“Engaged Citizenship, Social Impact and Social Responsibility” – in its first year at F&M – brought 13 students to Washington, D.C., for two weeks in May to connect with thought leaders in government, nonprofits and community organizations. 

“Washington as a living classroom provided an incredible opportunity for students to engage academically in the real world,” said co-coordinator Matt Thomas ’10, F&M director of leadership education. In addition, F&M alumni living and working in D.C. “gave students connections and insights that will last a lifetime, highlighting the value of an F&M education and our strong community of Diplomats.” 

Students met with Vassilis Coutifaris '09 (center), senior public diplomacy officer at the Delegation of the European Union to the United States.

The program gave students “an expanded aspirational vocabulary with which to imagine futures that could see them pursue their passions and live their values, while also forging sustainable careers for themselves beyond F&M,” said co-coordinator Ashley Rondini, associate professor of sociology.

Upon their return in late May, we asked F&M students: What was the most memorable part of your recent time in D.C.?

"Visiting the Institute for Women’s Policy Research changed something within me and opened my eyes to a world I had never known."

– Emily Harris ’27

Emily Harris ’27

• Joint major: Public policy and sociology 
• Minors: Area studies (Chinese) and psychology
• Hometown: Philadelphia

Visiting the Institute for Women’s Policy Research changed something within me and opened my eyes to a world I had never known. Hearing Dr. Jennifer Turner and her peers talk about the research they do to make policy recommendations was inspiring. 

Another memorable part was, of course, touring the Capitol and being physically present as senators voted on a bill. We saw Sen. Bernie Sanders, Sen. Elizabeth Warren, Sen. Cory Booker and more! It was a pretty awesome experience – but then [Modia] “Mo” Butler ’95 came through and talked to us about the work that he does, his time at F&M and his work with Sen. Booker. We unexpectedly met with Sen. Booker for 30 minutes and those were honestly the best 30 minutes of my life! The whole trip was memorable, and I’m so grateful that we got the chance to meet so many inspiring individuals.

"There are so many opportunities out there waiting for us, even in fields that don't directly align with our majors or minors. As long as we understand what we are truly passionate about, we will be able to navigate our career pathways."

– Alissa Lalbeharry ’27

Alissa Lalbeharry ’27

• Joint major: Anthropology and government 
• Minor: Spanish 
• Hometown: Hanover, Pa.  

The most memorable part about my time spent in D.C. was simply getting to meet each of the guest speakers. Each individual had such a unique career trajectory that helped them get to where they are today. But the common theme was that they were all doing work that allows them to create social impact within their communities. It was reassuring to know that there are so many opportunities out there waiting for us, even in fields that don't directly align with our majors or minors. As long as we understand what we are truly passionate about, we will be able to navigate our career pathways.  

"The most memorable part of being in D.C. was meeting my former senator at the U.S. Capitol."

– India Freeman ’27

India Freeman ’27

• Joint major: Government and history
• Minor: International studies
• Hometown: New York City

The most memorable part of being in D.C., was meeting my former senator, Cory Booker, at the U.S. Capitol. I resided in Newark and East Orange, N.J., for most of my life. I never had the opportunity to meet my senator; however, I would watch his Instagram posts and speeches on television. To meet in person and witness his ambition and passion when he was speaking to us – many of us being his constituents – made me very happy. He is a man who never gives up. 

Experiential Learning

F&M in D.C. exemplifies the College’s commitment to embedding high-impact, immersive learning experiences into the student journey – connecting classroom knowledge with real-world leadership, social impact and civic engagement.

Beyond the Classroom »