No two days at my internship were ever the same. While working at Double R Productions, I truly became a member of the company's team and had high-priority jobs assigned to me. I even coordinated a 12-minute segment that was broadcast on local television. My responsibilities included researching the show, writing the script, logging tape and producing the piece. I had freedom to use my creativity while learning "tricks of the trade."

While I was in D.C. I worked in close proximity to some of the most influential people in the United States and the world. The Washington Center not only helped me to find an amazing placement and provided me with convenient housing, but it ensured that I would get the most out of my stay in the nation's capital. I talked with leading professionals in the field of communications, and my eyes were opened to various career possibilities of which I hadn't been aware. Also, I met students from around the world who interned with diverse organizations from government agencies to nonprofits to television stations. With others in the program I made countless memories: we had picnics on the National Mall, explored the Smithsonian museums, walked among the cherry blossom trees and took advantage of Washington's incredible nightlife.

Although my college courses prepared me academically, nothing compares to the way that an internship introduced me to the real world. Being immersed in the D.C. culture has matured me and boosted my confidence. After having gained this experience, I'm eager to start my post-college career; I know I'll be an asset to any company that's hiring when I graduate!

Every day at my placement site I developed terrorism weather reports that tracked, based upon the region, terrorist activity including attacks, propaganda, technological advancement, weapons of mass destruction and financing. In addition, I had the opportunity to work on a comprehensive report investigating Iran's nuclear ambitions and sponsorship of terrorism as well as the greater implications of the country's activities in the Middle East. During my internship I was transformed from a student of foreign policy into a professional taking action that will influence policymakers' decisions.

Along with other interns in the International Affairs Program, I was able to visit a number of embassies and hear from a diverse set of diplomats. Plus, we got a chance to pose questions to all speakers we heard after they addressed us.

Through The Washington Center, you experience things firsthand that you can only read about in a classroom. Rather than taking things at face value, you get to understand how things work behind the scenes in the nation's capital. I know that my participation in this program, the networking I've done in Washington and the skills that I've gained through my internship will help me to become successful in my field. But the highlight of being in D.C. was being exposed to and building relationships with many different types of people--my roommates, other students at The Washington Center and residents of the area.