Blog: IGS Fellows in the World

My experience in Washington, D.C., was a whirlwind of discovery and growth, both personally and professionally. I was struck by the energy of the city, its vibrant cultural offerings, and the sheer scale of the institutions that shape our government. The brisk air...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: Reflecting on My Time in DC - Shaping My Views on Public Service

My time in Washington, D.C. was far more enriching than I had anticipated. I arrived expecting to visit the usual landmarks—the monuments, museums, and the White House—but what truly captivated me was the sense of unity...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: Reflection of My Time in DC - Commitment to the Common Good

My time in Washington, D.C. was far more enriching than I had anticipated. I arrived expecting to visit the usual landmarks—the monuments, museums, and the White House—but what truly captivated me was the sense of unity and collaboration that seemed to define...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: Public Service as a Key to Upholding Democracy

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

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 burden—the guilt of being first-gen,...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: The Guilt of Being First-Generation

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

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 to find joy in this...Read more about UCDC Fall 2024: From Familiarity to Discovery - 11 weeks in DC

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