The 5 W's are the blueprint to any journalist's leading story. Since journalism is one of the countless careers I'm currently considering, I've decided to introduce myself as only a true journalist would. And this one is breaking news...

WHO

My name is Elise Mihranian and I am 21 years old. I go to Juniata College, which is located in the woods of Pennsylvania. You probably haven't heard of JC unless you either a) go to school there b) your parents went to school there or c) you got lost trying to find Penn State. Juniata is a small liberal arts school that is well known for cultivating student's passions. Over the past two years, I've discovered that I am a true Juniataian at heart and I love it. I'm currently designing my own program of study that combines international politics, communications, and business. Juniata's motto is "Think. Evolve. Act." I just moved to D.C. and started my TWC (The Washington Center) internship so it really is my time to act.

WHAT

An internship with TechAmerica! With the help of my TWC placement advisor, I was delighted to be considered for and offered this internship. TechAerica is an international trade association and I will be one of the company's eight interns for the fall semester. I will be working with the public policy division of the company and will be responsible for managing TechAmerica's company blog. I was informed during my interview that job shadowing TechAmerica's lobbyists and going to meetings with Congressmen and women will also be a significant part of my internship. Pinch me please!

WHERE

Washington D.C.! Yes, it's true -- me in the nation's capital! Ten months ago, when I applied for the Washington Center program, I could not have imagined that my small-town college life in the middle of nowhere would soon change to a life only a few blocks away from the White House. After a long application and interview process with both my college and TWC, the big move has finally arrived. And what better a time to be in the city than for the upcoming 2012 presidential election? Washington, here I come!

WHEN

Now. After working in Tampa at my first National Republican Convention, I moved into the TWC housing facility with three new roomates. My internship started last week and so far I have been soaking up all of the wonderful opportunities I can. I finally feel as though my hard work is starting to pay off. It's time for the real world. The nation's capital. A full time job. New friends, places, and things to do... bring it on. My fellow TWC interns and I have been waiting for the opportunity to shine since being accepted into the program.

WHY

Why not? From the moment I heard about The Washington Center I knew it was for me. My friends ribbed and questioned me as to why in the world I would leave college and go work for a semester. Simple... I'm young, ambitious, and ready to take on the world, so why wait? With such an amazing opportunity, I just couldnt pass it up. I cannot think of a better way to network with all of the decision makers of our country. Of course, I'll miss some aspects of college life, but I'm looking forward to my internship and the new experiences that will help shape my career path. I can't wait to meet all of the new interns and start enjoying the best semester of our lives.