Junior Nylah Oliver poses on set at Voice of America (VOA) while “Africa 54” host Vincent Makori prepares for a broadcast. During her VOA internship this spring, Oliver ran the teleprompter and did voiceover work for “Africa 54,” a TV news show broadcast in Africa. PETER FREY
Living at the same location will naturally create tighter bonds among the students, says David Williams (AB ’79, MA ’82), director of UGA’s Honors Program. “Having Delta Hall as a place to call ‘home away from home’ facilitates personal relationships and helps develop a stronger sense of community. Each student will get to hear and learn about others’ internships and daily experiences, which will broaden their own understanding of our nation’s capital.”
“W
ork starts now,” says Nylah Oliver, a junior digital and broadcast journalism major interning at Voice of America, a broadcast network funded by the U.S. government. It’s around 8:45 a.m., and Oliver grabs a copy of a daily paper outside a Metro station entrance within view of the Capitol. While she waits each day for the train, she looks for stories that may appeal to Voice of America’s international audience. “You feel proud of your school, so you want to do your best,” she says. Chris Devine, a senior majoring in political science and international affairs, says interning in Isakson’s office confirmed his decision to work in energy policy. He was among five UGA interns
working for the senator during spring. “The Washington Semester Program is a meaningful program for students at a critical time in their life,” Isakson says. The senator, who attended the dedication of Delta Hall in late February, adds that the facility is a “godsend” for the interns because of the security and quality of affordable living arrangements. Before 2015, UGA students lived in apartments in The Congressional on Capitol Hill, offered through Washington Intern Student Housing. UGA also had to secure other places to hold nighttime classes. Living together gives students a support system that even some employers say they appreciate UGA providing. During orientation, the students learn how to navigate the city, where to buy groceries and other tips so they can focus on their internships. “I could not have asked for a better living situation in D.C.,” says Trang Nguyen, an Avalere Health intern and Foundation Fellow pursing her bachelor’s in communication studies and master’s in health policy and management. Senior Torie Ness, who received a public policy fellowship offered by Isakson’s office and the School of Public and International Affairs, did not want
to pass up a D.C. internship and the chance to work on veterans’ issues for Isakson, chair of the Senate Committee on Veterans’ Affairs. She plans to be a lobbyist. “I’ve got to learn how things work on The Hill. Working on The Hill is an integral part of my plan,” she says. “I’ve got realistic work-world experience, and I haven’t even graduated.” Former UGA interns now work for congressmen, the federal government— including the departments of Homeland Security and State—and for consulting, government relations and PR firms. “My replacement is probably going to be one of these interns,” Isakson says. —Lori Johnston is a writer living in Bogart.
Get More dcsemester.uga.edu honors.uga.edu/c_s/internships/honors_ in_washington.html grady.uga.edu/studyabroad/DC Want to give? Visit giving.uga.edu or contact Will Willimon at 706-542-3059 or willimon@uga.edu.
JUNE 2015 • GEORGIA MAGAZINE
29