UCDC Spring 2026: Finding Connections and Community in D.C.

April 16, 2026

Greetings from D.C. 

As a congressional intern at the United States House of Representatives, my day-to-day responsibilities vary. They include providing support to staff members, assisting constituents with their issues, logging concerns into the House of Representatives platform, answering phones, providing tours, and performing various administrative tasks. I also attend briefings on critical issues—including agriculture, military modernization, and the armed forces—and draft memos and emails for senior staff.

Moving to D.C. made me realize how interconnected the city truly is. Although the District of Columbia is very large in terms of its proximity, all the organizations and offices that work here have some level of connection to one another. I realized this after my first meeting with a delegation from the Alexander Hamilton Society, which enabled me to connect with more people and organizations both virtually and in person, and to receive career advice, information about different programs, and long- and short-term employment opportunities around D.C. It enabled me to understand how many different organizations are focused on foreign policy in some capacity and even made me consider seeking employment with these organizations following my graduation at the end of this semester.   

In my first week in D.C., I drafted a list of places I must visit during my time here, including historical sites, monuments, libraries, and more. By my second week, I realized that D.C. offers a lot, and I must prioritize it strategically so I can see, learn, and reflect in this limited time. So far, I have visited the Washington Monument, the Library of Congress, the United States Capitol, the National Museum of African American History and Culture,  the Lincoln Memorial, and more. Beyond just visiting, I have learned about the history of these sites and how each of these moments and figures impacted the country's transformation.

Overall, living and learning in Washington, D.C. has been a transformative experience both professionally and personally, and I am extremely grateful for the opportunity to participate in this program. Working in Congress alongside an exceptional team provided me with consistent guidance, support, and thoughtful feedback that strengthened both my skills and my sense of purpose. Their mentorship challenged me to grow in confidence, discipline, and responsibility. This experience not only deepened my understanding of public service but also reinforced my commitment to serving the American people with integrity and dedication.