My internship at the Department of Defense - Defense Logistics Agency, orchestrated by The Washington Center, has truly set me apart from my peers. I completed a variety of tasks along with the rest of the Human Resources Strategy Team, even attending teleconferences with senior executives. My projects included negotiating a $17,000 contract with promotional vendors, formulating an attrition spreadsheet spanning six fiscal quarters using Oracle 11i queries, and designing the agency's marketing materials, including business cards, recruiter fact sheets, handouts, etc.

Through my position at the DLA as well as Washington Center programming events, I was exposed to many impressive speakers. For example, I heard Major General Loren Reno discuss the secrets of his military successes, leadership essentials and visualization techniques for impromptu public speaking. Plus, my international business course at TWC felt like a senior-level class at my home institution. We engaged in team-based and individual work, learning about marketing, finance and operations management from a global perspective.

The Washington Center felt like an extension of college, albeit in a different setting. I got to relive the sense of excitement that I felt during my freshman year. From the kick-off BBQ to volunteering, I was always seeing new faces and getting to know my peers. While living in D.C., I got a chance to travel to New York City to visit Broadway and Times Square. I even spent some time perfecting my culinary skills in our apartment's kitchen. This internship program has not only allowed me to explore my passions, see new sights and make friends, but it could even lead to a full-time position someday.

Before I participated in this internship, my exposure to the art world was essentially limited to reading textbooks and admiring photographs of important pieces. After I became involved with the National Endowment for the Arts, I found myself standing in a room with directors of major galleries and museums and observing while they debated the merits of works that I had admired for years. I met with artists at openings, discussed funding for the arts in the United States and prepared materials for an international exhibition. At my home institution I've learned a great deal, but without my internship I couldn't have gained this experience, contributed to a cause in which I believe and gotten acquainted with so many professionals whom I admire.

Alongside my internship, I heard from members of Congress, ambassadors and others at Washington Center programming events. I was inspired by the EU ambassador in particular, who highlighted the fact that the European Union is one of the only political institutions that has been brought about peacefully. My academic course focused on peace studies as well, and I feel that it opened my eyes to many aspects of government and everyday life. I've been able to make changes in my personal life and believe that on some level, I will make a difference.

Living in Washington will take your breath away on many occasions. Riding the Metro, visiting The White House or Capitol Hill, and even walking by monuments and other beautiful buildings may become routine, but something new will always present itself. If you get the opportunity to participate in this program don't give in to exhaustion at the end of the day--go out and take advantage of the city's resources. Check out websites for galleries, cultural centers and embassies, as they often have events. And, The Washington Center gives you a group of other students you can immediately turn to for company!