Farewell, DC: A reflection on my experience

As I had dinner with my professor and classmates it was interesting to hear how everyone has grown from their experience in The Washington Center. Many of us were first timers in DC from states and countries as far as California, Vermont, Mexico and Korea. As we shared our experiences, I realized that your experience in DC is really what YOU make of it. Whether you had a dynamic internship versus a not so productive internship, met numerous people or did not feel connected to anyone, you learn from your experience and will hopefully take something from it. It is important to learn what field you would one day like to get into or a field you can cross off your list.

I got a lot out of my experience in DC. It was great to experience a new environment. I realized many parts of California are very laid back in comparison to Washington, DC. I can take back from this experience a professional work ethic. Networking has never been so prevalent as how I have noticed it to be in DC. I don’t think I have ever once in my life given and received so many business cards. The networks I have created in DC will be a great resource for me even when I return home.

My internship at The Foundation for Democracy in Africa has definitely given me a great amount of hands-on experience that I have yet to receive as an intern. Whether I am promoting FDA at a Charity Fair, assisting with a conference in Miami, attending and taking minutes at meetings, or writing a proposal, I am being productive and learning something new. I really felt like a full-time employee and I felt as the work I was doing was very important for the organization. My internship opened my eyes to how non-profit, non-governmental organizations in DC work. In the beginning I was expecting many employees and staff and to my surprise I only saw two staff members. I continued to see this pattern within numerous non-profit organizations in Washington, DC. Furthermore, my internship educated me about African Affairs. I have never gotten such a diverse perspective about issues in Africa through conference meetings, the AfrICANDO conference, and attending outside events.

The International Affairs Program enhanced my knowledge of the issues around the world. The embassy visits were my favorite because I enjoyed listening to issues from the perspective of country representatives. The opportunity to participate in elections was very rewarding especially while in DC. I can always look back and say I was in DC during an historic election.

Overall I believe the people that I met through The Washington Center, really shaped my experience in DC. It was amazing to be around so many enthusiastic and driven students who are all here to succeed. It is hard to be away from your friends at home and family for four months and having roommates and making close friends through this experience has provided me with the support to stay active and have fun while working hard. Most of my time here I was busy with the election, my internship, and planning and preparing for graduation. It was great to have met so many people at the same stage of their lives and who are still willing to meet new people. I must not say farewell to DC because I will one day return.