Glogau said he drew on the research, writing and analytical skills he developed through his political science and history coursework at Penn State. A Paterno Fellow and Schreyer Scholarhe also applied coding skills he learned in honors courses to his internship projects.
His political science coursework helped him understand the dynamics he encountered in Washington, particularly concepts he studied in PLSC 426, a course on political parties and interest groups, taught by his thesis adviser, Justin Crofootassistant teaching professor of political science.
“Concepts from class were really helpful in understanding nuanced dynamics in D.C.,” Glogau said.
The internship also strengthened his communication skills, he said.
One project Glogau said stood out to him involved researching Holocaust education across different states. The project allowed him to draw on his background in history and apply the research and analytical skills he developed at Penn State with real-world policy work.
He also learned that not every project will have the expected outcome. Glogau described resilience as one of the biggest lessons he took away from his experience.
“You’re at the table for a reason,” he said. “You deserve to be there.”
Outside of work, Glogau explored Washington with fellow Penn State students, including attending the city’s Pride celebration for the first time. Finding time for those experiences became an important part of learning to balance his professional and personal life, he said.
Because he cared deeply about issues such as antisemitism and Jewish safety, Glogau said he sometimes found it difficult to disconnect from his work. Over time, he learned the importance of setting boundaries and making time for himself.
Enrichment funding from the Liberal Arts Career Enrichment Network helped Glogau cover living expenses in Washington, including housing, food and transportation. Moving from a small rural community to an expensive city presented financial challenges, and the support made the opportunity more accessible.
“Receiving that assistance made living and working professionally in D.C. possible, which meant everything to me,” Glogau said.
As he looks toward graduation, Glogau is considering law school and a career in family law. His summer in Washington strengthened his commitment to advocacy and showed him how he can use his education to make a difference for families and communities like the one where he grew up.
The experience also deepened his appreciation for opportunities and connections he’s gained through Penn State.
“This will be a community that I will be a part of the rest of my life,” he said.
Applications for the fall 2027 Liberal Arts Semester in Washington Program will open in January. To learn more, visit the program webpage or contact program director Marie Hojnackiassociate professor and associate head of the Penn State Department of Political Science, or program coordinator Molly InmanPenn State assistant teaching professor of political science.
This is the sixth in a series of stories featuring students participating in the inaugural Liberal Arts Semester in Washington Program.
Source: www.psu.edu
