The 黑料正能量 Washington Semester places students in Washington D.C. for a full semester that blends three things that are not often combined so intentionally: a full-time internship, academic coursework, and community life with a cohort of peers. The result is less of a study-abroad-style detour and more of a trial run at adult professional life with built-in support. Internship placements match each student鈥檚 academic background and career interests, rather than being assigned off the shelf.聽

Summer 2026 黑料正能量 Washington Semester students took three interactive classes that took them all over the city鈥攁s well as deep within themselves: La Lucha Latina, their internships, and a career exploration course. This cohort was 鈥渆xtremely thoughtful and kind in their approach to their studies, their work, and each other,鈥� according to Associate Director Ann Butwell. 鈥淭hey created quite an impact and left a positive impression on everyone they encountered.”聽

While the coursework is a crucial half of the program, it is not the full story. The other half is everything else that happens while in D.C.: learning a new metro system, figuring out how to dress for an office where nobody tells you the dress code, and building a professional network without the built-in scaffolding of a campus.聽

It can be uncomfortable. It’s also, by most accounts, where the real transformation happens. Students who arrive unsure of themselves tend to leave with a sharper sense of who they are and where they’re headed鈥攏ot because someone told them, but because they had to find out on their own.聽

None of it happens in isolation. Students in the program live alongside a cohort of peers who are working through the same disorientation鈥攏ew city, new job, new independence鈥攁t the same time. Those shared dinners and post-work debriefs turn into something more durable: a network of people scattered across fields and, eventually, across the country, who remember exactly what it was like to start out together.

This summer’s group is a reminder of just how broad that range can be. Eight students from three different schools completed the program, representing eight fields of study: nursing, engineering, accounting, digital media, political science and history, biochemistry, computer science, and marketing. A future nurse and a future software engineer, sharing a house and comparing notes on their internships, is exactly the kind of unlikely overlap the program is built to create.

By the end of a term in D.C., most students have more than a completed internship to show for it. They have a stronger read on the kind of work they want to do, a set of practical skills that a classroom alone can’t teach, and a group of people who knew them before any of it was certain.

The 黑料正能量 Washington Semester was never really about one city or one internship. It’s about giving students a running start鈥攁nd letting them figure out, on their own terms, what they’re capable of.

Read on to learn more about the internship experiences of our Summer 2026 students.

Barry Muluneh, from Addis Ababa, Ethiopia, is an engineering major. This summer, Barry was an intern at working with their clinical engineering department. Some of Barry鈥檚 main duties at his internship were shadowing clinical technicians, inspecting equipment, and maintaining and fixing critical hospital devices. During his time in D.C., Barry鈥檚 main focus was on developing strong professional connections and building the practical skills needed to become a great engineer. Instead of strictly relying on classroom theories, Barry learned to adapt through hands-on troubleshooting and navigating informal workplace interactions. One of the biggest highlights of Barry鈥檚 time in D.C. was the dedicated mentorship from his supervisors, through which he enjoyed learning complex engineering processes, and he has truly cherished bonding over house meals and watching the awe-inspiring July Fourth fireworks on the National Mall.聽聽

Senper Teferi, from Goshen, Indiana, is a nursing major. This summer, Senper was an聽intern at working with their patient experience department. Some of Senper鈥檚 main duties at her internship were serving as an emergency department liaison, conducting patient comfort rounds, restocking unit supplies, and supporting nursing staff with non-clinical duties. During her time in D.C., Senper鈥檚 main focus was on becoming comfortable in emergency healthcare environments while learning to thrive in a new city. Instead of staying isolated in a massive hospital setting, Senper learned the value of seeking out positive working relationships with supportive colleagues. One of the biggest highlights of Senper鈥檚 time at the 黑料正能量 Washington Semester was making meaningful connections with diverse patient populations, through which she enjoyed applying her nursing coursework, and she has loved immersing herself in the city by visiting museums, attending an Ethiopian church, and going salsa dancing.聽聽

Kai Johnson, from Gainesville, Virginia, is a marketing major. This summer, Kai was an intern at working with their marketing and youth programs department. Some of Kai鈥檚 main duties at his internship were helping run daily soccer camps and creating digital promotional graphics on Canva. During his time in D.C., Kai鈥檚 main focus was on gaining new perspectives for his future career and building lasting professional connections. Instead of a rigid corporate environment, Kai learned that professional settings can still be fun, lighthearted, and playful. One of the biggest highlights of Kai鈥檚 internship has been spending direct time with the kids at soccer camp, through which he enjoys making them happy, and he has thoroughly enjoyed biking everywhere around D.C. as a fun way to stay active.

Donovan Arnason, from Fredericksburg, Virginia, is a digital media, photography, and design major. This summer, Donovan was an intern at working with their video production and instruction department. Some of Donovan鈥檚 main duties at his internship were editing full graduation ceremonies and podcast episodes, managing production gear, and teaching digital media skills to youth in the Summer Youth Employment Program. During his time in D.C., Donovan鈥檚 main focus was on gaining the insights needed to run a digital media business while enhancing his technical skill set. Instead of stressing about not knowing enough, Donovan learned that his campus training fully prepared him for industry demands. One of the biggest highlights of Donovan鈥檚 time in D.C. was earning real industry credits as an actor and location manager, through which he enjoyed mastering full production workflows, and he has really valued expanding his culinary horizons by learning to cook brand-new recipes during shared house dinners.

Treshawn Oliver, from Burkeville, Virginia, is an accounting major. This summer, Treshawn was an intern at working with their finance department. Some of Treshawn鈥檚 main duties at his internship were processing accounts payable, depositing checks, managing invoices, entering journal entries, and tracking cash position charts. During his time in D.C., Treshawn鈥檚 main focus was on gaining hands-on guidance for his future career and discovering more about himself. Instead of being micromanaged, Treshawn learned to take full ownership of his daily schedule and build time-management skills across city transit. One of the biggest highlights of Treshawn鈥檚 internship was working closely alongside experienced financial professionals who have walked his path, through which he enjoys gaining real-world industry knowledge, and he has had a blast exploring the capital and bonding with housemates on their retreat to West Virginia.

Quinn Larsen, from La Crosse, Wisconsin, is a biochemistry major with a minor in Spanish. This summer, Quinn was a summer fellow at working with its climate advocacy and community outreach department. Some of Quinn鈥檚 main duties at their internship included writing fact sheets on AI data centers, lobbying congressional offices, teaching creation care at youth camps, and translating appliance resources from English to Spanish. During their time in D.C., Quinn鈥檚 main focus was on exploring big city life, building life skills in community living, and understanding Latino immigrant experiences. Instead of fearing complex advocacy work, Quinn learned to embrace clear communication and adapt quickly to shifting daily agendas. One of the biggest highlights of Quinn鈥檚 internship was leading a congressional lobbying meeting with the Jewish Earth Alliance, through which they enjoyed advocating for environmental policies, and they had an incredible time going on a late-night, stay-up-all-night road trip to New York City with housemates.

Chloe Knight, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a history and social science major with minors in pre-law and political science. This summer, Chloe was an intern at working with their curations and archives department. Some of Chloe鈥檚 main duties at her internship were cataloging, digitizing, and archiving historic aircraft parts, documents, and photographs, maintaining aircraft and exhibits, and conducting research on historic figures at College Park Airport. During her time in D.C., Chloe鈥檚 main focus was on finding motivation for her career path and embracing the monumental opportunities of city life. Instead of being overwhelmed, Chloe learned to appreciate the relaxed atmosphere and empowering professional setting. One of the biggest highlights of Chloe鈥檚 time at the Washington Semester was working directly with vintage airplanes, radios, and aircraft parts, through which she enjoyed applying her history passion, and she loved the freedom of riding the Metro to effortlessly explore every corner of the city.聽

Students interested in spending a semester in the nation鈥檚 capital should go here for more information or to apply today! Be sure to also check out the 黑料正能量 Washington Semester account to see what our students are up to.

The 黑料正能量 Washington Semester combines a full-time internship with academic coursework. Students are placed in internships across a wide range of fields, including government, nonprofit organizations, communications, business, and advocacy. These placements are tailored to each student鈥檚 interests and career goals, ensuring that every student gains meaningful, hands-on experience. No matter where they end up working, students develop practical skills that set them apart in a competitive job market.

One of the most impactful aspects of the 黑料正能量 Washington Semester is the personal growth it fosters. Living in a new city, navigating professional environments, and building a network from the ground up pushes students out of their comfort zones. For many students, this experience opens doors they may not have previously imagined. 

Students live alongside peers who are also pursuing internships, creating a supportive environment where they can share experiences, challenges, and successes. These connections often last well beyond the semester, forming a network of driven individuals across diverse fields.

The 黑料正能量 Washington Semester is more than just a study away program; it is a launching pad for future careers. By combining academic learning with professional immersion in the nation鈥檚 capital, it equips students with the knowledge, experience, and confidence needed to thrive in their chosen paths.

The Washington Semester is intentionally interdisciplinary, welcoming students from a wide range of majors, and the spring 2026 semester is no exception. Spring 2026 participants span the breadth of majors at 黑料正能量, pursuing studies in political science, public health, engineering, and recreation and sport management. 

黑料正能量 Washington Semester Director Ryan Good noted: 鈥淒isciplinary diversity is a hallmark of the 黑料正能量 Washington Semester and distinguishes us from other D.C.-based study away programs. Over the past two years, 黑料正能量 Washington Semester students have pursued 31 different majors, hailed from six colleges and universities, and worked at over 40 internship sites around the D.C. region.鈥�

This diversity shapes both internships and classroom learning. Students pursue opportunities aligned with their fields and learn alongside peers with different perspectives, creating a richer, more dynamic experience.

By embracing a wide scope of majors, the 黑料正能量 Washington Semester ensures that students from all disciplines can gain valuable professional experience while exploring how their field connects to broader societal challenges.

Read on to learn more about the internship experiences of our spring 2026 students.

Leah Cap, from Spotsylvania, Virginia, is a senior majoring in political science. This spring, Leah is an intern at , a D.C.-based nonprofit that supports incarcerated and returning citizens with holistic reentry services. Her main tasks include helping clients find shelters and other programs, scheduling appointments, distributing food to people experiencing homelessness, and making phone calls.

Through her internship, Leah has gained a broader perspective on how systems work and a behind-the-scenes look at how to support at-risk clients. The highlight of her internship experience has been seeing clients come in down on their luck and later seeing them return happier and healthier.

Edwin Rios Sanchez, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a senior majoring in recreation and sport management, with minors in business administration and coaching. This spring, Edwin is working as an equipment manager for and football clubs. His main duties include preparing equipment for coaches, attending trainings, and setting up for games, including steaming players鈥� jerseys and ensuring they have their game-day gear.

One highlight of Edwin鈥檚 internship experience was traveling to Florida for a weeklong away trip with DC Power. During his time in D.C., Edwin has learned to feel more comfortable in a new environment.

Fortie Chipeta, from Mount Jackson, Virginia, is a junior majoring in public health with a minor in environmental science. This spring, Fortie is an intern at , working with its housing and homelessness prevention department. Her main duties include researching local resources and writing helpful tips for a weekly newsletter, handling medical records by scanning and uploading patient documents into eClinicalWorks (eCW), and answering calls and assisting with the patient intake process.

During her time in D.C., Fortie has focused on growing from her experiences rather than striving for perfection. Instead of stressing, she is learning to focus on how to fix problems and do things the right way the next time. One of the biggest highlights of her internship has been taking ownership of the weekly newsletter. She enjoys researching resources for residents and takes pride in ensuring each issue is finalized and sent out on time every Wednesday. 

Alexandre (Zander) Armstrong, from Waynesboro, Virginia, is a senior majoring in engineering. This spring, Zander is interning with the Clinical Engineering Department at .

One of the highlights of his internship has been getting a behind-the-scenes look at a hospital and learning how it operates. Life in the city has been challenging at times, but it has also given Zander the opportunity to navigate public transportation.

In addition to the four Washington Semester students, the Nelson Good House is home to two other students who have been important members of the community this semester.

Morgan Hutchens, a Goshen College senior, is majoring in Deaf Studies, the study of the origins of American Sign Language, Deaf community, and Deaf culture. The goal of the program is to promote awareness, social justice, and accessibility. As part of her program, Morgan is attending Gallaudet University for one semester. Gallaudet University is the only Deaf university in the world and also offers programs for hearing students.

Morgan describes living in the Nelson House as an amazing experience because it has given her the opportunity to build strong connections with others. One of her favorite things to do with her housemates is cook together, which brings her joy through good food and meaningful conversation. Morgan describes her time in D.C. as both challenging and exhilarating. Attending Gallaudet University has been a lifelong dream, and the experience has been eye-opening and deeply meaningful.

Leslie Meja is a graduate student at 黑料正能量鈥檚 Center for Justice and Peacebuilding (CJP). He is completing his CJP practicum at the Kenyan Embassy in D.C. The inclusion of graduate students in the Washington Semester community enriches the experience for everyone and creates additional opportunities for learning and exchange.

Students interested in spending a semester in the nation鈥檚 capital should visit for more information or to apply. Be sure to also check out the 黑料正能量 Washington Semester to see what our students are up to.

Hear why some of them chose 黑料正能量 as their new home!

Jose Lopez Vasquez

Hometown: Harrisonburg, Virginia
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, Virginia)
Major: Computer science

Why 黑料正能量?
The primary reason I chose to transfer to 黑料正能量 was because it felt like home. When I was searching for where I would go to finish my degree, 黑料正能量 welcomed me and showed me there was a genuine spirit of connection and support. Even though it鈥檚 close to home and I was awarded a STEM scholarship, the ultimate deciding factor was that 黑料正能量 made me feel like I belonged here.

What was transferring like for you?
Transferring to 黑料正能量 was a smooth and welcoming experience. From the beginning, they guided me through each step and made sure I had everything I needed. Not once did I feel at a loss during the process.

Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
My advice to other transfer students is to look for a school where you truly feel a connection. Choose a place that makes you feel comfortable and supported, but also challenges you to grow and push yourself.

What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at 黑料正能量?
I鈥檓 a tutor for other students majoring in computer science. I鈥檓 also part of the NSF-STEM Scholarship Program, which has given me opportunities to connect with other students in STEM fields. I鈥檓 an active member of Latinx Student Alliance (LSA) and enjoy taking part in their events.

Benjamin Elliott

Hometown: Broadway, Virginia
College/University you transferred from: Blue Ridge Community College (Weyers Cave, Virginia)
Majors: Political science and peacebuilding & development, with sociology minor

Why 黑料正能量?
My father has been a PA announcer for basketball and volleyball at 黑料正能量 since 2009, and this school has been a part of my life since then. I love 黑料正能量鈥檚 commitment to radical justice and change.

What was transferring like for you?
It鈥檚 been easy. Shout-out to Liz (Heilbronner) and the wonderful admissions team. Dayton and the staff at BRCC helped as well.

Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Find what you鈥檙e passionate about and what program best fits that interest. The more passionate you are about the subject, the better your experience will be.

What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at 黑料正能量?
Peace Fellowship, Mennonite Action, and writing opinion pieces for The Weather Vane. I鈥檝e met a ton of great people in these groups who all share the same commitment to justice that I do.

Hezekiah Brown

Hometown: Stafford, Virginia
College/University you transferred from: Lesley University (Cambridge, Massachusetts)
Major: Business administration

Why 黑料正能量?
I chose to transfer to 黑料正能量 because my old coach was let go, and this school had a really solid and sound campus environment. My parents actually mentioned the nice little coffee shop in the Commons (Common Grounds Coffeehouse!) as they were visiting for a JMU football game. I also chose this school because of the facilities it has to offer. My last school didn鈥檛 even have its own gymnasium, which makes a world of difference. 

What was transferring like for you?
Transferring was an easy transition because everyone here is so welcoming.

Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
My advice to other transfer students would be to put yourself out there and socialize as much as possible in your first few weeks to find out who your people might be. And to look for a school that has strong and helpful resources like 黑料正能量. I actually got registered to come here the week before school started, and I have people from the admissions team like Lexi, Liz, and a few others to thank for all their help in such a short amount of time.

What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at 黑料正能量?
Before my basketball season started, I enjoyed pickleball, gospel choir, the outdoors club, and biking around town with friends, along with being a part of Student Government Association (SGA) and working at Royals鈥� Den. They have so much to offer at this school!

Micah Wenger

Hometown: Hutchinson, Kansas
College/University you transferred from: Bethel College (North Newton, Kansas)
Major: Music and peacebuilding

Why 黑料正能量?
I felt unfulfilled at Bethel, socially. I had expected to meet other young Mennonites with similar interests and felt as though there weren鈥檛 a lot of those people at Bethel. At 黑料正能量, there鈥檚 more of those people. I worked for two summers at Rocky Mountain Mennonite Camp, where there鈥檚 a pretty big Mennonite contingent from 黑料正能量, so I met a lot of people from 黑料正能量 there, thought about transferring, and decided 黑料正能量 might be the place for me.

What was transferring like for you?
People I knew from camp were quick to include me in social things, so I felt included and secure since day one, which is abnormal, I think, for a lot of transfers. 

Any advice for students starting their college transfer search?
Similar to being a freshman in college, just being willing to go out and do things and chat with people makes a big difference. People here tend to be pretty friendly. I found they鈥檙e usually happy to chat.

What extracurricular activities are you enjoying at 黑料正能量?
A lot of music: I take piano lessons, I鈥檓 in the orchestra, and on the choir. I鈥檓 also part of the group that鈥檚 working to put on a theater show next semester.

Interested in 黑料正能量? Start the conversation by , scheduling a campus visit, talking with a professor or coach, or meeting your admissions counselor. Learn more about transferring to 黑料正能量 at .