The 2006 Summer in D.C. alumni are a dynamic, enterprising, engaged, and energetic group. Here’s a snapshot of who they are.

By Mitch Kaplan • Photography by Jeff Fitlow

Chris Aresu ’08, Wiess College
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Major: Economics, Political Science

D.C. Internship: Coalition for American Leadership Abroad

Quote: “As far as current events, politics, and foreign affairs go in Washington, D.C., you just breathe it in. Just being there allowed me to be so much more informed. Just the fact that the government is all around and Capitol Hill is so close, you’re immersed. You soak it up, and it’s great. I wish everybody had the opportunity to work there and see how Congress really works and how laws are really passed.”

 

Kirti Datla ’08, Sid Richardson College
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Major: Environmental Engineering, Policy Studies

D.C. Internship: U.S. State Department, Bureau of Oceans and International Environmental and Scientific Affairs, Office of Oceans Affairs

Quote: “Being at the State Department, especially while the whaling meeting was going on, was fantastic. It involved a lot of strategy and diplomacy. And being in such a historic city is great. On my first day, I randomly picked a direction and walked, and the White House just appeared right in front of me. I told myself I wouldn’t be a tourist, but I couldn’t help it. I pressed my face right up against the fence.

 

Vivek Gopalan ’07, Will Rice College
Hometown: Las Cruces, New Mexico
Major: History, Political Science

D.C. Internship: Center for American Progress

Quote: “I love Washington. I’m a politics junkie. I like the fact that you can run into a senator on the street. I can name and identify most of them. I like the idea of D.C.— right there, there’s the Capitol building. I walked out of my office one day, and on the street corner was Newt Gingrich. It’s sort of my Hollywood, I guess.”

 

Saira Karim ’07, Lovett College
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Major: Policy Studies, Religious Studies, Political Science

D.C. Internship: Middle East Institute

Quote: “At end of the internship, Dr. Weinbaum, a scholar-in-residence at the Middle East Institute, wanted me to present an overall briefing and give my perspective and my recommendations. It’s an analytical role—I brought all the information together, tied it together, and got a handle on it. He’ll be using my material for speeches he gives in the fall. I learned how to be more involved in public service, how to get a job in the State Department, and how to run for office—insightful things that you don’t pick up in a university setting.”

 

Christina Lagos ’08, Wiess College
Hometown: Dunedin, Florida
Major: Policy Studies, Psychology (Health Policy Track—International Health)

D.C. Internship: Debt, AIDS, Trade, Africa

Quote: “It gave me a chance to apply what I learned in school and to work in the world of public policy. There’s only so much an intern can do in one summer, but I realized any assignment or task we were given was part of a bigger picture. The information I gave to the directors who are busy with grander projects was somehow important. Anyone involved is part of solving the problems. Being in Washington was an incredible learning experience.”

 

Sarah Perelstein ’07, Brown College
Hometown: Rye, New York
Major: Asian Studies, History

D.C. Internship: Humane Society

Quote: “It was the first time I was involved in something I’m so interested in. I benefited by getting to know what was going on with the whole organization. The most important part was that I got a better idea of whether this is actually what I want to do someday, and I realize that it is. I have such a high opinion of Rice because my interests are bit obscure, and it lets me have a voice and provides me with help. I’m really grateful for the opportunity.”

 

Laura Szarmach ’07, Brown College
Hometown: San Antonio, Texas
Major: History

D.C. Internship: The Advocacy Project

Quote: “I gained a basic level of experience in a government organization and the kind of advocacy work it does and the role it can play. In some ways these issues—like human rights—are being put in the right context, and I’m understanding them more. I’ll probably go to law school eventually, but right now, I want to understand better the work of nongovernmental organizations [NGOs] and how I might do pro bono work or work directly for one in future. Pressure from NGOs has made a lot of difference in trade and human rights. That’s exciting to see.”

 

Kathryn Wheat ’07, Wiess College
Hometown: Houston, Texas
Major: Philosophy, Premed

D.C. Internship: Department of State, Office of the Science and Technology Advisor to the Secretary

Quote: “Working with the State Department and with the book choices that Dr. Lewis gave us made me a lot more aware of things that are going on. Knowing the status of other countries and how we interact with them—that’s enlightening. The reading really complemented the internship in Washington. The things I saw in the city and that I picked up on in my books really enhanced my education.”