Choctaw tribal members Kylie Caldwell of Frisco, Texas, and Emma Rowland of Oklahoma City, recently interned in Washington, DC, as part of the Gaylord School of Journalism summer internship program. Both students attend the University of Oklahoma.
The duo participated in the annual Summer in Washington, D.C. program, which immerses Gaylord College students into the culture of government and politics in the Nation’s capitol.
Students are exposed to campaign, governance and interest group politics through periodic gatherings, featuring political practitioners and national political journalists. Students receive practical experience in, and exposure to national politics as interns through various Washington offices. The internship is provided through the Gaylord News, OU’s student powered news outlet.
The internship lasted from May 20 to August 20, and all student expenses were paid through the University of Oklahoma and Gaylord News.
Caldwell, a journalism major with a history/theatre double minor, specializes in Indigenous affairs and news reporting on multimedia platforms. She recently completed her sophomore year and maintained a 4.0 grade point average.
Rowland plans to graduate in May 2026 with a major in journalism and a minor in editing and publishing.
Caldwell was encouraged to apply for the Gaylord News internship by her professor and program advisor, while Rowland learned about it through word of mouth and was urged to apply by a mentor.
The two spent their time during the internship inside the Capitol or around “the Hill,” working alongside professional journalists, at pitch meetings or producing fast-paced stories for the outlet.
According to Caldwell, the duties were independently based, but the duo got to spend time meeting law makers and witness every major event in this historic session of Congress.
“Standing in the middle of history while trying to write it down in real time is overwhelming but confirms my decision that this is the right industry for me,” said Caldwell. “I have become more of a politically charged reporter through this first-hand experience, and I have a feeling I will be back.”
Rowland explained that through the program, students are given congressional press credentials and can report from inside the Capitol, covering the Oklahoma delegation and other relevant national stories.
“This summer, Kylie and I had the opportunity to sit in the Supreme Court’s press gallery to witness opinions being handed down and write stories about their impact,” said Rowland.
While their duties changed from day-to-day, their primary focus was finding stories that connected back to Oklahoma. Whether it was federal legislation, a Supreme Court decision, or an Oklahoma figure making news in D.C., they worked to highlight how national issues impact the state.
“It’s been an incredible experience to report alongside major national outlets like The New York Times and The Washington Post. I’ve grown in so many ways this summer, not just in my reporting and writing, but also in my communication skills, political knowledge, and overall confidence,” said Rowland. “This is the longest I’ve ever been away from Oklahoma, and it’s shown me that I’m capable of thriving in new and challenging environments.”
Caldwell and Rowland are positive that the internship helped them not only as a journalists but as a tribal members.
“A lot of my reporting has focused on Indigenous rights and communities. Being here, I realize how truly underrepresented the Native community is here in Washington and am beyond proud to be a voice of those typically unheard,” said Caldwell. “There aren’t enough Indigenous reporters in national spaces, and I want to be part of changing that. We need our stories told with context, respect and truth. It’s one thing to read policy from afar- it’s another to see how it unfolds behind closed doors. D.C. has taught me how power, pressure and people shape the news we see back home.”
Rowland shared similar sentiments.
“One of the most meaningful parts of this internship has been covering legal issues that directly affect the Choctaw Nation and other tribes in Oklahoma,” said Rowland. “I’ve seen how important it is for tribal citizens to have access to accurate and relevant news, and it makes me even more passionate about continuing this kind of work. I love knowing that my stories are helping others stay informed and feel represented.”
Both students are excited to continue their journalism journeys and are thankful for the university offering them this opportunity to learn first hand.
Caldwell hopes to return to D.C. as a congressional reporter on the Hill. She is also eager and curious to experience a wide range of journalism, especially in the entertainment and creative industries, after earning a master’s degree.
Rowland wants to keep writing and telling stories that matter and would love to continue reporting on legal issues if that opportunity comes again.