Political Pursuits

Students embark on political journey with semester in D.C.

Just a few yards from the President of the United States, senior Ashley Prime stood in awe. Prime traveled to New York to watch as George W. Bush delivered his speech at the Republican National Convention. "It was hard to concentrate on what [the President] was saying because he was only a 25 feet away," Prime said. "I was like, ‘I can’t believe this is happening,’" For Prime, it was a lifelong dream come true to see a U.S. president speak.

Political conventions, congressional hearings, meetings with heads of state — not exactly a typical day in the life of a JMU student. But for those participating in the Washington Semester program, however, events such as these were all in a day’s work.

The Washington Semester allows students to earn six credits working as full-time interns in Washington, D.C., as well as take two additional courses.

Students participating in the fall semester are typically political science majors, and those who choose to take advantage of the program in the spring often are involved in international affairs. However, David Jones, professor in residence of the Washington Semester and assistant professor of political science, said the Washington program could benefit a variety of majors, including English, history, SMAD and anthropology.

Students are responsible for finding their own internships, allowing them to coordinate their internships to their particular career goals. Previous internships have included one at the White House, U.S. Senate, news organizations such as MSNBC and CNN and advocacy groups, like Amnesty International and the Human Rights Campaign.

Senior Kris Russell, a history major, interned for the White House in the Office of the Vice President. "I’ve always had a strong interest in politics, and I wanted to experience what it would be like working in the government first hand," he explained. Russell was in charge of making sure that when Vice President Dick Cheney went anywhere, everything was set up properly for him and that the Secret Service were in place. He also worked in Legislative Affairs to develop and pass legislation.

Earning real-world experience in politics, as well as building powerful connections, is clearly one of the draws of the program. "Students learn what it is like being a full-time worker in politics," Jones said.

"For most students, it is their first introduction into the real world. They get the chance to learn who they are."

Russian native Anna Balishina (’04) said, "When you take classes, it is all theory. But when you do an internship, it is totally different." Today, Balishna is living and working in D.C. at PBN, a public relations firm, utilizing the skills she learned while she was an intern for Virginia Senator George Allen last spring.

Prime also felt that the Washington Semester helped prepare her for life after graduation. "I’m constantly talking to people I met while I was in D.C.," Prime said. "I know I will have a job when I go back in June or May."

Another draw of the program is the opportunity to live in D.C. Senior political science major Candace Turitto participated in the Washington Semester program this past fall. "I really loved D.C. The first thing I am going to do after graduation is move back to D.C.," Turitto said.

Students live in JMU-owned housing in the Boston University Center in Woodley Park. "Living in the city is a major asset," Jones said. "Many students, when the program is finished, decide that this is what they want to do — live and work in D.C."

While political discussions in the house could get heated at times, students agreed that despite a few heated debates in the classroom, political affiliation didn’t harm their friendships. "I saw the importance of having friends in another party," Prime said. "It is important to meet people with different political beliefs." Although the program offers students an amazing opportunity, the workload can be intense. Students are expected to work full time Mondays through Thursdays, and take their classes in the evenings and on Fridays. Still, students say the workload was difficult but manageable. "Teachers respected that you had a job and knew that was was your first priority," said Russell.

Those students who have participated in the Washington Semester are left with an experience they will never forget. "I have talked to other people who have participated in the program and we have all agreed that DC was the pinnacle of JMU," Turitto said.

Balishina agreed. "Washington semester changed my life," she said. "It made me decide to finish school in Virginia. Otherwise I probably would have gone back to Russia to complete my studies."

.