Great Expectations
My dream was always to study abroad in Italy, but when I found about the American University Washington Semester Program I couldn’t resist the experiences and opportunities I would gain in our nation’s capital. As an aspiring journalist, a lengthy and impressive resume is vital in getting your foot into the door, not to mention connections. Whether you go into print or broadcasting journalism, writing clips and on camera exposure are key to landing your first job. While my English major and political science minor at Allegheny has made me an analytical thinker and writer, to make it in the real world you need real world experience. This means internships! I recently got an internship at The McLaughlin Group helping research and write for their weekly talk news show. So far, it is a lot of research and fact checking but I am learning a lot about international and national events. Plus, I am getting the chance to meet politicians and prestigious international and national journalists.
As a Washington Semester Journalism student I am given the opportunity to work on my journalism skills, whether it is print or TV, and gain experience out on the field. The best way to learn how to “become” a journalist is by practicing and getting as much field time as possible. This means, actually going out onto the streets and interviewing people or calling up a government official to get a statement. There are so many unknown jobs in the journalism industry and my goal this semester is to meet as many journalism professionals as possible and narrow my interests down.
Besides my internship experience, I hope to take in as much of DC as possible. Yesterday, I went to hear Barrack Obama speak and it was such an exhilarating experience! I doubt I will ever get the chance to hear him speak in person again. He was so charismatic, funny and personable. Last week I attended my first protest at the White House and watched an anti-war march take place on the capitol. Back in my home town, opportunities such as this are not offered, so I am trying to expand my experiences as much as I possible can while I am here. I have made it my personal goal to visit a Smithsonian museum or national monument every week so that I can become better-rounded and educated on American history. Before I know it I will be back at home and I do not want to regret missing out on all the opportunities that are right outside my doorstep.