By Ikra Koriyow ’25 with Jennatta Mensah ’25

When Communication Professor Nichelle McNabb asked us if we wanted to go on an insider’s visit to Washington, D.C., during fall break, I was ecstatic. I never thought this opportunity would present itself during my Otterbein educational career and the fact that she thought to bring me was really considerate.

Dr. McNabb explained that we would observe a White House news briefing in the West Wing, tour the Capitol building and several other monuments, meet national journalist Jen Psaki and watch a live production of her TV show, meet with Representative Joyce Beatty’s communications director, and meet Otterbein communication alumnus Tony Bishop III ’15, MSAH ’18.

For me this was a way to experience the American dream since I never thought an individual like me would have this opportunity. I was born and lived for eight years in a Kenyan refugee camp. Even though I’m now a U.S. citizen, being inside the White House was surreal and visiting Washington, D.C., was inspiring as someone who hopes to one day pursue a career in the legal profession.

Jennatta Mensah, who also was asked to come on the trip, agrees.

“I’ve always been fascinated by the role communication plays in governmental settings, and I saw this trip as an opportunity to see those skills in action at the highest level,” Mensah said. “I’m studying Health Communication and Public Health Education, so understanding how policies and health policies are developed and communicated to the public was something I didn’t want to miss.”

Dr. McNabb has always been a hands-on, student-friendly professor. She’s someone who inspires her students and motivates them. She sees something in students that they don’t necessarily see in themselves.

“I think more Otterbein students should pursue internships in Washington, D.C., and I have long encouraged Ikra to do so since she is a double major in Communication and Political Science,” McNabb said. “I thought that Ikra and Jennatta would learn more about how communication impacts policy making, but I also wanted them to see themselves in that context.” 

The first day we enjoyed walking the National Mall, from seeing the Supreme Court building to the Capitol to the Lincoln Memorial, among other things.

“I enjoyed exploring D.C., seeing the monuments, and reflecting on the history that shapes our country today,” Mensah said. “It gave me a new appreciation for how the past and present are connected.”

The most exciting thing for us was going inside the White House. Not a lot of people get to go into the White House and it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“The White House briefing was an unforgettable experience,” Mensah said. “Being in that room, where major decisions are discussed, gave me a sense of belonging and empowerment. It was inspiring to see someone who not only represented me (White House Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre) but also applied skills I’m learning, like breaking down complex topics for the audience and connecting with people in a meaningful way. That experience made everything I’ve learned feel so much more relevant.”

After the briefing we were able to tour the NewsNation TV offices while meeting with Executive Producer Rob Yarin. He explained what it takes to put a political show on the air and the complexities of running a news show. Seeing that in real life was fascinating.

In the same building we went to see MSNBC’s Jen Psaki show live and met some guests from the show.

Besides Psaki, I was thrilled to meet Homeland Security Cabinet Secretary Alejandro Mayorkas, who also leads the U.S. efforts on immigration. As an immigrant, I told Mayorkas my personal story and he correctly guessed which refugee camp I was born in.

We also met The Atlantic magazine journalist Jerusalem Demsas, herself a refugee from Eritrea. Meeting her gave me hope as someone also from a refugee camp following her dreams and being in an important profession affecting many people. It shows that immigrants also have a place here in the United States.

The following day we were off to tour the Capitol and see the House of Representatives and Senate galleries. It was a great walk through history to see where our laws are created.

After the Capitol tour we met with Cassandra Johnson, communications director for House Representative Joyce Beatty. Meeting Cassandra showed that although you don’t know where you will wind up in life, one day you will find your calling. She told us she never imagined being in this field after earning her Harvard MBA and working for non-profit businesses as a marketing director.

Finally, we met with Otterbein alumnus Tony Bishop, who works in the White House.

“It was inspiring to see someone who once walked the same path as I am now and is using his skills to make a difference,” Mensah said. “This conversation, along with the trip as a whole, made me realize how important communication is in government. Being able to communicate effectively shapes public understanding and helps bridge gaps between policymakers and the people they serve.”

Thinking back to my freshman year I never thought an opportunity like this would be possible for someone like me. It just shows that the connections you make can really take you far.