Blog: IGS Fellows in the World

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

Over the past 11 weeks, my UCDC experience has been full of surprises. While I anticipated the usual challenges—like adjusting to a new environment, navigating travel logistics, and dealing with the distance from friends and family—I never expected to adapt so quickly or...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: From Familiarity to Discovery - 11 weeks in DC

Interning at the U.S. Committee on Oversight and Accountability—Democrat in the Rayburn Office Building has been an engaging and impactful experience, allowing me to immerse myself in the mechanisms of governance while advocating for the rights and...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: Under the Capitol’s Canopy - A Dive into Oversight with a Side of Cheesecake

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...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: The Guilt of Being First-Generation

Every day around 5 PM, sometimes much later, I left the Cannon House Office Building from the exit that faced the Capitol Dome. I am enamored with this Monument. Every time I saw it either coming to or leaving work, it served as 288 feet of marble motivation. It reminded me of...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: Marble Motivation - Reflecting on My Semester in Washington D.C.

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...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: In the Face of Uncertainty, Embrace Curiosity

We kicked off Democracy Camp with breakfast, some warm-up activities, and a rundown of our schedule. Anticipation buzzed as we geared up to welcome our first guest speaker, Anya Ku. Anya is a proud double Cal...Read more about 2024 Democracy Camp in Berkeley Journal

The Work

My time in Washington, D.C. has been interesting thus far. I've had a varied range of experiences and emotions working as an intern with the House of Representatives Committee on Rules in the Capitol Building. The Committee controls...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: Dear First-Generation Girl: Get Out of Your Head

Community engagement has always been a passion of mine. There is a sense of altruism and belonging when collaborating with community members to promote collective impact. Coming from a lived experience with minimal resources (homelessness, food insecurity, poverty), I believe in the power...Read more about 2023 Gardner Fellows: Public Impact with Private Philanthropy

I never thought I’d ever be a morning person. Being awake at 5 AM was only a product of late-night study sessions, cramming for a midterm or yapping on the phone with my long-distance friends back at home. But now, being awake at 5 AM is a product of a newfound discipline, only...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: How I Turned Into a Morning Person

Interning for Senator Padilla’s office has been incredibly surreal and undoubtedly the highlight of my college journey. This marks my second visit to the East Coast, where I’ve not only adapted to the chilly weather, but also gained newfound confidence in making professional...Read more about UCDC Spring 2024: From Campus to Capitol: An Intern's Odyssey Across the Nation

As a Political Science major passionate about LGBTQ+ and reproductive rights, I entered my Gardner Fellowship with two main goals: to explore how I can make the most meaningful impact on the issues I care about, and to build a strong relationship with a mentor who could help...Read more about 2023 Gardner Fellows: Insights into Advocacy with the ACLU

Participating in the UCDC program this semester has been an incredibly transformative experience. This program seamlessly integrates academic excellence with real-world exposure, immersing participants in the vibrant tapestry of Washington, D.C.'s political, cultural, and historical landscape....Read more about UCDC Fall 2023: Witnessing History as it Unfolds; Weaving My Future into D.C.’s Vibrant Tapestry

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

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