Where in the World is Miami Wednesday: Washington, D.C.
By Nicole Richards
In this week's, Where in the World is Miami Wednesday, we meet Emily, a junior International Studies and Political Science major studying in Washington, D.C. this semester. At Miami, Emily is a student worker at the Global Initiatives office, and is involved in Global Studies Scholars, Alpha Phi Omega service fraternity, and Sigma Iota Rho international studies fraternity.
What are you studying with your current program?
For the first five weeks, my classmates and I split or time between meeting with influential people in various industries throughout Washington, D.C. and researching a community in the city that is separate from politics. At the end of February, we all begin internships, and I will be working at the nonprofit Latin America Working Group.
Why did you choose your study abroad program?
After graduating from Miami, I want to use my Spanish skills to work to better the lives of people around the world. There are many fields, such as public service and the nonprofit sector, in which I can do this and which are based in D.C. Inside Washington gives me an incredible opportunity to explore these jobs and meet with the people who are currently doing them. This semester, I am not only developing the skills and knowledge that I will need to succeed, but I am also learning about what is out there waiting for me after I leave Miami.
What are the coolest places you have visited on your program?
During our second weekend in D.C., some of my classmates and I visited the Senate visitor's gallery and watched Donald Trump's defense team present their case against removal - it was unbelievable to view all 100 senators and the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court in person. With the program, we were able to have a 40 minute conversation with Acting White House Chief of Staff Mick Mulvaney, in which he was willing to answer all of our questions.
What is your favorite part of your program?
Having spent most of my life in Oxford, I love being able to establish myself in a new city, finding new favorite walks, restaurants, museums, and views.
How has the study abroad experience changed you so far?
Though I have had solid political beliefs, through the program I have had substantive conversations with people with whom I disagree, which is enabling me to humanize them and understand why they think their beliefs are good for the world. I have also become less intimidated by networking with professionals in the fields that interest me - including Miami alums - because I have found that they are all excited to help the next generation.
Are you interested in Miami University's Inside Washington Program? Check out this blog for more info!
Catch us next week as we continue to travel around the world to feature the amazing opportunities that Miami students are taking and the experiences our alumni have had since graduating!
Would you or someone you know want to be featured in a future Where in the World is Miami Wednesday story?