My semester in Washington, D.C. through the Witt in Washington program was a truly valuable experience that helped me grow in so many ways, both personally and professionally. I had the opportunity to intern with the Arlington Chamber of Commerce, where I worked on a variety of tasks that gave me a deeper understanding of how a nonprofit business organization operates. One of the coolest parts of the internship was getting to attend several networking events, which helped me build confidence in professional settings and learn how to carry myself around experienced professionals. I also got to attend the Chamber’s annual Legislative Breakfast, where local business leaders and Virginia legislators gathered to discuss policy and current issues in the region. That event helped me see firsthand how local government and business communities interact and how important advocacy is at the local level. In the office, I supported the day-to-day operations by helping with administrative work, updating records, and assisting staff with event prep. It may not have been glamorous, but it definitely helped me become more organized, efficient, and detail-oriented.
Along with my internship, I took two classes that added a lot to my overall D.C. experience: Washington Theatre Experience and The Symbolic City. In the theatre class, I got a better understanding of how the regional theatre scene works, especially in D.C., which has a strong performing arts community. We learned about the different parts that go into a production, from what happens on stage to what goes on behind the scenes, including funding, casting, and marketing. The best part of the class was getting to see a play every other week. These outings were always a highlight for me because not only were the plays great, but they also gave me a reason to get out and explore the city more. We had to take the metro and walk to different theaters, which made me feel more connected to the city and comfortable navigating it on my own. My other class, The Symbolic City, focused on the National Mall and all the different memorials and monuments in D.C. One thing I didn’t realize before taking the class was how long and complicated the process is to create a memorial in D.C. It involves a bunch of different steps and approvals, including getting designs approved by the National Capital Planning Commission and the Commission of Fine Arts. Through that class, I learned to look at public spaces differently, how they represent national values, shape public memory, and even reflect political debates.
Fridays were reserved for our group “D.C. Experience” days, where we got to explore the city together. These Fridays were a great way to break up the week and experience things outside of the classroom or office. One of my favorite Fridays was when we toured the U.S. Capitol building and actually got to sit in the Senate chamber while they were in session. It was surreal to watch actual U.S. Senators on the floor debating real issues, it felt like something you only see on TV. Another Friday that stands out was when we went to see The Age of Innocence at Arena Stage as a group. The theatre was beautiful, and the play was hilarious. It was a great night to spend with friends and classmates, and it reminded me how fun and impactful the arts can be.
Another part of the experience that I’m really grateful for was getting to meet Wittenberg alumni living and working in D.C. I had the chance to connect with Kara Cappello, a Wittenberg grad who now works as an attorney. It was awesome hearing about her career path and what she’s learned along the way, and we even got to talk about our shared Wittenberg experiences. I also met with Allison Scaia, another alum who works in the insurance industry. She was super kind and gave me great advice. It was just nice to talk with people who had been in my shoes and made it to where I hope to be in the future. I really appreciated those connections and plan to stay in touch with both of them.
Looking back, this whole experience gave me a lot of valuable skills and lessons I’ll carry with me going forward. I improved my communication and time management skills, became more confident navigating professional settings, and developed a deeper appreciation for civic engagement. I now understand how important it is to be informed about what’s going on in your community and to be involved in some way, whether that’s through advocacy, volunteering, or just staying educated on the issues. This semester in D.C. really opened my eyes to how things work in the real world, and I’m excited to take what I’ve learned with me as I move forward in school, my career, and life overall.