Make The Connection

July 12, 2023 | By Cole Hatcher

Ohio Wesleyan students meet with former Maryland Governor Larry Hogan as part of their summer experience in Washington, D.C., with the Leadership and the American Presidency program. The OWU students are (from left) Eleanor Luttman ’25, Giorgi Bediashvili ’25, Callia Barwick ’24, and Meghan Means ’25. Service dog SunnyD takes part, too. (Photos courtesy of Callia Barwick)

A Capital Experience

Ohio Wesleyan Student Spends Summer Studying, Interning in Washington, D.C.

Callia Barwick ’24

Name: Callia Barwick ’24
Hometown: Canfield, Ohio
Majors: Politics & Government and Pre-Law
Minor: History
OWU Connection Experience: A summer internship and educational program experience in Washington, D.C.

Barwick is sending the summer participating in the Leadership and the American Presidency (LTAP) program offered jointly by The Fund for American Studies and by the Ronald Reagan Presidential Foundation and Institute. She also is completing an internship with the Alexander Graham Bell Association for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.

“I chose to come to D.C. this summer to learn more about the opportunities in the nation’s capital and what it is like to live in the city,” Barwick says. “I also felt that this spoke to me as a great program to do right before my senior year at OWU so I could create more of a network for my future.”

Along with Barwick, Ohio Wesleyan students Giorgi Bediashvili ’25 of Tbilisi, Georgia; Eleanor Luttman ’25 of Northville, Michigan; and Meghan Means ’25 of Lewis Center, Ohio, also have been living on the campus of George Washington University and participating in the LTAP program this summer. Their housing is supported by the Cincinnati-based Austin E. Knowlton Foundation.

Favorite LTAP Moment

“My favorite moment so far has been getting to do all of the different site visits and hearing from all of the different panels of a variety of professionals who have taken the time to find the best career path for them.”

Most Memorable Internship Experience

“For me, it has been getting to read all about the experiences that AG Bell helps to provide families with children who are deaf and hard of hearing, which is such a rewarding feeling.”

Ohio Wesleyan students and other participants in the Leadership and the American Presidency program spend time exploring the nation’s capital. The LTAP program is held in partnership with the Ronald Reagan Institute.

Lessons Learned

“For me, I have learned all about what my future might have for me career and education-wise. I have also learned a lot about the different aspects of being a leader within the United States government. A lot of aspects discussed have correlated around the presidency, which can relate to many topics discussed within Politics/Government and History classes taught at OWU.

OWU Faculty-Staff Support

“I had assistance and support from the Career Connection office including Mindy Agin and Newton Kimberly. Also, Dr. (Barbara) Terzian, Dr. (Brianna) Mack, and Dr. (Franchesca) Nestor have all supported the program and the experience. They helped me complete the application and provided me with resources to help with the summer experience!” (Terzian is an associate professor of History and both Mack and Nestor are assistant professors of Politics and Government.)

Campus involvements

Barwick’s OWU activities have included serving as co-captain of the OWU Cheerleading Squad, vice president of Panhellenic Council, an intern/tour guide for the OWU Office of Admission, and a member of the OWU Golf Team, Delta Zeta Sorority, Politics and Government Student Board, Pre-Law Club, and Interfaith Small Living Unit.

Why Ohio Wesleyan?

“I chose Ohio Wesleyan based upon seeing a road sign on I-71 and taking that ‘sign’ for me to learn more about the campus. After that, the University was exactly what I was looking for in a four-year university to help me further my education and to develop who I am as an individual.”

Plans After Graduation

“I hope to move to Virginia and start a career within the government, and further my education by either attending a master’s program or law school.”