Matsui Center Washington Fellowship Blogs

Spending a semester in Washington, D.C., was a defining chapter of my academic, professional and personal growth journey, one that has reshaped my aspirations for the future. From snowy days to the vibrant bloom of spring, my time in D.C. was truly an unforgettable experience....Read more about UCDC Spring 2025: Blossoming in Spring - How A Semester in D.C. Reaffirmed My Commitment to Public Service and Advocacy

Looking back at my semester at Washington D. C., I feel very grateful that I had this wonderful opportunity. My first post may have been critical of my internship because of its misalignment with its mission (for context, please read my first blog), but after much thought and...Read more about UCDC Spring 2025: Concluding a Profound Experience at D.C.

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...Read more about UCDC Spring 2025: In the Midst of Generational Change, Still Motivated to Say 'Yes' to Public Service

DC is a surprising city. It’s a beautiful place with so much history, you could throw a rock and hit a landmark around here- it’s just so tense. I don’t know if DC is always this way or if it’s the current administration, but there’s an aura of apprehension that hangs in the air...Read more about UCDC Spring 2025: A Place of Rich History and Tension

I am currently interning at Crossroads Campaign Solutions, where I’m gaining hands-on experience in political campaign strategy and digital communications. My day-to-day responsibilities include assisting with social media outreach, conducting research on political trends, and...Read more about UCDC Spring 2025: The Opportunity to Experience D.C.

My semester at DC so far has been a complex experience on so many levels. There were times when I was deeply inspired and moved. There were other times when my eyes were opened to the reality of what it means to be in the political realm.

Before my...Read more about UCDC Spring 2025: A Mosaic of Transformative Experiences

One of the most memorable moments of my time in D.C. happened almost immediately upon arrival. I landed during a record-cold winter storm, one that led to many airport cancellations and flight delays, in the first week of January, which felt especially daunting. As a native...Read more about UCDC Spring 2025: Navigating New Experiences in D.C.

My experience in Washington, D.C., was a whirlwind of discovery and growth, both personally and professionally. I was struck by the energy of the city, its vibrant cultural offerings, and the sheer scale of the institutions that shape our government. The brisk air...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: Reflecting on My Time in DC - Shaping My Views on Public Service

My time in Washington, D.C. was far more enriching than I had anticipated. I arrived expecting to visit the usual landmarks—the monuments, museums, and the White House—but what truly captivated me was the sense of unity...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: Reflection of My Time in DC - Commitment to the Common Good

My time in DC allowed me to realize my full potential, and to create a better vision of the role I see public service playing in my future. Being from California, DC exposed me to the ways different communities across the country express themselves through activism and culture....Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: Public Service as a Key to Upholding Democracy

The idea of living in Washington, DC, and working in the highest levels of government was something I was very interested in since starting as a freshman at Cal. As someone who has known no other state than California, living in DC took some...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: Discovering DC - Communities Rich in Activism, Culture and History

Being a first-generation college student is about more than simply being the first in your family to attend college. For me, it has meant navigating uncharted territory and embracing life’s many firsts. Yet, with these opportunities comes a unique burden—the guilt of being first-gen,...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: The Guilt of Being First-Generation