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I had the wonderful opportunity to spend my final year of college ‘studying abroad’ in one of my favorite cities: Washington D.C. This opportunity gave me the ability to get a better jumpstart on my career in the city where I wanted to be post-graduation. I was able to set down roots and really focus my attention on politics and my future career. Having the ability to intern at a prominent Republican political committee like the Republican Governors Association gave me invaluable experience in the field of Republican political communications. My internship experience out here was amazing, I learned more than I ever could have imagined, and met some great people.

I am incredibly grateful to have had the opportunity to study in Washington D.C. for my final semester of school. This is my second time interning in our nations capitol, and it is amazing to see how much one can grow from the beginning of their Freshman year of college to their last semester of school. This was a once in a lifetime chance that I had to move to the city I wanted to work in and start interning before I graduated college. This opportunity has allowed me to garner the skills and experience I needed to enter into the field of politics. I have learned an incredible amount here and have had the amazing opportunity to be exposed to so many new cultures, intern during a vibrant time in American politics, and gain new insights from our nations capitol. The ability to intern in Washington D.C. my final semester set me up to start my dream career in the best place to be a young political operative. I was able to make new friends, connections and begin to build my post-graduate life in Washington D.C.

Washington D.C. is such an exciting city that constantly has something new and fun to do. There is nowhere else in the world where students can have the opportunity to mingle with the movers and shakers of so many different industries. Washington D.C. is also a city rich in history and cuisine, it is such a treat to have the ability to have a wide array of museums and art exhibits to visit, as well as many renowned restaurants. I recommend that any future students who choose to intern in D.C. take advantage of the free Smithsonian’s to see amazing art and history. I also highly suggest that anyone who decides to make the trek out to D.C. does so with an open mind ready to experience all this city has to offer politically, professionally and historically. I have also made so many wonderful friends out here, as well as reconnected which tons more from my past.

Interning in Washington D.C. for my final semester of college gave me the experience I needed to be able to start my post-graduate life in Washington D.C. I am so excited to see what the future will bring as I start my next chapter of life in this vibrant and exciting city.

-Justine Sanders, Class of '18