[Q1] What was the nature of your placement?
[A] My non-profit sector placement was with the Labor Heritage Foundation, whose mission is "to strengthen the labor movement through the use of music and the arts". I headed the SisterSong project, a compilation CD of women artists who have given a great deal to the labor movement. I took a class on grant-writing, and submitted a proposal to fund a project on the Inventory of American Labor Landmarks. I helped organize our largest annual fund-raising event, and attended concerts affirming the labor movement at union education centers.
[Q2] What was of greatest academic significance about your semester?
[A] I learned how to write successful grant proposals, worked on budgets and created a new section of the website. My career interest going into that semester was the non-profit sector, and now I have substantial first-hand experience in what it takes to keep a non-profit organization running.
[Q3] What was of greatest personal significance about your semester in D.C.?
[A] Working in our nation's capital made it possible for me to learn about American history and to really take in what this country stands for and what we represent in the world. Taking advantage of living within a metro ride of Washington's monuments and museums taught me a dimension of citizenship than I could never have learned in a classroom.
The words strength, hope, and love have completely new meaning for me after this internship and the events of September 11th. My family and all those close to me have become my top priority. I have learned to have faith in my country, my religion, and most importantly, myself.
[Q4] A unique memory you'll never forget?
[A] September 11th was a unique memory whose impact I still can't fully express. It started off as just a typical day in D.C., and turned into a day of complete fear and shock. This day changed many lives, and it had an incredible effect on all the internships at The Washington Center. |
