Imagine getting the chance to work as a correspondent in the hub and heart of American politics, and getting to work as a fully credentialed journalist, with access to the same politicians, committees and information as reporters from The New York Times and CNN, at the nation’s capitol in Washington D.C. An experience that would normally be reserved for veteran political journalists is offered to select Medill students in this D.C. based program—Medill on the Hill! If selected to participate in this program, you’ll pack your bags and move to Washington for one quarter, taking classes with Medill professors out of their bureau located at 1301 K Street NW (just a few floors below The Washington Post’s headquarters!) In between your evening classes, your day to day will be spent at the Capitol building, after getting access to both the House and Senate chambers via your press pass, you’ll work to create stories covering the various political happenings, revelations unearthed in committee hearings, following up with politicians on pending legislation and so much more! But beyond the policy, D.C. is also a hub for protest and advocacy, and you may just spot a protest taking form at the Washington or Lincoln memorials, providing you with ample opportunity for some spot coverage. No matter what your interests, you’ll find there’s always something to report on in Washington. Here’s just a highlight of what I was able to get up to in D.C. 

Highlights From My Journalism Residency

Working in D.C. is an experience in itself—attending committees of Congress, acclimating to a completely new city with a different newscycle, helped make me more adaptable as a student journalist open to new environments. I got the chance to produce video and print stories with El Nuevo Día, Puerto Rico’s largest circulated newspaper, and work alongside their D.C. correspondent, Jose Delgado, to report on Puerto Rico’s lack of access to Medicaid funding during the pandemic because of its territorial status. I even got the chance to do a live shot on Telemundo. I was able to speak to Puerto Rican Governor Pedro Pierluisi as well as heads of both the pro-statehood and independence movements for the island and gauge them on their perspectives and progress. I was able to publish stories with UPI, cover President Biden’s State of the Union speech, the humanitarian crisis in Afghanistan and help tell the stories of Ukrainian refugees living in Poland as they escaped the war in Ukraine. Medill on the Hill also provided us with the chance to immerse ourselves in the district’s local politics. We got the chance to interview and vet candidates running for local election in D.C. By searching financial records, campaign contributions and scraping data, we were able to fact check their contributions, helping keep their power in check and help local voters make smart decisions about which candidates to vote for. 

What I Learned During My Journalism Residency

But beyond the work, D.C. is also just a beautiful place to live in. From the collegiate Foggy Bottom, to the shopping district of Georgetown and all the Smithsonian museums in between, there’s always something fun and exciting to get up to in the city, so be sure and take advantage of all it has to offer. Go explore, shop, eat and enjoy escaping the chilling Chicago winters (did I mention the program takes place during the winter quarter?) All in all, Medill on the Hill was an incredible experience. I got the chance to work as a professional journalist, interview real politicians, attend their committees and produce stories that mattered—all while immersing myself in a brand new city, with a completely different newscycle and culture. It’s been a highlight of my Northwestern and Medill experience, and I’d definitely encourage all of you to apply!

P.S. Here’s the link where you can check out my work in D.C., including stories, professional bylines, live shots, beats, etc!! 

GO ‘CATS!

 

Diego Ramos Bechara Admissions Content Creator & Tour Guide Bayamón, Puerto Rico Third Year Medill: Journalism, Political Science & Theater