As a Delawarean, Washington D.C. has always been just a drive away, but my past two months in the nation’s capital have been eye-opening, filled with learning, adventure, and discovery. Over the past few weeks, I have worked for Senator Chris Coons of Delaware as a press intern. My responsibilities include creating daily clips with the news of the day, updating press lists with reporter contacts, drafting press releases for state and national news, and developing social media content with video production. Moreover, I have also drafted memos for the foreign policy team regarding foreign trips abroad. Although I started the first half of my internship remotely, I have finally returned to the office and have witnessed the hustle and bustle of working on Capitol Hill. The beauty of the interior of the Capitol is surreal, and the chance encounters with U.S. senators continue to amaze me each time as I watch politics happen before my eyes.
When I am not interning, I enjoy wandering the many museums and monuments filled with history and art and spend time exploring different restaurants and cafes across the city. I have spent hours at the National Gallery of Art and the National Portrait Gallery in awe of all the beauty that surrounds me as I soak it all in. At the same time, from strolling through DuPont Circle to shopping in Georgetown, I have realized how D.C. offers endless experiences for exploration. During these past few weeks at UCDC, I have not only learned of the excitement of city life but have also discovered the joy and fulfillment of working in public service in Washington, D.C. Upon graduation, I hope to move back to D.C. before attending law school in the future. I am credibly grateful to have received the Matsui Washington Fellowship and would like to thank them for all the support they have provided me during my stay in Washington!