Blog: IGS Fellows in the World

Every day around 5 PM, sometimes much later, I left the Cannon House Office Building from the exit that faced the Capitol Dome. I am enamored with this Monument. Every time I saw it either coming to or leaving work, it served as 288 feet of marble motivation. It reminded me of...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: Marble Motivation - Reflecting on My Semester in Washington D.C.

My three months in Washington D.C. have been undeniably transformative both personally and professionally. Throughout my four years of college, I struggled with the uncertainty of what awaited me after graduation, but from the moment I set foot in the city, I fell in love with...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: In the Face of Uncertainty, Embrace Curiosity

We kicked off Democracy Camp with breakfast, some warm-up activities, and a rundown of our schedule. Anticipation buzzed as we geared up to welcome our first guest speaker, Anya Ku. Anya is a proud double Cal...Read more about 2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley Journal

The Work

My time in Washington, D.C. has been interesting thus far. I've had a varied range of experiences and emotions working as an intern with the House of Representatives Committee on Rules in the Capitol Building. The Committee controls...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: Dear First-Generation Girl: Get Out of Your Head

Community engagement has always been a passion of mine. There is a sense of altruism and belonging when collaborating with community members to promote collective impact. Coming from a lived experience with minimal resources (homelessness, food insecurity, poverty), I believe in the power...Read more about 2023 Gardner Fellows: Public Impact with Private Philanthropy

I never thought I’d ever be a morning person. Being awake at 5 AM was only a product of late-night study sessions, cramming for a midterm or yapping on the phone with my long-distance friends back at home. But now, being awake at 5 AM is a product of a newfound discipline, only...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: How I Turned Into a Morning Person

Interning for Senator Padilla’s office has been incredibly surreal and undoubtedly the highlight of my college journey. This marks my second visit to the East Coast, where I’ve not only adapted to the chilly weather, but also gained newfound confidence in making professional...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: From Campus to Capitol: An Intern's Odyssey Across the Nation

As a Political Science major passionate about LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, I entered my Gardner Fellowship with two main goals: to explore how I can make the most meaningful impact on the issues I care about, and to build a strong relationship with a mentor who could help...Read more about 2023 Gardner Fellows: Insights into Advocacy with the ACLU

Participating in the UCDC program this semester has been an incredibly transformative experience. This program seamlessly integrates academic excellence with real-world exposure, immersing participants in the vibrant tapestry of Washington, D.C.'s political, cultural, and historical landscape....Read more about UCDC Fall 2023: Witnessing History as it Unfolds; Weaving My Future into D.C.’s Vibrant Tapestry

I am Celia Serrato, a current student at the University of California, Berkeley majoring in Gender and Women’s Studies. I was selected to participate in the University of California Washington Program (UCDC) for Fall 2023, where I am interning at the DC Center for the LGBTQ+ Community as a...Read more about UCDC Fall 2023: Designing Your Own Destiny in D.C.

I arrived in Washington, D.C. on August 18th, filled with anxiety and worry. I was living away from my family for the first time in my life, without knowing who would be there. Additionally, I was waiting on offers from multiple institutions. However, within days, my attitude completely changed...Read more about UCDC Fall 2023: From Grief to Gratitude: Taking on D.C. One Day at a Time

Flying over the lush greenery and tiny monuments, I was starting to get jittery with excitement about what the week had in store for me. I never thought I would have the opportunity to be in D.C. and somehow, I managed my way there. I could not wait...Read more about 2023 Democracy Camp in DC Journal

My time in Washington D.C was one of the most eye-opening experiences in my life. Each day I was able to be enveloped in the beauty of the city and challenge my writing and research abilities in my congressional internship for Representative Glenn Ivey of the fourth district of...Read more about UCDC Spring 2023: The Washington D.C Forest and the Journey as a Hilltern, Part 2

As I have interned for the Washington Office of Congresswoman Matsui, I have gained a greater appreciation for congressional public service work. Not only do most representatives and congressional staffers work long hours, but they care about their constituents’ opinions and...Read more about UCDC Spring 2023: Empowering Constituents, Engaging Energy and Environmental Policy Advocacy at Congresswoman Matsui's DC Office

My semester in D.C. flew by far more quickly than I could have ever imagined. Working forty hours each week while taking classes and exploring the city made the time speed by, but I truly believe that I made the most of my time on the East Coast. I toured the Capitol, House...Read more about UCDC Spring 2023: Exploring the Region via Amtrak and Witnessing the History of Resilience at the Public Defender's Service

Living in Washington DC and being a part of the UCDC program has been an incredible experience. One aspect that I’m definitely taking away from this experience is the sheer amount of possibilities that are potentially open to graduating students. Working in Development was something I...Read more about UCDC Spring 2023: A Semester of Full of Potential - Exploring Intersecting Pathways into Public Service in DC

As an undergraduate, I was drawn to public health due to the breadth of topics that play a pivotal role in community health. When selected to be a John Gardner Fellow, I knew I wanted to pursue health policy and continue advocating for traditionally marginalized communities. I am...Read more about 2022 Gardner Fellows: Equal Pay and its Implications on Health

Growing up in the Bay Area, a field trip to the Oakland Museum of California (OMCA) is a rite of passage for many elementary school students, but it is also a well known gathering place for the community. When I was searching for a placement with the Gardner Fellowship, OMCA was...Read more about 2022 Gardner Fellows: Rebecca Jacobson and her mentor, Caitlin Evans

Taking part in the UCDC program was one of my main goals for my academic career since the first day I transferred to UC Berkeley. Public service is a field I have been interested in for a long time, but due to my circumstances I did not have the opportunity to be in that environment,...Read more about UCDC Spring 2023: The Washington D.C Forest and the Journey as a Hilltern, Part 1