Nathan Torabi

Words do not describe how impactful my semester in Washington D.C. was. This experience entirely shifted the trajectory of my life and made me grow professionally, academically, and personally. Learning in a class is one thing, but learning through real world experience is something that can never be matched. Because of the Honors Program, going to D.C. became more accessible to me, and the funds I received helped me buy a suit to wear at my internship and well as have reliable access to the metro. 

Something that surprised me is that my post-grad life completely changed. Going into the semester I was set on attending higher education right after college, but now I learned I want to work a couple years first and get real life experience before transitioning into higher education. 

As stated previously, I gained knowledge that I could never have gained in the classroom by physically being in the nation’s capital and working inside the Senate—seeing how bills are passed and how issues are framed and argued to appeal to both sides. I have returned to D.C. for another internship, and I have now found the career path that I want to pursue. I am not pursuing it blindly as I already know this path is something I enjoy doing.