Internship
U.S. Representative Josh Gottheimer (NJ-05)

Where are you from?  Why did you choose JMU?
Originally, I am from Chicago, IL, but I have lived in a few different places across Virginia for about 10 years now.  I did not plan to stay in Virginia for my tertiary education, however, when I visited JMU for the first time in 2018, I fell in love with the beautiful campus and the wonderful opportunities James Madison had to offer. 

Why did you decide to participate in Washington Semester?
Politics has always been one of my special interests. I had, of course, heard about the JMU Washington Semester, but it was seemingly out of my budget and outside the reach of my four year plan as a music education major. It was not until I took a general educaiton course with Dr. Jones that I believed that I would not only be capable of participating in the Washington Semester Program, but that it could completely alter my career path. Dr. Jones encouraged me, as well as helped proveide opportunities and resources needed for me to not just complete the program, but excel within it. 

What were the highlights of your internship?
There were so many wondeful opportunities and experiences that I will forever be grateful to have had. While working on the Hill, I had the opportunity to draft an education bill, have lunch with the Congressman, meet and see several Senators and Representatives from across the country, work on special projects to be read and presented directly to the Congressman, and so much more. 

What advice would you offer to future Washington Semester students?
When at your internship, never say no. Some of the opportunities offered to me were in areas that I did not have a ton of confidence in, but when asked, I always offered to help. This allowed me to learn more than I ever could've imagined, gain incredible amounts of knowledge in unfamiliar topics, and assist in making connections with those that I offered to help. 

What are your long-term career plans?
Though I still plan to be a music teacher right out of college, with the wealth of knowledge I have gained in politics and education, I eventually hope to work for the Delaware State Education Association (I will be moving to Delaware after I finish at JMu), or the National Education Association. THe options are endless, as I would also love to run for a position on my local school board, or generally as any elected coutny official. The knowledge I gained with the Washington Semester can be applied in several ways to any of the different vocations I hope to pursue, and I look forward to carrying these skills into the future.