“Some days are more hectic than others, and we can sometimes have five to six meetings to schedule and manage in one day,” Harrison said. “As a staff assistant, I direct guests and serve as the face of the office. Senator Carper even calls us the ambassadors of the office because part of our role is to make sure that visitors are always comfortable.”

Depending on the day, Harrison would serve as a liaison between Carper’s office and citizens sharing their concerns, hoping that the senator will work toward positively impacting their situations. Harrison recounted an interaction with a group of migrants from Chile and Guatemala who shared their personal stories of struggle and how they want Carper’s continued support. 

“It was very touching to hear their stories,” Harrison said. 

On Fridays, Harrison was immersed in hands-on academic instruction in her policy practicum class with Philip Barnes, who directs the Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. program and is an assistant professor and policy scientist at the Institute for Public Administration (IPA). During class, Harrison interacted with weekly speakers and engaged in policy labs where students worked through issues and understood the problem by discovering the root of the issue and how it could be addressed by a legislator.

During her equality and social policy class taught by Jon Cardinal, director of economic development for the Office of Senator Charles E. Schumer (D-New York), Harrison reviewed legislative issues from an economic perspective to understand how they impacted underrepresented and marginalized communities. Both classes offered students a chance to engage with speakers and gain a better understanding of public policy issues. 

When asked how the spring semester program enriched her experience as a student, Harrison said, “Being here puts into perspective all the things you have been learning about in your college process. It puts you in the reality of the academic side that you have been learning about and pushes you to be on top of your game because what you are doing really impacts the people you are serving.” 

Harrison said the program helped build her professional connections and perspective of legislative work. She credits UD for providing the opportunity to further develop her skills in public policy, while also giving her insight into what a future as a professional in the field would look and feel like. 

The Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. program began as a Winter Session program in 2013 led by professor Ed Freel, former Delaware Secretary of State and current IPA senior fellow. One year later it became a full spring semester program. 

According to Philip Barnes, “One of the major benefits of the program for current and past students is that they often go into amazing careers, with many alumni still working in the public policy space. Throughout the program, students have a public service mindset and demonstrate public service values. Participating in a program such as this one reminds students that the work being completed extends beyond the classroom and personal gain. This program is steeped in community engagement, public policy and government.” 

Living, working and learning in Washington, D.C. allows students to develop integral networks that can be leveraged for future careers in public service while also ingraining a sense of responsibility to improve the quality of life for all people. 

“D.C. works based on networks, whether you love it or hate it, this program allows students to insert themselves into networks that they can leverage for their careers. For students that want to make a career out of public policy, they can find stronger connections by participating in the Spring Semester in D.C. Program,” said Barnes. “So, for students who have a desire to improve the conditions of communities and groups in society through the work that they do, this program can help them to accomplish this.”

After being accepted into the D.C. program, Harrison applied to multiple internship programs before being selected to work with Carper. Harrison offered advice for students interested in applying to the D.C. program.

“Be consistent because the application process can be stressful, but after you are accepted it is up to you to find an organization that you will work with,” Harrison said. “Phil is a great guide through this process, but you must put in applications to get through. Also, be prepared for rejection, and remember that the University has placed you in the perfect position to reach the goal that you have set forth.”

According to Harrison, “The Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. program provides insight into what life may look like as a professional in public policy by putting everything you have learned in the classroom into perspective. It also pushes you to perform at the highest level while keeping in mind that the work you are doing really impacts the people that you are serving. It is humbling to know that people trusted me to be here and now it is my responsibility to make sure that I support the people to the best of my ability.” 

Acceptance to the Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. program is competitive and based on a written application and an in-person interview with Barnes, the program's faculty director. The application deadline is typically around June 1 to participate in the following spring’s program. To learn more, visit the Spring Semester in Washington, D.C. program website.