Fall 2025 Scholars

Samantha is a sophomore at William & Mary majoring in History. She is pursuing the NIAHD Public History Certificate and is actively involved in a variety of campus organizations, including Phi Mu sorority, the Chess Club, the Latin American Student Union, the Young Democrats Club, the Anthropology Club, and Tribe Adventures. In her free time, she enjoys going camping, playing tennis, and reading.

She has gained hands-on experience in public history through her internship at Colonial Williamsburg, where she worked in the wig shop as a historical interpreter. This role deepened her interest in museum education and historical storytelling.

As part of her academic journey, Samantha is participating in the W&M Washington Center program, where she hopes to gain professional experience through an internship in Washington, D.C. She is excited to apply her historical knowledge in a real-world setting while exploring career paths in policy, education, or research—and she also hopes to enjoy plenty of Ethiopian food while in the city.

Samantha plans to pursue a Ph.D. in Korean history, focusing on the experiences of North Korean defectors and their journeys to freedom. She is passionate about using history to uncover personal narratives and bring visibility to underrepresented voices.

Sophia is a junior at William & Mary majoring in International Relations. She is interested in a career in policy, with a focus on foreign relations and human rights, and she chose to participate in the D.C. Semester Program to further her professional development. In her free time, she enjoys baking, hiking, and traveling. Her favorite hiking destination so far has been Banff, and she hopes to hike the Pacific Crest Trail within the next year.

Haylee is currently a senior pursuing a degree in Government at William & Mary. Haylee is originally from Pennsylvania, but has moved several times since becoming a military child. After her undergraduate degree, she intends to pursue a career working for a government agency or as a criminal attorney. During her time in the D.C. Semester Program, she hopes to gain more experience in an alternate field of interest and gain exposure living in a busy city. In her free time, she enjoys reading, watching movies, and relaxing.

Kathleen is a senior and Posse Scholar at William & Mary, originally from Northern Virginia. She is majoring in Economics with a minor in Data Science. On campus, she is actively involved in the Filipino American Student Association and the Aspiring Sisterhood of Identity and Growth, the interest group behind William & Mary’s first Asian-interest sorority. Outside of academics, Kathleen enjoys cooking and baking new recipes, traveling, and spending quality time with friends and family. While in Washington, D.C., she looks forward to exploring career opportunities in both the public and private sectors, as well as experiencing life as a student in a vibrant and dynamic environment beyond Williamsburg.

Caroline is a Junior at William & Mary majoring in Psychology and Public Policy. She has lived all over the country as a military child and has had many unique life experiences that have led to her interest in social work. Along with immersing herself in the culture of DC, Caroline hopes to gain experience in social work and governmental policies. In her free time, she enjoys working with children, spending time with her family and training for her next race.

Noah Mojda is a junior at William & Mary majoring in Government and Accounting. He is passionate about public policy, legislative work, and judicial reform. Last semester, Noah worked as a legislative redistricting analyst at William & Mary’s law school, where he gained practical experience analyzing electoral maps and the legal frameworks that influence fair representation. This experience deepened his interest in the intersection of law, politics, and voting rights.
In addition to his academic work, Noah has been actively engaged in environmental research and community outreach. He led a semester-long project focused on ecological restoration and financial planning for the historic Williams Wharf area, integrating GIS mapping and data analysis to support sustainable regional development. His interdisciplinary approach reflects a commitment to data-driven policy solutions that balance environmental and economic priorities.
Noah aspires to work as a legislative aide or intern in Democratic congressional or senatorial offices, focusing on judicial policy, voting rights, and environmental legislation. Through the D.C. Semester program, he hopes to gain hands-on experience and professional mentorship that will prepare him for a career in public service, bridging law and policy to advance equitable and sustainable governance.