Blog: IGS Fellows in the World

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Currently, I am an intern with the Washington Office of Congresswoman Matsui, who represents California’s 7th Congressional district encompassing the Sacramento and Elk Grove area. As a legislative intern, I am responsible for responding to constituent mail, conducting...Read more about UCDC Spring 2023: Understanding Political & Cultural Life in DC through Observation & Communication

Since coming to Washington D.C., I have been extremely busy—but in the best way! As an intern with the Public Defender’s Service, I have been immersed in criminal defense investigations, trial preparation, and post-trial sentencing. Not only have I had access to the guidance of...Read more about UCDC Spring 2023: The Practice of Law in DC: From the Public Defender's Service to the Supreme Court

Being a deferred transfer, coming to Washington DC, and having the opportunity to work and live here has been an incredible and still unbelievable experience. At the American Enterprise Institute, I work in the development department, which means I get to work on the business and...Read more about UCDC Spring 2023: Fundraising and Development at the American Enterprise Institute

Being back in sunny California, I still have not fully processed that my time on Capitol Hill and in D.C. have concluded. Looking back, it was a bitter-sweet ending. On one hand, I desperately missed California’s weather, the diversity, the food, and of course, my friends and...Read more about UCDC Fall 2022: Farewell D.C....for now

As I closed the zipper of my last suitcase, I could not believe that my adventures in Washington DC were coming to an end. Spending an entire semester in Washington DC was not only a dream come true, but a transformative and fulfilling experience. I deeply enjoyed having the...Read more about UCDC Fall 2022: Centering Intersectional Identities to Increase Bilingual Literacy at ULC

My last few weeks in Washington, DC were full of uncertainty but I left with a few opportunities to consider in the future. Being in D.C. exposed me to unlimited possibilities, and the city itself was refreshing to live in for almost four months. I really enjoyed having access to...Read more about UCDC Fall 2022: "They Are the Authors of Their Own Story"; Social Work isn't about 'Saving' People

People tell you that as you get older the years go by faster. I have found that as I worked harder over the years, and the opportunities added up, my years felt longer—so many more experiences in so little time. The growth I experienced in my first year at Berkeley was...Read more about UCDC Fall 2022: From the Shores of Mt. Vernon to Murder Mysteries with Friends; Finding Self-actualization through Humility and Personal Agency

As a first generation low income student, having the opportunity to intern in Washington DC for an entire semester has been the most surreal experience of my undergraduate career so far. Over the past few months in the nation's capital, I have interned for the Urban Libraries...Read more about UCDC Fall 2022: Leveraging Cultural Identities to Uplift and Engage Marginalized Communities

Fireflies are replaced by falling leaves in every color of the rainbow. The warm air that wrapped you like a blanket every time you stepped outside, now takes leave for a refreshing cold crispness that wakes you up and gets you ready for the day. This fall I have the privilege to...Read more about UCDC Fall 2022: Following in the Footsteps of Public Service Leaders