“I think that being in DC will allow me to embrace all opportunities that come my way and give me a chance to get to know myself better, as well as make new friends and memories in the process.”
Hannah Kesig is a rising senior with a double major in Communication and Spanish. She found her passion in social justice, specifically immigration, and just wants to “make a difference any way she can.”
From Columbus, OH, Kesig is “ready to branch out,” and make the 7.5-hour drive to study in Washington DC: “I am super excited to spend the semester in the nation's capital and also a fast-paced city where there are so many people with similar interests who continue to fight for social justice on a daily basis.”
Last fall, Kesig applied for Wittenberg’s Lutheran College Washington Semester, a 14-week program where students work at an internship in DC four days a week. Students also take two evening classes organized through the program, as well as go on field trips and help with community service projects.
The Washington DC chapter of the Wittenberg Alumni Association is very involved with the students who attend the program and generously awarded two Wittenberg students, Hannah and Adam Headlee, a scholarship to help with expenses during their DC semester. Dr. Edward Hasecke, Wittenberg’s liaison for the program, stressed the value of Wittenberg alumni support for this experience, “The financial support of our alumni helps make it possible for students to spend a semester in DC. I am grateful for the alumni scholarships, as well as the time the alumni give to connect with students on the program.
They are the ones who make the Washington Semester feel like Wittenberg.” With all of the opportunities in DC, as well as the current national conversations about immigration, Kesig realized DC was where she needed to go to learn more about immigration and refugee settlement: “The experience that I gain through this program will be priceless when it comes to finding a career working with immigrants and refugees after I graduate. I want to take it all in and learn as much as I possibly can.” We congratulate Kesig on being awarded the scholarship and wish her the best next semester as she takes on DC.
Written By: Allie Purvis '19