by Elisabeth Coon, Student Public Relations Writer
When a government shutdown from Oct. 1 to Nov. 12, 2025, halted operations in Washington, D.C., Cedarville University junior Paige Johnson suddenly found her participation in the White House Internship Program on pause. The unexpected disruption became one of the defining moments of a semester that tested her resilience, faith and calling.
Johnson, a political science and international studies double major from Davenport, Iowa, interned in the Office of Presidential Correspondence through Cedarville University’s Washington, D.C., Semester program. Serving in this office, she reviewed thousands of emails, letters and phone calls from the American public, helping ensure responses were accurate and aligned with White House messaging.
“Simply being at the White House was such an incredible honor,” Johnson said. “Every task felt meaningful because we were serving the American people.”
How Cedarville’s D.C. Semester Works
A Cedarville D.C. Semester student lives in the nation’s capital alongside approximately 50 interns from other universities and attends classes with Cedarville professors twice a week. Simultaneously, students work in professional organizations throughout the city, giving them both college academic credit and hands-on experience in Washington.
Government Shutdown Interrupts White House Internship Program
Johnson’s responsibilities placed her inside the daily flow of government communication, where accuracy and tone were vital. Then, midway through the semester, a government shutdown brought it to a pause, forcing interns out of the office and turning the internship into an exercise in adaptability.
“The unexpected pause reminded me to remain positive in uncertain circumstances,” she said.
The interruption challenged her, but it also sharpened the skills she will carry into her future. Johnson said balancing a full-time internship with a full academic load strengthened her attention to detail and confidence. Watching the inner workings of the executive branch deepened her interest in pursuing a career in public service, government or public policy.
Faith, Leadership and Service
Johnson’s faith also shaped the way she approached the experience. “My faith reminded me every day that leadership is ultimately about service,” Johnson said. “Even in the smallest tasks, I wanted to carry out my responsibilities with integrity and excellence because serving faithfully in the details truly matters.”
Johnson said that perspective shaped the way she viewed every assignment, whether she was reviewing correspondence or serving alongside White House staff and other interns. One of the semester’s most memorable moments was meeting President Donald Trump and Vice President J.D. Vance with her fellow interns, although she quickly noted that the relationships she built with other students and White House staff were just as meaningful.
“The semester didn’t just prepare me for a career,” Johnson said. “It helped shape the kind of person I want to become.”
Lessons for Students Stepping Into Big Opportunities
As Johnson looks ahead, she hopes other students will be willing to step into opportunities that may feel out of reach.
“Be willing to apply and stretch yourself,” she said. “The opportunities that seem intimidating are often the ones that shape you the most.”
From unexpected disruptions to once-in-a-lifetime moments, Johnson’s semester offered more than professional experience. It confirmed her desire to serve — not just in government, but wherever leadership requires integrity, resilience and a willingness to step into the unknown.
About Cedarville University
Cedarville University, an evangelical Christian institution in southwest Ohio, offers undergraduate and graduate residential and online programs across arts, sciences and professional fields. With 7,265 students, it is among Ohio's largest private universities and is ranked among the nation’s top five evangelical universities in the Wall Street Journal’s 2026 Best Colleges in the U.S. Cedarville is also known for its vibrant Christian community, challenging academics and high graduation and retention rates. Learn more at cedarville.edu.
