about this semester’s students and why they signed on for a Washington Semester experience.
Why Washington Semester?
Honing your passion: The chance to intern in D.C. with both Rails-to-Trails Conservancy and Rising for Justice sparked my interest because they were near-perfect intersections of my interests in social and environmental justice and communications. I am deeply thankful to be part of Washington Semester, and I hope to strengthen my professional and academic skills while I am here. – Natalie Webster ’25, communication studies major
Endless opportunities: I chose to attend the D.C. program to broaden my horizons and dive into an internship that is toward my interest in policy and religion. D.C. offered an endless number of professional opportunities to explore. During my internship at the Religious Freedom Institute, we work to educate Americans and international representatives on the significance of allowing people to worship freely. I hope to grow more aware of the cultures and conditions in other nations. I think it's something worth being educated on and advocating for. – Jocelyn Snader ’24, political science major
Firsthand learning: I have always wanted to experience what it would be like to live and work in D.C. In my internship with Lutheran Services in America, I get to be part of assisting multiple marginalized groups, such as refugees, children and older adults. As a sociology major, my focus has been on studying and looking at different aspects of society. My internship is allowing me to see firsthand how solutions and opportunities can be acted on for multiple different social issues and populations of people. – Isaiah Jacobs ’24, sociology major
Building boldness: After graduation, I want to attend law school and pursue a career as an attorney. My time in D.C. has exposed me to the vital intersections of policy and law. It’s also helped me become more confident in actively engaging in discussions on political issues. That boldness to speak what is on my mind and support my positions can only help me as I head into the next stages of my career. – Megan Onofrei ’23, political science major, D.C. intern for The Normandy Group
Real-world experience: The ability to get real work experience in the nation’s capital while still keeping up with classes for my degree was an opportunity I couldn’t pass up. In my internship, I work with kglobal, a PR firm whose clients include Fortune 500 companies, which has been an incredible experience. It has been the perfect way to get real-world marketing and communications experience to supplement my business coursework. – Katherine Vaughan ’24, business administration major
Furthering your goals: I want to see and do as much as I can during my time in D.C. Some of the items on my bucket list include visiting as many museums as possible and discovering the many hidden murals around the city. In my internship, I get to work with a nonprofit devoted to helping people, which has always been a passion of mine. My time in D.C. is helping me make connections and gain new experiences that will help me further my goals. – Elizabeth Kaminski ’24, creative writing major, D.C. intern with Path Forward
Finding independence: One enticing aspect of Washington Semester for me was the opportunity to explore a city with a long history that has had a significant impact on our country. I also hoped to find a sense of independence living in D.C. My time here has already begun to change me. I find myself speaking up more, and I've had to push myself to be a bit more outgoing and form relationships in a new environment. – Tori Weed ’23, Spanish and international relations major, D.C. intern with U.S. Rep. Muscowitz's office
Internship insights: This program provides you with amazing opportunities. I'm excited to take away the culture of D.C. The city has so much to offer among the arts, music and history. After graduation, my goal is to aid those in our public and private prison institutions regarding reform and restoration. My internship in D.C has allowed me to meet amazing professionals who are working in this field and provided me with so much knowledge of the system. I've also been given the opportunity to work directly with recently incarcerated individuals to further their success in the community. – Gabrielle Lirosi ’24, psychology major, D.C. intern with Offender Aid and Restoration
College in the capital: Roanoke College has five other Maroons taking part in Washington Semester right now. Abigail McCusker ’24, a religious studies and international relations major, is interning with the Virginia National Organization of Women. Jessica Salvador ’24, a political science major, is interning with the National Hispanic Medical Association. John Schultz ’23, a political science major, is interning with U.S. Sen. Lindsey Graham's office. Madison Walton ’23, a business administration major, is interning with the Criminal Justice Coordinating Council. Mihdi Agbaw ’24, an international relations major, is interning with The Hunger Project. – Photo courtesy of the Lutheran College Washington Semester program