Interning at the United States Attorney's Office really taught me how the government operates. I observed the judicial review process from arrest to sentencing in the Superior Court major crimes division and completed assignments for several attorneys. I learned to understand and apply the strict processes followed in criminal cases and ultimately made vital contributions to my office. I was intimately involved in the early stages of prosecution and spent my days investigating leads, retrieving information from witnesses, watching video evidence, preparing discovery packets and letters, inventorying legal documents, performing research, accompanying Metropolitan Police as they evaluated crime scenes, and attending court sessions.

Our Living Constitution, my academic course at The Washington Center, was a perfect complement to my internship. It provided me with in-depth background knowledge about this fundamental legal document, and I was immediately able to apply concepts I'd learned to real-life situations. I was also proud of my portfolio, an assignment that helped me to organize my thoughts and prompted me to conduct informational interviews.

Coming from a small town in Iowa, I felt very fortunate to have experienced the diversity and fast pace of our nation's capital. The city is full of opportunities, and things always seem to be happening on a larger scale in D.C. I know that my exposure to this legal environment will give me an advantage over other students in criminal justice courses and law school admissions.

As an intern at the U.S. Capitol Historical Society, a nonprofit organization founded to provide information for the public about this monumental building and the story behind it, I spent a large amount of time researching at the Library of Congress. I worked on the Society's calendar, which documents by date important bits of history spanning 200 years for distribution to members of Congress and their constituents. I also assisted my colleagues in gathering information related to the issue of slave labor and its use in the construction of the Capitol. I helped to prepare for events hosted by the Society, including the Senate Appropriations Committee Dinner. This gathering attracted various Washington celebrities and I had the opportunity to converse with committee chair Senator Thad Cochran as I escorted him into the building.

Living in Washington, D.C. gave me insight into the history and political process of the United States that I could never have obtained in New Jersey. I really grew to love and appreciate what this city has to offer, from free concerts and fireworks on the National Mall to museums and networking opportunities. In my opinion, the Holocaust museum, the National Air and Space Museum's flight simulator and the Spy Museum are highlights.

Because I participated in The Washington Center's program, I had an advisor who helped me through any problems I faced and I was able to earn academic credit for my work back at school. Along with my fellow interns, I heard speakers such as Lee Hamilton, President of the Woodrow Wilson International Center for Scholars and Faruk Oglulu, Ambassador from Turkey. The professor of my academic course took us to visit the Cryptology Museum and meet with the House Select Committee on Intelligence. I've been able to do and see so much--this experience is one that I won't soon forget.