Internships with impact: Students explore careers through the EMU Washington Semester in D.C.

This fall, 10 students from three Mennonite-affiliated colleges have come together in Washington D.C. to participate in the newly renamed EMU Washington Semester, a transformative program that blends academic engagement, professional development, and intentional community living. Representing 10 different majors—from communications to biochemistry—these students highlight the wide-ranging opportunities that are available through the Washington Semester’s diverse internship placements.

The Washington Semester offers students the chance to gain meaningful, hands-on experience in their fields through internships at nonprofits, government agencies, advocacy groups, and other key institutions across the city. Each placement is thoughtfully matched to align with the student’s academic focus and career goals, providing not only practical skills but also real-world perspective that complements and extends their classroom learning.

Read on to learn more about the placements of our Fall 2025 students and their goals for their time in D.C.

Mwamini Bayongwa is a social work major at EMU with a minor in psychology from Riverdale Park, Maryland. This semester Mimi is interning in the social services department at Carroll Manor, where she is working on care plans, discharges, resource connections, and different interventions. She is also involved in mental health sessions, which has given her hands-on experience with clients and how support is provided in practice. Through her internship, Mimi hopes to gain real-world experience that connects what she has learned in class to professional practice. She also wants to grow more confident in a workplace setting and learn how to communicate and work with others effectively. Most of all, Mimi hopes that this experience helps her see what path she wants to take in her future career.

Beckham Jantzi, from Hesston, Kansas, is a photography major at EMU. This semester Beckham is interning with Earth Conservation Corps, a youth powered environmental action program, working on event photography and editing a documentary. Through his internship, Beck hopes to expand his skills in photography and help the environment. Through his time in D.C., Beckham wants to expand his social circle.

Willem Hedrick from Waterloo, Canada, is a digital media major at EMU. This semester he is interning at Washington Digital Media as a lead podcast producer where he is producing a podcast, conducting event videography and photography, livestreaming events, and creating short-form content to promote the company. Through his internship, Willem hopes to learn from the hands-on experiences of an internship where he is learning new skills, working as a team, and discovering where his interests lie in the digital media industry.

Lynnzey Young, from Gas City, Indiana, is a Bethel College student majoring in mathematical science and elementary education. This semester she is doing student teaching at Annunciation Catholic School where she is working with second, third, and sixth grade math students. Through her internship, Lynnzey hopes to gain more confidence in leading a classroom.

Anisa Sharhabeel, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is a student at EMU double majoring in business administration and health science. This semester, Anisa is interning at Community of Hope. Anisa’s responsibilities include creating appointments, checking patients in, and getting their charts ready for the doctors. Through her internship, Anisa hopes to gain knowledge and experience in her field, particularly in patient care, and to enhance her communication skills.

Charlie Aldrich, from Capac, Michigan, is a Goshen College communications major with a minor in writing. This semester, Charlie is working as a corporate communication intern with the Department of Small & Local Business Development where he is working on writing press releases, public relations, and media writing. Through his internship, Charlie is hoping to develop his writing and media skills in a fast-paced, professional environment.

Chase Comer, from Timberville, Virginia, is a political science and history major with a minor in pre-law at EMU. This semester, Chase is interning as an election analyst at CASA. Chase’s responsibilities include helping to oversee State House and Senate elections in Maryland and Virginia as well as helping oversee the 2025 Virginia gubernatorial election. Through his internship, Chase hopes to gain professional experience in election analysis.

Ethan Neufeld, from Newton, Kansas, is an EMU student majoring in biology and chemistry. This semester, Ethan is interning as a Kairos support assistant at Christ House where he is leading wellness workshops on nutrition and cooking, documenting Kairos resident stories, and assisting broadly with wellness-related goals at Kairos house. Through his internship, Ethan is hoping to gain communication skills about lifestyle medicine and nutrition and listening skills from his time hearing patient stories.

Tre Uzzle, from Chesterfield, Virginia, is an EMU student majoring in business administration with a minor in marketing. This semester, Tre is interning as a marketing assistant with Manna, Inc where he is working on graphic design and providing corporate sponsorship assistance. Through his internship, Tre is hoping to walk away with proficient skills in business-to-business and business-to-consumer marketing.

Kate Castillo, from Harrisonburg, Virginia, is an EMU student double majoring in accounting and business analytics. This semester, Kate is interning with Capital Area Food Bank as an accounting intern where she is working on enhancing her technical skills and working toward providing tools for training people. Through her internship, Kate hopes to gain a better understanding of what she wants to do in the accounting field as well as developing lasting connections with individuals at her internship.

Students interested in spending a semester in the nation’s capital should go here for more information or to apply today! Be sure to also check out the EMU Washington Semester Instagram account to see what our students are up to.