TFAS
The Fund for American Studies, more affectionately known as TFAS, is the parent organization for my program here in DC. TFAS runs several internship and study programs, both in DC and abroad, that bring together highly-motivated and bright students to live, work, and learn together.
My particular program is The Capital Semester on Political Journalism. CSPJ puts aspiring political journalists in internship placements that best suit their career goals–be they in PR, print media, broadcast, or radio. It’s a small program; right now, there are only eight participants, which makes the Political Journalism seminar incredible. We’re becoming a really tight-knit group, and learning a lot from one another.
Our seminar professor is Richard Benedetto, former White House correspondent for USA TODAY. Professor Benedetto is an amazing resource– he has over 40 years of reporting experience, has covered four US Presidencies (Reagan, Bush Sr., Clinton, and Bush Jr.), and has made a plethora of interesting contacts in the business. Having him as a professor is really advancing my goal of becoming a political reporter as I’m learning so much from both him and the amazing speakers he brings to class.
Beyond the seminar, I’m also taking Economics and Public Policy with Dr. Thomas Rustici and Theories of Constitutional Interpretation with Dr. Stephen Hayward. Both professors are extremely knowledgeable, and I’m seeing practical applications of what they teach everyday on Capitol Hill.
