Welcome to Georgetown: New Beginnings and First Connections

This Sunday, Leadership Initiatives was thrilled to welcome its newest group of interns to Georgetown University for the start of the Advanced Law and Justice Reform Internship. As students arrived on campus, the atmosphere was full of energy, anticipation, and curiosity. After checking into their dorms, interns wasted no time getting to know one another, sharing smiles, stories, and snacks as they explored the Georgetown neighborhood. Whether grabbing a treat at Georgetown Cupcakes or stopping by the bookstore, students quickly began forming friendships and building a sense of community.

Later in the afternoon, interns changed into their blue program shirts and made their way to the auditorium for the official program kickoff. Executive Director Marshall Bailly welcomed students with an inspiring keynote address that outlined the week's goals and introduced the powerful work interns would undertake. He encouraged students to approach each day with purpose, reminding them of their unique potential to create meaningful change. Interns also heard from staff attorney Keah Beeftu, who spoke about the importance of legal advocacy and confidentiality. Her message centered on the value of using your voice to serve others and left many students feeling deeply motivated and grounded in the mission of the week.

In the evening, interns enjoyed a casual pizza dinner together before boarding buses for a twilight tour of some of Washington, D.C.’s most iconic monuments. Visiting the Lincoln Memorial, the Washington Monument, and the World War II Memorial, students took in the history and symbolism of each site while continuing to bond with their peers. The tour offered a perfect balance of reflection and excitement, setting the tone for a week of leadership, growth, and purpose.

Once back at the dorms, students spent time relaxing, talking with roommates, and preparing for the week ahead. With a full schedule awaiting them, interns turned in for the night, ready to dive into a transformative experience starting bright and early the next morning.