Being in Washington, D.C. this spring and experiencing an administrative transition while interning at a federal agency was unlike anything I had anticipated. Although there were challenging moments, I’m grateful for the opportunity to be in Washington, D.C. It was one thing to study history and politics in the classroom or to follow it in the news, but being in the midst of it was a once in a lifetime experience. It wasn’t easy to prepare witnessing long-standing public servants and entire offices being dismissed. As the weeks went on, I often found myself in personal reflection; realizing that I was so close to where national decisions were being made, yet feeling distant sometimes from having the access or influence to advocate meaningfully for the communities I care deeply about. However, witnessing the public service community's resilience became a powerful source of motivation and inspiration for me.
This semester, I had the honor of interning with the U.S. Commission on Civil Rights. A defining moment in my internship was during an in-person public briefing on the Commission’s ongoing report addressing language access for individuals with Limited English Proficiency. One of my fellow Matsui Center Washington Fellows even attended on behalf of their internship office, a heartening reminder of how our peers uplift each other’s work across offices. As I helped facilitate public testimonies from individuals who’ve faced critical barriers in education and healthcare due to language inaccessibility and systemic underrepresentation, it reaffirmed the vital role public institutions play in listening to communities and striving toward equitable change.
Candid conversations with my peers and mentors helped me realize how deeply I want to pursue a career in public service. As a first-generation student, I’m grateful to have gained that clarity from having the chance to live, work, and learn in the heart of our nation’s capital and democracy. I gained invaluable media literacy through Professor Marc Sandalow’s Washington Media course, understanding of racial politics with Dr. Marcus Board, and sharpened my professional skills with Professor La’Nita Johnson. Each offered thoughtful support and brought expertise from impactful careers, helping me grow both academically and personally. It was a privilege to be their student, explore museums, and immerse myself in D.C.’s vibrant culture, history, and complexity.
To future UCDC students: the semester goes by fast, so say yes to work opportunities, events, spontaneous adventures, embrace the DC-tailored courses, and never hold back from advocating for yourself. Your story matters here and your presence makes a difference. UCDC challenged me from my comfort zone, but it has become one of the most impactful chapters of my undergraduate journey. I’m endlessly thankful to the UCDC program and the Matsui Center for their support in making this unforgettable experience possible.