Postcard from ‘Abroad’: A Semester in the Nation’s Capital
Ella Dawson in Rosslyn, Virginia during her D.C. semester. (Photo provided by Ella Dawson)
This article originally appeared on page 11 of the No. 4 February 2025 edition of The Gettysburgian magazine.
By Ella Dawson, Contributing Writer
I never thought I would live somewhere as relevant as Washington, D.C., is today. It is no secret that D.C. is on our country’s and the world’s minds. Following the inauguration of President Donald Trump, D.C. has been abuzz with questions about security, safety, and next steps. When I chose to spend a semester studying in D.C., I did not factor in the aftermath of the Presidential election, and I certainly did not plan to be in the middle of some of the most heightened moments in political history.
I initially chose to spend my semester in D.C. because I wanted to explore my career and studies off campus, but I wasn’t particularly drawn to studying overseas. Thanks to Gettysburg’s Global Studies office, I was able to find out about Lutheran College Washington Semester, which gave me the opportunity to broaden my horizons without leaving the country.
My choice to stay in the US and not go abroad was one that many people questioned, but I could not have been happier with my decision. Studying with LCWS has given me the chance not only to study new and interesting content, but also to gain full-time internship experience that ties directly with the career I wish to pursue. My dream has been to work for a non-profit, furthering goals that align with my values and contribute to the greater good.
I was so fortunate to find and be hired by Campaign Legal Center in my dream role as their Development Intern. With the new administration, our work is crucial in ensuring that democracy remains protected and able to function properly. I get to work proactively on donor research and event planning, skills I hope to focus on in my career. My internship has allowed me to branch out into different career interests and explore new connections. I have learned the ins and outs of development in the non-profit sector, which will leave me well-prepared for graduation in 2026.
I have also had the opportunity to work with an entirely female team which has made the work I do and the work we do as a team feel all the more important. Every day, I am reminded of how incredible these women are and how lucky I am to learn from them. I did not expect to have an internship as relevant and important as the one I am in, much like I did not expect to be living in such a whirlwind of a city, but both opportunities have given me incredible life skills and experiences that I never could have acquired anywhere else.
(Photo provided by Ella Dawson)
