As an intern at the Constituency for Africa (CFA), a nonprofit organization that aims to build support for the continent and increase general knowledge about Africa among U.S. citizens, I attended seminars, conferences and congressional briefings. I arranged for interviews with African ambassadors and key officials from prominent organizations related to the continent, including USAID and Africare. In preparation for the Ronald H. Brown Series, a weeklong seminar held in conjunction with the Congressional Black Caucus, I gathered information to update CFA’s database. Throughout the workday, I always had the opportunity to chat with my supervisor, an expert who is well-connected in Washington and has visited many countries in Africa.

The highlight of my semester was participating in the Independence Day celebration at the Ghanaian Embassy, an event attended by the entire diplomatic representation from Ghana. My friends and I were wowed by the huge buffet, traditional dancing and music played by a contemporary African band. My other favorite activity was simply exploring the city on foot; I often passed up the Metro in order to walk through the streets and admire the architecture. I especially love the different embassies that line Massachusetts Avenue.

My internship experience strengthened my passion for Africa, and it has helped me realize that a policy-making role isn’t the best fit for me. I now intend to pursue a career that will involve direct contact with people from the continent. It’s difficult to mobilize Capitol Hill on African issues, but based upon my time at the Constituency for Africa, I know that this field will be very rewarding.

At the Near East South Asia Center for Strategic Studies (NESA), I worked alongside a knowledgeable, friendly group of colleagues. The Center hosts military and civilian professionals from Algeria, Egypt, Iraq, Afghanistan, Israel, Saudi Arabia, the United States and other countries with interests in the region, providing resources, conferences and workshops. Among issues addressed are counterterrorism, terrorism and conflict. My duties included arranging activities for participants, completing research projects for professors at the National Defense University, locating books or journal articles on certain topics for alumni and taking notes at meetings. My organization and research skills have significantly improved as a result of my experiences at NESA, and I was exposed to many expert speakers.

Thanks to my internship, I heard President George W. Bush speak at the National Defense University and accompanied NESA guests on visits to the Supreme Court, the Pentagon, the State Department, the Capitol, the White House and many other key locations in Washington, D.C. This semester taught me things I never could have learned in a classroom. I witnessed our political system in action and gained a different perspective on the complex issues that global leaders face.

My program manager and the entire Washington Center staff were always there to listen to my concerns and offer support. While I definitely worked hard to earn the credits that I was granted during the semester in D.C., this program was a priceless opportunity. It provided me with an adventure that I will never forget.