Exploring DC with Candice... Step 1: Preparations and Introductions

Good Afternoon!

I am Candice Nivison, and I have also been accepted into The Washington Center Program at Rogers State University for the Spring 2009 semester. I’m a graduating senior studying Communications. I am originally from Manchester, CT, but moved to Oklahoma several years back now. I’ve attended RSU since the Fall of 2005, and thanks to great friends and faculty members, my experience here has been one that I will never forget. Getting to go to Washington D.C. is just one of the many opportunities that RSU has offered me.

When I think about Washington DC, it brings up many ideas, feelings, and memories. I've gotten a lot of advice from people I care about regarding this city... one of the most common seems to be "be careful!" But more often, I've heard "This is an amazing opportunity... take advantage of it". It’s a little crazy to think that this time next week, Erica and I will both be in D.C. sitting in orientation. Before I go into any further detail about my plans in D.C., I would like to explain a little bit more about the program.

The Washington Center(TWC) is the name of the internship program. They assist you in getting the interviews for your field of choice, finding one course to take while you are there, and they also provide housing. At RSU, there is a competitive application process. If you are selected to go, RSU will pay TWC’s program and housing fees, and will waive tuition and fees for the semester. The only out of pocket costs will be for transportation, food, and entertainment. Also, RSU is awarding 12 credit hours for completing the program. To find out more about what RSU has to offer in this program, get more information here: http://www.rsu.edu/washington-center/index.asp . Also, Dr. Carolyn Taylor heads the program here at RSU, and she is a great resource to learn more about it.

I had heard about this program my sophomore year at Rogers State, but did not think it would be possible to go. I had a lot of commitments already made in Oklahoma, and it did not look like it would work with the courses that I had left to take. Fortunately, thanks to my advisor, Dr. Boyd, and the helpful staff and faculty at RSU, I have been able to match my work in D.C. with my graduation requirements, and I will still be finished with my coursework on schedule. This is my last semester as an undergrad, and I plan on making the most of my time in Washington.

During my stay, I will be interning with Information Technology Association of America (ITAA). They have just completed a merger with American Electronics Association (AeA) on January 1st. They are a non-profit IT lobbying firm, and I will have opportunities in attending congressional meetings, coordinating events, and more. I am looking forward to being in Washington for the beginning of President Obama’s term. He has several plans for online identity security, and it will be an exciting time in D.C. If you want to learn more about my company, here is their website: http://www.itaa.org/about/about.cfm

I am grateful for this break that we have had in between semesters to get ready. I’ve had to go shopping for more business attire as well as other supplies in preparation. Thank goodness my internship dress is business casual on a day to day basis. I’m actually going to be driving out with my mom this Tuesday. With the cost of gas prices and shipping, it was actually cheaper to travel this way… plus we can have some quality mother-daughter time before I go.

Thank you all so much for your help and support over the years. Your friendships, teachings, and creativity have inspired me and pushed me to succeed. I love you all, each in your own individual way and thank you for being their not for good times only, but also during times of misfortune. I am so excited to have this opportunity with RSU, and I look forward to taking a giant step up in this world. Please, please, please keep in touch. Tonight marks the last night that I will get to spend with many of my sorority sisters, and this whole week will be full of goodbyes and new beginnings. I have had an amazing experience so far at RSU, and can’t wait to continue my education in Washington D.C.

Until next time,

Candice