Who would have thought that by moving to Washington, DC for a semester I would meet more students who also go to Naz? Because the program I’m interning and studying through is offered to students of almost all majors, I’ve been able to meet people with majors other than my own a lot more easily. It can be hard to meet people outside the comfort of classes where everyone is interested in a similar career path, but since I’ve been in DC, I’ve met students with a variety of majors. A specific student from Naz, Katy Shoop, is participating in the same program as I am, but we have very different majors. I decided to interview her to see how her semester is going as a museums, archives, and public history major.

How did you find out about the Washington Internship Institute and why did you choose to take part in this program?

“When I visited Nazareth College for the first time, my (future) advisor, Dr. Kneeland, told me that one of the biggest advantages of the museums, archives, and public history major was the internship program offered in DC. That was what initially drew me to the college.”

Where are you interning and what are two advantageous skills you have learned from interning here that you will bring back to Naz with you?

“I’m interning at the National Archives in Washington, DC. I think one skill I’ve gained here is public speaking. I’ve led a lot of tours at my internship and worked with children where I’ve been able to talk to them about what my major is and how it applies to the world. Another skill I’ve learned here is collaboration. I’ve done a lot of projects with the other interns this semester. It has helped me learn how to work in my possible future career while working well in groups.”

How does your internship connect with your major and studies at Nazareth College?

“One of the three components of my major is archiving, so my internship allows me to directly apply my studies in archival research. I love being an intern here.”

What types of tasks do you perform on a daily basis?

“I complete transcripts for a website through the Archives that is for educators. If there is a tour group scheduled or a learning lab in our educational space, I will help explain to the tour groups what the National Archives is and help with the other spaces.”

What are the benefits of taking part in a program through Naz like the Washington Internship Institute?

“It definitely gives you more world experience. I wouldn’t have come to DC if this program wasn’t offered to me. I’ve met so many new and great people here that I wouldn’t have had the chance to meet if it weren’t for the Washington Internship Institute and Naz. I’ve even met students from Naz who are participating in this program with me, but I didn’t know them before this semester.”

What advice would you give to prospective students who are looking for opportunities at Naz like the one you are currently taking part in?

“I would say, ‘Go for it!’ If there’s an opportunity that you want to do and you have the willingness and passion to do it, go for it. It will look great on your resume and you’ll learn more about your major by applying yourself.”

What is one thing you miss about Naz and why?

“I miss the free physical therapy back massages and the stress relief dogs that come into the library during midterm and finals weeks. Those activities are good for when it gets hard and you get stressed out. I’m looking forward to those when I get back to campus next semester.”

Check out my last article about my experience in DC and be sure to follow along!


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