Name: William Erickson
What is/was your major?
I have a double major in Philosophy as well as Communications, Legal Institutions, Economics, and Government (CLEG)
What school do/did you attend?
The School of Public Affairs and the College of Arts and Sciences
Where’s home?
San Diego
Why are you in D.C.?
It’s the first city I felt truly independent in. I came here in 2007 during a high school internship and fell in love. Also watching an armed motorcade go by helped my decision, and yesterday I saw Marine One flying around.
What are you passionate about/interested in?
Games, philosophy, business
Favorite city and why?
Washington, D.C. The city is beautiful, not to mention awesome, the capital of the free world, the one with the most spies in it, the most planned, cherry blossoms, free museums, the seat of government, honestly ill stop, the list goes on and on.
Your childhood ambition?
To be an FBI agent
Your career ambition?
Philosopher
Where was your internship and what do you do there?
My internship was with the FBI and I can’t tell you what I did there. (Not because they’ll kill me, but I would like to stay out of federal prison).
What are you doing now?
I have a part time job at school and I own my own small business.
Your inspiration?
To be a better person, to explore new levels of the world and of myself
Your preferred social media?
I’m on Facebook all day everyday
What is the name of your High School?
La Jolla High School, Home of the Vikings
Why did you choose WMP?
I wanted to be in D.C. and I was attracted to AU’s campus and the internship, I was working with the FBI at the time and really wanted to continue.
Favorite site visit or experience in the program?
The FBI academy at Quanitco, I went with one of my professor’s other classes. Also, for the Introduction to Systems of Justice course we went to the DEA headquarters, and that was awesome.
 What do you do for fun in D.C. and on the weekends?
Shop in Pentagon or Columbia Heights, hit up the movies in Bethesda or Chinatown, and the museums every once in a while. Not to mention AU has awesome events that go on, we had 30 seconds to mars and cee lo green come this year.
What do you want the world to know about WMP?
There is no better way to get to know D.C. than as a freshman through the WMP. It is the way to wake up after high school and realize what you can do in the world.
What do you love about your Seminar?
The site visits were awesome. I’ve been to the State Department (twice), Voice of America, the DEA, the FBI, Arlington county Jail, and of course Capital Hill.
Favorite food and why?
Apple Pie. Every time I eat some I am reminded of the values that I hold as an American. It also tastes delicious, well the ones I make anyway.
What is the most favorite part of your week at Washington Mentorship?
My favorite part of the week was the seminar/ site visit/ speaker days. If we didn’t go somewhere awesome we got to listen to someone awesome.
Your hobby/hobbies?
Running my own business, playing Warhammer,exploring, playing halo. Anything in good fun.
Who is/has been the biggest influence on your WMP experience so far?
My professors were the biggest influence on my experience. They were both awesome, and I learned so much from both of them.
Favorite book and why?
East of Eden. It really makes you think about the Cain and Able story.
What are the most important lessons learned since you’ve been here?
I’ve learned how to get around in D.C., what the value of experience is, and what it means to explore new things.
Favorite quote?
"Someone once told me that time was a predator that stalked us all our lives. But I rather believe that time is a companion who goes with us on the journey - reminds us to cherish every moment because they'll never come again. What we leave behind is not as important as how we've lived. After all, Number One, we're only mortal." – Captain Picard
Who has had the strongest influence on you and your life and why?
I’ve had the strongest influence on my life. I have always been an independent person and my will has gotten me to where I am today. Being lucky also played a part.
If you were a superhero which one and why?
Captain Picard, the guy isn’t a super hero but he is pretty awesome. He is a good example of what I would like to be as an adult.
Favorite movie and why?
Full Metal Jacket. While other people would point to Kubricks artistic value, I just love the drill instructor at the beginning. That and you can watch it over and over.
Your political views?
I think the government should stay out of my business and ill stay out of theirs.
Favorite course of study? 
Philosophy. People ask me, “Why a philosophy major? You can’t do anything with it,” but philosophy extends more than people realize, it is the core of every belief, and every action.
Words to live by?
“semper exploro” – literally translated it means always scout, but I choose to take it as ‘always explore’. Were only around for so long, and you should make the most of it. See all you can. Be all you can.