Junior Year

In the fall of my junior year, I was lucky enough to spend a semester off-campus in Washignton DC -- the perfect place for a political science major like myself. It was the best experience I've had here -- there's not repeating this one. I spent 15 weeks working hands-on in the career of my dreams -- a non-profit group that works for good government! I never knew that you could really get a job that allows you to follow your conscience! It was amazing!

I worked for Common Cause; they're a government watchdog organization that looks to keep the powers-that-be in line and honest. Their main focus is usually on campaign finance reform; because of the efforts of the 'Cause and groups like them, there may actually be significant legislation on the books of CFR in the not-too-distant future.

I made some awesome friends at Common Cause - I interned with Kristin from Texas, Simon from Germany, Judith from Westchester NY, Kim from Florida, Chris from NY state, Matt from Arkansas... they were all awesome. And the people that we worked with, who were there full time, were amazing. Laura, our intern coordinator, was inspirational - always with a smile on her face. It was just amazing to go into the office every day and work with people who not only loved their jobs, but totally stood behind what they did. Working at Common Cause makes me want to pursue this kind of work for the rest of my life.

Beyond my internship, I had an amazing time with the thirty other students from HWS on the program. We lived in gorgeous apartments in Ballston, which is in Arlington, VA -- right outside DC, and only 10 minutes away on the Metro, if that. The group of guys and girls that I became close with on this program are now some of my closest friends; the trip was a bonding experience for all of us. It was great.