Launching: CJCxDC

By Addison Gear

CJCxDC Students at CSPAN Newsroom in Washington, D.C.

Announced in the Spring 2025 semester, the CJCxDC program - led by CJC Alumni Jonelle Henry - offers students from the College of Journalism and Communications a one-of-a-kind opportunity to live, work, and study in the heart of the nation’s media and political landscape: Washington, D.C.

Just three weeks ago, the program welcomed its inaugural cohort of four students, affectionately dubbed the “Founders.” They are: senior journalism major Lee Ann Anderson, graduate student Marianna Aristizabal, junior journalism student Addison Gear, and junior public relations student Alexia Soriano.

CJCxDC Students at the UF Federal Relations Office in Washington, D.C.

This semester, their lives look far from ordinary. Balancing a full-time internship with a full academic course load to maintain their student status is a juggling act that requires serious commitment and flexibility. On top of that, they’re navigating the energy, diversity, and constant motion of life in one of the most dynamic cities in the country.

From early-morning commutes to late-night study sessions, CJCxDC students are given the opportunity to experience firsthand what it means to be present in a professional media and communications environment. Their internships range across influential organizations from national news outlets to public relations and consulting firms. The benefit? Real-world insight into the fast-paced industries they aspire to join.

CJCxDC students in Professional Development course hosted by Director Jonelle Henry.

In the classroom, they're engaging with specialized coursework designed to complement their D.C. experience. Designed by Director Henry and Administrative Specialist Stevencia Estime, CJCxDC students have so far visited C-SPAN, The D.C. Office of Kat Cammack, the Clean Slate Initiative and plan to travel to Annapolis on a trip hosted by Dawne Widener-Burrows, UF CJC JRN/PR '76 and 2025 CJC Hall of Fame Inductee. With more on the schedule, the semester promises to be everything and more.

The “founders” are contributing their thoughts and experiences throughout their time in D.C. in a Substack and LinkedIn Newsletter tailored to give current students and alumni insight into what it means to be a Gator in the heart of it all.