Matsui Center Washington Fellows

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 unlike any other year before, and now my time in the UCDC program has raised that bar. My final work before parting ways was as fulfilling as ever; exploring how people can improve upon their self-actualization through intrinsic motivation shaped by policy, incentives, and most importantly, themselves...

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 opportunity to both intern full-time at the Urban Libraries Council (ULC), and take classes in subjects I had not taken before, such as international affairs and humanitarian aid efforts. Being able to attend networking events that further broadened my exposure to different careers in public service was...

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 legislative research, answering constituent inquiries, and other administrative tasks. Due to my specific policy interest in environment and energy policy, the office has assigned specific tasks based on these interests. Some of my projects include researching EPA rulemaking, attending hearings related to...

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 input. When constituents contact their congressional offices, staffers and representatives factor in their opinions when crafting official political stances. Although I did not work for a district office, I witnessed indirectly how representatives’ district offices help and advocate for constituents...