Alumni Molly Muilenburg and Liz Stevulak had their “It’s a TFAS World” moment when they found themselves working at the same D.C.-based trade association.
Molly and Liz had both participated in TFAS programs during the summer of 2007. Molly was a student in the Institute on Political Journalism and Liz completed the Engalitcheff Institute on Comparative Political and Economic Systems. The pair lived in the same Henle Village building and originally met during their first busy week in Washington. Unfortunately, they were unable to get to know one another because of separate class schedules.
Almost two years later, the alumni were reunited as coworkers at The Society of Chemical Manufacturers & Affiliates. Below, Molly and Liz share the pleasant surprise of finding one another.
Molly: “One of my coworkers who had been involved in the interviewing selection process told me that the female they had chosen for the position participated in the same Georgetown Program I had listed on my resume. When she arrived the first day, instantly we had a connection and started reminiscing about our summer with TFAS.”
Liz : “I was really excited to meet my new coworkers. When Molly and I found out we did TFAS the same summer there was a lot to talk about. After working together for a few months we look back and wonder why we didn’t become friends sooner, especially since we shared mutual friends from the program.”
Molly: “Working together has been a great experience. When TFAS sends us updates on alumni events and other such opportunities for involvement, we make efforts to attend such things together. We share a connection that has derived from our mutual time at TFAS.”
Liz: “It seems TFAS has affected every aspect of my life in Washington D.C. My TFAS mentor has helped me continuously with everything from career advice to advice on where to find an apartment in Washington. I also work, live and socialize with people I met through TFAS and continue to recommend the program to friends who are still in college. I also had the privilege of serving as a TFAS mentor this past summer. During my summer with TFAS I learned many valuable life lessons and met people I will be friends with for years to come. I am excited to be part of such an influential network of graduates. Everyone I meet seems to have heard of TFAS and speaks highly of the program and the young professionals it produces. I enjoy participating in TFAS alumni events around the city and value the opportunity to network and catch up with old friends.”
Molly: “Coming from South Dakota, TFAS has opened endless amounts of connections, experiences and life changing opportunities for me. I not only meet fellow TFAS alumni at work, but I run into them city events like ‘Jazz in the Garden,’ or on the metro, etc. In fact, my roommate is also a TFAS graduate and is currently working for the Fund. It is such a privilege to be able to network with former TFAS students and share a connection that only TFAS has made viable. I have also worked as a Program Advisor for the IPJ Program; the TFAS staff is an exceptional group of individuals that has taught me what it means to serve and help make other TFAS class experiences just as rewarding as my time at Georgetown.”
“Being in the great city of Washington is in itself a superb situation; however, being a part of the TFAS community out here is probably one of the most worthwhile circumstances we have experienced. TFAS has pushed us both to grow personally, mentally, and professionally while at the same time opening up endless doors for networking and socializing. We will forever be grateful for the friendships and life learning experiences TFAS has provided.”
Have you had an “It’s a TFAS World” moment with other TFAS alumni? Let us know! Email your story to alumni@TFAS.org.