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 its energy. I wish I could explain it. It didn't take long for me to realize that my future lay within the halls of Capitol Hill. I had pledged to myself that I would never leave California, yet aside from the cold winters and terrible Mexican food, Washington D.C. quickly felt like home.
Through the countless conversations with constituents during my internship, I realized they all shared one characteristic: they wanted to be heard. Individuals recounted heartbreaking stories, as they pleaded and cried for help on the phone, struggling to secure basic needs, anxious about their financial future and the conditions of the government. These minute long conversations underscored the necessity to approach public service with humility and a genuine commitment to help those in need. I learned that public service is the backbone of any thriving society and is essential for fostering a just and inclusive government. The obvious lack of representation and diversity in politics had been impossible to ignore, which is why interning for Senator Padilla was inspiring. Like him, I am a byproduct of Mexican immigrants, so following his example and returning to D.C. to represent the voices of the communities that raised and shaped me would be an honor.
My journey began with the simple goal of interning for a Senator, but I was uncertain about my purpose and drive. My internship came full circle within the Senate Gallery, marking both the very first and last day of my internship - as I witnessed Senator Butler speak and observed the [Secretary] Mayorkus impeachment proceedings. As I watched the Senators deliberate, I was filled with awe, and I couldn’t help but marvel at how far I had come. Yet, as I stood on the Speaker's Balcony, hours before departing Capitol Hill for the last time, and uncertain about my future, that moment reaffirmed my desire to walk the halls of the Capitol once again.
If I could lend one piece of advice to future UCDC students, it would be to approach their experience with an open heart, embrace curiosity and expect the unexpected. My semester in Washington D.C. has been an eye-opening chapter. UCDC was never supposed to be a transformative program for me. I applied because I assumed studying abroad was too expensive and I was unsure about my interests, yet this semester has been memorable, and I will be forever grateful for the unwavering guidance and support from the UCDC program and the Matsui Center. With all sincerity, thank you. I cannot wait to return to Washington D.C.