Samra Khawaja, an undergraduate student in the School of Mass Communications with a concentration in broadcast journalism and a minor in political science, chose VCU because it sits at the heart of opportunity for an aspiring reporter — just steps away from the state capital and a short drive to the nation’s political epicenter.

She says her experienced journalism professors encouraged her to take advantage of every opportunity — advice that kick-started her budding career.

In summer 2012, she achieved a coveted position with The Washington Post to cover the presidential election. Samra will serve as a correspondent for the paper, reporting stories from Richmond and representing VCU as she begins her journey down the nation’s campaign trail.