July is over, August has begun, and the sad, dark, (eventually snowy) truth is setting in: My summer in DC is quickly coming to a close, and I am forever grateful.
I was lucky enough to spend the last two months interning at ABC News’s Washington bureau, working under correspondent Jim Avila. I went to the State Department to see Secretary John Kerry speak, and I got the opportunity to explore the now Cuban Embassy. I’ll head back to PSU in just a few weeks with a plethora of memories and lessons.
I found out early on, don’t be afraid to ask. When it came to shoots and interviews, I wouldn’t have been able to participate in some of the coolest stories if I didn’t open my mouth and ask if I could tag along. Plus, I learned so much more by learning programs and systems that I didn’t think I needed, but came in handy later. You get nowhere by sitting quietly behind your desk all day.
You also get nowhere if you don’t make connections. Interns in your own company are great, but the best times I’ve had were with friends I met through friends of friends of friends. Life is awkward, but breaking down that barrier is essential. The Penn State networking events were great tools to help get comfortable in a room of strangers. The alumni were always there to help and offer advice. And, you know, the free food doesn’t hurt.
Lastly, the best advice came from my boss. He was referring specifically to advice for a journalist, but this applies to everyone: Get all the experiences you can. Being able to say “I was there,” is the best thing to put on your resume. Go to the networking event and cut through the awkward. Go to the Nationals game even if you hate baseball. I can now say I was there when the Cuban flag flew in front of the embassy for the first time in 54 years, and that’s not something I’ll be forgetting anytime soon.
I’ve had an unbelievable summer, spending two months with University Park’s movers and shakers in the city that shapes our nation. I’m so lucky and honored to be a part of this program and would recommend it to anyone in a heartbeat. I’m adding this to the very long list of opportunities that Penn State gave me over the years, and I couldn’t be more thankful.