As I left the Rayburn House Office Building for the last time, I walked to the front of the Capitol and took a moment to pause. It truly felt surreal knowing that my internship has come to an end. Watching political events unfold and seeing these historic buildings on the news is one thing, but actually being here, walking these halls, and participating in this work is something entirely different.
Spending a semester in D.C. was truly a dream come true. One of the things I enjoyed most about my here was the sense of purpose that came with each day. I loved commuting to work, knowing that the tasks I was contributing to had real impacts on constituents from my own district, and the support system that I gained in my office. From day one, I felt encouraged to learn, ask questions, try new things, and grow. The mentorship and trust I received helped me build confidence in my abilities and reinforced my passion for public service.
My main areas of interest included immigration and K-12 education, but this experience introduced me to a variety of different issues that I had never initially considered. I had the opportunity to attend in-person briefings, meet amazing people in and outside of my office, experience how chaotic (and quiet) the Hill can be, gained skills in communication and social media, and learned how the federal legislative process works.
This experience has reaffirmed my commitment to public service and shaped my vision for the future. It has taught me that democracy is not just an institution, but a responsibility that requires collaboration, compassion, and accountability. As I look ahead, I am confident that I will continue to advocate for my community and serve those in need. Thank you to the Matsui Center for supporting my journey in DC.