CITC Summer 2026 blog

My name is Briana Lee and I’m a junior majoring in Political Science and Educational Sciences. This summer, I served as a Research and Organizing Intern at UNITE HERE Local 7. I truly had one of the most life-changing summers in D.C. and as someone who came into CITC with soooo many unanswered questions, I’d love to take the time now to answer all my former burning questions (which I hope will provide some clarity and comfort to prospective applicants). 

1. What if I don’t make friends? Perhaps my biggest worry before arriving in DC and completely valid when you’re moving to a new city with people you haven’t gotten to bond with yet! It’s hard but try to remember that you are all there for a reason. You were all chosen to be in this program because of your shared passion for changing the world and that will lend itself to some incredible and authentic friendships (and countless nights spent debating political and philosophical questions). 

2. What if I don’t enjoy my job? A great piece of advice I received was that an internship serves to either teach you what you love or what you hate…or some combination of both! No job will be perfect but self-advocacy is a powerful tool and you should absolutely use it to your advantage. Communicate well with your supervisors and you can open so many doors for yourself. 

3. What if I don’t like D.C.? This was a bit of a silly concern on my part, considering the program is only 8 weeks long. But, as a born and raised Socal girl, I felt that my fears about the DC heat and the treacherous commute to Baltimore everyday were totally valid. After my time here, however, I can safely say that D.C. is one of the most amazing places to live in. I absolutely fell in love with the city’s food scene, history, and overall atmosphere. I truly do believe that there is something for everyone here. (Tip: Take advantage of the Lyft bikes if you wanna avoid walking a ton and wanna see more of the city from a new perspective!) 

4. How will I make the most of it? A difficult question and super person dependent!! I highly recommend formulating a list at the beginning of the summer with things you want to do. I hate to echo everyone else but time really does fly here and you want to have things planned every week to make the most of it (I’m also the biggest proponent of using bcal to its fullest potential :) 

I had the time of my life this summer and I truly couldn’t be more appreciative of this experience. Working in D.C. has only reaffirmed my passion for pursuing public service and policy work as a career and I’m incredibly excited to bring these new relationships, skills, and experiences back to Berkeley with me!

My name is Liliana Vasquez-Herrera. I’m a rising third-year double-majoring in Legal Studies and Sociology. I am currently conducting research on Education Equity under Dr.Amaarah DeCuir and I also work as an intern for the Center for Student Belonging at American University. 

This internship has been meaningful to me because I get to contribute to Dr. DeCuir’s research and work alongside first-generation students. Something new that I have been assigned to is finding fellowships/scholarships for EdD students. As someone who came into the CITC program as pre-law and was set on the pre-law route, I didn't explore other graduate programs. However, by getting exposure to an EdD, it’s definitely something that I have been interested in and will continue researching. 

Additionally, working with the Center for Student Belonging on their Student Transition Enrichment Program (STEP) designed to support first-generation students in their transition to American University, has been impactful. As a first-generation student myself, this work has truly inspired me to continue supporting first-generation students in navigating higher education. My coworkers and I always find a way to have fun, but also make an impact in these students' lives. As first-generation students ourselves, we all share the same passion of helping out this year's STEP cohort. This work has inspired me to continue working alongside first-generation students, and it’s something I want to continue doing back at Berkeley. 

Furthermore, this internship experience has allowed me to explore a new career option that I wouldn’t have given a chance. D.C. has impacted in more ways than I can imagine. I’ve been given exposure to a new career field and I’ve been able to explore new places in D.C. It has genuinely given me the opportunity to learn more about myself and what I wish to accomplish in the future.

Hi! My name is Jongmin Chae, I’m a rising sophomore studying English and economics. I’m currently interning as a growth strategy intern at Quickie Skincare, a skincare startup that is about to launch their first product at the end of the summer. 

Overall, spending time in DC has been an absolute blast. Between walking through Georgetown’s pretty streets or admiring the beautiful architecture, there was a lot to do in the city at all times. Whether I like to acknowledge it or not, I truly think Washington, DC has influenced my academic and professional trajectory in a meaningful way. Beyond the attributable metrics my internship might provide, my resume, or the vast wealth of information available to the public through Smithsonian museums and historic sites, I’ve come to realize that many of the conversations I’ve had with working professionals in the city have really informed what I want to do with my career. Assuming that every career path was linear is an ignorant belief that has come to disprove itself as I met many wonderful mentors in DC; none of whom had a straightforward path to finding their jobs. Whether juggling between public and private sector work, graduating law school to never practice law, or doing a complete 180 from college majors, I’ve found that when thinking about careers, the least important question is what the next step is, but rather who I want to help or work with in that next step. So for now, I’m pretty certain that I’m never coming back to work in DC. However, this summer has taught me that I might find myself back in this city, working in a field I may never have predicted. 

It has been a very informative summer in DC so far, and I go forward with two weeks left in this city trying to cherish the things I’ll miss—my favorite coffee shops, the scenic walk to the gym, and everything else that California just doesn’t quite capture.

Hello! My name is Audrey Colocho and I am a rising senior majoring in Legal Studies with minors in Human Rights and Race & Law. This summer I am interning at the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC) as a Mass Media and Communications Fellow. 

When I first started, I remember thinking my internship would just be me behind a cubicle working on Canva or social media posts. However, I conduct research and the investigative reporting that informs our publications. I have also had the opportunity to not only meet politicians, but interview them! While this has been a great opportunity to refine my skills and network, I will be transparent when saying that there are a lot of days where I have left work around 7 or 8 PM. Yet, I stay out of my own free will and love the people I work with. I also value the work that we do because our publications have spread awareness about policies, lawsuits, and other pressing issues that are affecting the Latinx community. Furthermore, witnessing the impact of our work by receiving praise from the community, victim’s families, and other representatives has felt deeply rewarding and reinforces my desire to pursue a career in public service.

That said, you will still be able to have a life outside of work––there are a LOT of great panels, events, and opportunities that you should take advantage of. So far, I’ve gone to Texas for a National Convention, a CHCI networking event, and panels hosted by the UCDC building! Even if you’re tired, these opportunities are actually indispensable and worth losing sleep over. It could help you secure a job offer, connect with professionals that will provide insightful advice, and more. So build those relationships, skills, and explore! Just make sure to bring a portable fan and spare change of clothes––once that humidity hits, you WILL be sweating profusely.

My name is Christopher Bailey, and I am a rising senior at UC Berkeley studying Political Science and Legal Studies with a minor in Public Policy. This summer, I am interning with the Democratic National Committee as a research intern. One of the first things I learned about the DNC is that the building is very confusing. It feels slightly like a labyrinth, and I have gotten lost many times. However, getting lost has also helped me discover some of the most interesting parts of the building. Early on, I found the studio and had the chance to watch Nancy Pelosi record a video, which was one of those moments where I had to pause and remind myself where I was.

As a research intern, much of my work involves taking notes on forms of public media, then helping compile that research into organized books and documents. So far, I have learned how much careful research and organization goes into political work behind the scenes. Being here has shown me the amount of preparation, coordination, and attention to detail that supports larger public-facing work. This has also helped me understand how my internship connects to public service because even when a task feels small, it can still contribute to a larger effort by making sure information is accurate, accessible, and useful for the people relying on it.

Luckily, I have not faced many major work challenges or challenges in D.C. so far, other than adjusting to the heat. Being from San Francisco, I have become very used to heat waves meaning mid-to-high 80s. In D.C., it feels much warmer all the time, and the humidity makes even short walks feel intense. Thankfully, the DNC building has amazing air conditioning, including small phone booth pods with strong fans. Outside of the heat, the public transportation system felt fairly familiar, and since I am used to taking BART, I was able to get a grasp on the Metro pretty quickly.

So far, this experience has given me a strong sense of connection and purpose. Every so often, it hits me that this is the Democratic National Committee, the same organization I have seen on TV, read about in the news, and studied in my political science classes. Being able to contribute to an organization operating at that scale makes me feel proud and grateful. One moment that stood out was on my first day, when I helped organize a spreadsheet to make sure the social media links for public officials were accurate. At first, I felt like it was a minimal task, but the main person on the project was genuinely appreciative and made sure to recognize the work. That reminded me that public service is not always about being the person in front of the camera. Sometimes it is about making sure the information is correct, the work is organized, and the people around you are supported.

Finding My Footing

I came into this summer knowing very little about the reality of financial regulation, only a vague ideal of catching “the bad guys” while protecting your average retail investor.  I spent the weeks before my start date trying to close that gap by learning everything I could about market structure, key rules, the basic architecture of how the SEC is organized, and what each division actually does, etc. I felt prepared enough. Then I arrived and realized the real learning hadn't started yet.

The Division of Trading and Markets oversees the mechanics of how securities trade, the rules governing exchanges, broker-dealers, and clearing agencies. It's technical work, not really the stuff of headlines, but the stakes are real. My first research assignment covered the Financial Data Transparency Act, a law aimed at standardizing how financial data gets reported across federal agencies. It raised questions about accountability and information access that felt familiar from work I'd done back at Berkeley, where I spent the last year studying how corporations externalize the costs of pollution onto communities and taxpayers.

But the most lasting thing I've taken from this summer so far was watching how people sustain this kind of work across time.

Talking to seasoned professionals here and across the broader regulatory world, people who have been through multiple administrations with very different priorities, has been by far the most interesting conversation I’ve had. What seems to keep them grounded isn't optimism about any particular political moment, but rather their commitment to the mission itself: producing rigorous research, offering honest analysis, being useful regardless of who's asking or what the political climate is. The political pendulum may swing, but they stay put. That kind of durability hadn't occurred to me as a skill before this summer, but it's starting to look like one of the most important ones in public service.

Getting plugged in took some initiative. I reached out across the division, asked for coffee chats, showed up to information sessions, and tried to be genuinely curious rather than just credentialing. Slowly, the work started to feel less abstract and more connected to my original goal and protecting industry outsiders who are just trying to retire comfortably. 

I'm not sure what impact looks like at the intern level. Mostly, I'm trying to listen well, ask better questions, and leave with a clearer sense of the kind of work I want to do and the kind of person I want to be doing it.

Washington is a strange place to spend a summer. But there's something useful about being close to institutions you've only ever read about. You see how much is contested, how much is contingent, and how many people are quietly, stubbornly committed anyway.

Though I do feel homesick for the Bay Area, I’ve really connected with my roommates and have dedicated my free time to exploring all D.C. has to offer – as well as spending a weekend in New York City!

Tara Akin | Anthropology & Environmental Economics and Policy, Class of 2027 | U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, Division of Trading and Markets

Hey there! My name is Keyla Amador and I am a rising senior majoring in Political Economy & Political Science, and minoring in Public Policy. This summer, I am interning at the Labor Council for Latin American Advancement (LCLAA), and I’m having a blast! This is my first time living on the East Coast. In the beginning it was really nerve racking having to adjust to a new climate (literally it’s so hot and humid here!), but as the weeks go by I feel myself settling in and it’s starting to feel like home. A big part of my success adapting to life in D.C. is my summer internship. I work in the American Federation of Labor and Congress of Institutional Organizations (AFL-CIO) building, under the Latine office LCLAA. It’s a short ten minute walk from the UCDC center, and it’s right in front of the White House. 

Back in the Bay Area, I’m involved in a lot of immigrant rights advocacy, but through this job I’ve realized that many pressing issues impacting marginalized communities are actually interconnected. The experiences that stand out to me the most so far is being able to be in meetings with advocacy groups doing on the ground work outside ICE detention centers. Immigrant rights are also laborer rights, and women’s rights, human rights, and LGBTQIA+ rights etc. and I get to learn about them all. I know that I’ll take what I’m learning about advocacy and organizing back home to California.

In addition, I’ve had the chance to attend meetings with members of congress, I help create social media content, and every morning I spend an hour drinking coffee and doing a sweep on the daily news. It’s very interesting to be reading about politics and government decisions, while being right across the street from where it’s all happening. That’s it for my first blog post, stay tuned for my final reflection at the end of the summer!

Hi! My name is Cynthia Hernandez, and I am a fourth-year majoring in Political Economy and Legal Studies. This summer, I am interning for the United States Hispanic Chamber of Commerce (USHCC), working mostly with the Chamber Relations team. During the first couple of weeks, I have learned how the USHCC actively engages in advocacy for small Hispanic businesses by empowering local chambers throughout the United States and connecting small businesses with corporations.  While I was able to research facts about the functions of the chambers of commerce prior to my first couple of weeks interning for the USHCC, I never fully understood how they work to empower small businesses. Interning for the Chamber relations team has exposed me to the resources provided to small businesses by local chambers, such as a variety of trainings on how to run a business and network events for small businesses to meet each other. As a national chamber of commerce, the USHCC ensures local chambers of commerce are supported, so they can support small businesses. 

Currently, my duties as an intern have involved preparing with the USHCC team for the National Conference in September. I have sat in on internal USHCC team meetings to discuss logistics regarding planning a huge event. The team has an excellent communication style among each other, teaching me how to effectively communicate ideas and brainstorm with others. I have assisted with communicating National Conference details to the local chambers. I have also been able to branch out from the Chamber Relations team and have conducted research for the Educational Fund team, which focuses on administering grants to support small businesses. Overall, I enjoy how my work is not limited to one team in the company, and I am encouraged to explore beyond the Chamber Relations team. It empowers me to continue networking and pursue my curiosities!

My name is Aaron Tran, and I'm double majoring in Political Science and Legal Studies moving into my fourth year at Berkeley. I'm currently interning for an amazing nonprofit called Movement Talent, which is an organization dedicated to addressing the human resources gaps within social justice nonprofits. As an intern, I am responsible for organizing outreach to hiring candidates and analyzing their candidate database to optimize their backend experience. Alongside a loving and supportive team, I have received the opportunity to delve deeper into my interests in labor and employment. I have since learned about equitable hiring, ways to improve the candidate process during recruitment, and the financial constraints that often underlie nonprofits without dedicated HR systems. I intend to bring my experience with me as an aspirant into the nonprofit sector and labor reform advocacy. While working an entirely remote position has its own challenges, especially in losing the face-to-face experience, I've grown to love everything about Movement Talent. 

Outside of work, I believe nothing will ever replace the time that I have spent in Washington, D.C. together with my cohort. From starting out as strangers, I have spent the past 4 weeks building lifelong friendships with the most amazing people in the world. Together, we share everything from our pasts to planned futures while exploring museums, monuments, happy hours at bars, and the diverse communities D.C. has to offer. With every day that passes here, I consistently remind myself to find a balance between both dedicated professional experiences and moments spent forgetting that you need to wake up early tomorrow for work. As a foodie, I'm excited to try new foods. From Ethiopian to Salvadoran food, I've learned D.C. is bustling with unique cuisines scarcely available elsewhere in California. 

Moving forward, I hope to make a lasting impact as an intern with Movement Talent in their mission to empower social justice nonprofits to expand their impact through equitable hiring. Understanding the intricacies behind candidate outreach and organizational change through who you hire has been so foundational to my love for how labor impacts social justice and the nonprofit space. 

Ultimately, you're going to build lasting connections. These are going to be with the people you share a class with, having never talked to them, only to find that they've become a big part of your life in a way you could've never imagined.

My name is Renaissance Zhang and I’m a rising senior double majoring in  Political Science and Cognitive Science with a minor in Data Science. This summer, I’m interning at the Plastic Pollution Coalition and Global Women Asia. My experience in DC so far has been quite exciting –I’m in love with the architecture, the culture, and seeing the city come to life every day with bustling young professionals. No matter what you’re interested in, I’ve found that there’s something going on every day. In the same week, I attended speaker events for AI and the race for dominance, an ocean conservation conference, and heard from the CEO of the IRC on global aid and refugees. At each of these events, I learn so much from the speakers and the attendees that I meet, and I feel more certain about how my future fits into each of these fields. On weekends, I visit countless farmers markets and flea markets, try new restaurants, wander for hours inside DC’s museums, and find out that there are endless opportunities to explore the city.

Despite all there is to love about DC, one of the most difficult things I’ve dealt with here is imposter syndrome and the sense that I’m falling behind; I feel like I’m running out of time and not making the most out of my experiences. These feelings stem from the same reason why I love DC–it’s a city full of young professionals who are all super motivated, well-connected, and good at what they do. The same environment that provides me a sense of community and belonging also creates this internal fear that I am not doing enough, not networking enough, and not ambitious enough. My remote work is especially hard: not having an office or in-person coworkers to have lunch with can feel lonely. To be honest, I’m not entirely sure how to deal with these stressors yet. Sometimes, I go to the gym and run until I’m too tired to think about my resume. Other times, I send cold emails, network harder, and browse upcoming think-tank events. Most of the time I try and remember that everyone is dealing with the same job market and adjusting to the same new environment, and that there’s no wrong way to enjoy my first summer in DC. For me, DC is a place for me to push myself harder, practice the growth mindset I always mention in interviews, and to explore beyond my comfort zones.

My name is Kimberly De La Cruz and I am a recent graduate, earning my Bachelor’s from UC Berkeley in Sociology with Honors and a Minor in Ethnic Studies. My experience in DC so far has been very enlightening into the reality of the job market and how networking can connect people to best-fitting opportunities. Connecting with various people, even those that aren’t exactly in the area you’re interested in, may help you find a passion or better connection through a professional detour than a direct pipeline might. One of my favorite experiences so far has been a former Cal in the Capital member inviting us to his job at the Embassy of Australia, in which we learned about the process to getting a job of that caliber, the reality of having such a career with the competitive job market, and how pursuing higher education may play into that possibility. Listening to his coworker’s presentation, an Australian academic, this Cal in the Capital alum from decades ago who now works for the Australian Embassy in DC was an embodiment of how a foundation in education at Berkeley could relate to opportunities like this. One thing that stood out to me from that experience was the alum telling us that his CITC experience in DC opened his eyes to the environment he’d want to have in his career.

Walking around DC, I’ve gotten a sense of a lot of the things that make society go. As a sociologist, I’m compelled to credit the natural diversity of humankind as the source of the societal evolutions which take place and push us into the next centuries. But, realistically, in a competitive and exhausting reality like the capitalist economy that enforces a 9-5 suit-and-tie working environment, no place reminds you of such pressures like the metro stations around Washington, DC. I see the metro cars crowd with suits after 5 p.m., as the weather reaches 90 degrees and humid thunderstorms with lightning simultaneously take place. It reminds me that choosing your place of work, be it in person, international, urban, remote, or otherwise, needs to be a productive space for you. For your career, every detail in the long-term matters. Exploring different environments allows one to truly visualize their preferences. Cost of living, demographics, political affiliations, and geographic landscapes included. I’m grateful to experience DC and the surrounding areas, even if the weather and fast-paced 9-5 life is intense. They seem to work hard and party harder but it’s still a work-life balance that we choose for ourselves and being here has allowed me to explore the realities of that balance.

My name is Jaycee Hendrickson and I am a rising junior studying Political Science and Public Policy at UC Berkeley. I am currently interning with Blockchain Legal Institute in Washington D.C., and some of my favorite experiences have been the networking opportunities and exploring a new city! I really liked the Cal Alumni event that CITC hosted at UCDC because we got to meet a wide variety of alumni in different sectors of the professional world, and enjoy a meal with them. I got to talk to some people that work in areas very different from my personal interests, and that was just as beneficial to me as those within my field. To students learning how to network, I highly recommend going out of your comfort zone and starting conversations with anyone you can meet — even if you feel unfamiliar or uneducated in their subject matter! You can still learn a lot about their experience with navigating job applications and post-graduate life in general. 

I also really enjoyed the annual CITC BBQ hosted by Dr. McGinnis because I got to catch up with my fellow cohort members and see how their internships are going and what experiences they’ve liked so far. There is so much to learn from even within our cohort — not just professionally, but sharing places to eat, visit, and sightsee across D.C. has been super fun as well! I think that an “unseen” side of working in D.C. is the ability to build community. Typically, when thinking about a summer internship, you think about the 9-5 work hours and exposure to post-grad life. However, there’s so much more than that! You are in a new city with fellow Cal students and other UC students as well, and there are so many opportunities to make new friends. It is overall a super fun environment and I am excited for the rest of summer!

Hello Everyone!

I am Breanna Banda, a rising junior majoring in Legal Studies and Sociology and interning for the League of United Latin American Citizens (LULAC). This summer, I am interning as a legislative and policy research fellow. 

Working for LULAC has made me grow so much, from my professionalism to becoming a stronger writer. One interesting aspect is working on commentary letters, where I have been able to research policy issues that matter and impact the Latino community. I’ve also had the chance to get published in their news branch, which has been really exciting and rewarding. 

One of my biggest challenges has been adjusting to such a fast-paced work environment. Everyone is always moving at what feels like 500 miles per hour, and staying after 5 p.m. is often the norm. At first, it was difficult to keep up with multiple assignments, changing priorities, and tight deadlines. However, this experience has taught me how to manage my time more effectively, stay organized, and adapt quickly when priorities change. Most importantly, how to find and manage a healthy work-life balance.

As well, I have enjoyed attending and sitting in on congressional hearings and taking field trips to the Hill. I have had to deliver letters to members of Congress; these experiences have made the advocacy process feel much more real and hands-on. A large part of my work has focused on LULAC’s national convention, which took place in Fort Worth, Texas, from June 16 through June 19th. I loved seeing all my hard work of prepping and planning the convention being used. As well, it was a cool opportunity to meet the speakers.

During my time in D.C. I have been able to bond and build community. Something I love about D.C is that there is always something going on. My roommates and I have bonded by exploring the city. We have gone out to restaurants, our favorite currently being Mission, and spent time at several museums. Our favorite so far has been the National Museum of African American History and Culture! These experiences outside of work have helped us become closer and create friendships that make living in a new place more comfortable and exciting.

Hello! My name is Sydnee Thy and I am a rising senior majoring in Political Science with a minor in Public Policy. I am currently a part of the Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS) program, where I have been paired with the Office of Congresswoman Nanette Barragan (CA-44) as a Legislative Intern with a healthcare policy focus. This is my first time in D.C. and the experience has been nothing like I expected–it's been better!

When packing up everything I needed for my eight week program in two suitcases and preparing to move across the country for the summer, fear ran through my mind and body like never before. The unfamiliar has never been my friend and I didn't think that would change. However, after a few days in the District I truly understood why so many people around me were willing to pack up their life and move here long term for post-grad. The nation's capital has exposed me to people with different lived experiences, stories, and career journeys in a way I couldn't have gotten anywhere else. The friends I've made here are some of the most passionate people I've met and I am constantly inspired by them as well. 

However, I won't say that this experience has been perfect. The people, customs, and culture here is distinct from anywhere I've ever lived. Do I know if I could see myself working and living here post-grad yet? No, I don't. You can't really understand a place until you've opened your full heart and mind to it; I have yet to do so. In the coming weeks I hope to continue exploring, learning, and living here as much as possible because I understand that this experience doesn't last forever. 

The best piece of advice I could give to someone looking into Cal in the Capital is exactly that: know it's not forever and make the most out of it even if you're scared or unsure! Once you do so, you'll have a true feel for what this place could or could not be for you. When you do that, in tandem with staying authentic to yourself, you'll find exactly what you're looking for here.

Hi Everyone, my name is Irving Perez. I am a rising junior studying Political Science and Media Studies. This summer, I’m interning with the Office of Campos & Associates. It is an immigration law firm with wonderful people dedicated to helping those in need during these uncertain times. 

My time in D.C. did not get off to the best start. The first couple of days, I was feeling very homesick and having trouble adjusting to the time zone difference. It does not help that D.C. makes you feel very small since it is so huge and busy. I was struggling to balance my work life and personal life. Since then, I feel like I have found my footing and have learned to love D.C. and everything it has to offer. 

The people in the Cal in the Capital cohort have definitely helped this place feel a lot more like home for me. I found my group of people who are always willing to go on an adventure, study/do work/, or do nothing at all. This made the transition from Berkeley to the busy streets of D.C. a lot easier. Our adventures have consisted of going to the zoo, enjoying the World Cup games at the National Mall watch parties, and checking out the various museums that D.C. has to offer. I would definitely recommend checking out the International Museum of Spies. Exploring the monuments at night is also a must; it is way too hot to go during the day, and they look better at night anyway. I plan to go to New York eventually as well. 

What started as a bad experience has turned into one of my favorite memories so far. I would not have preferred to spend the summer any differently. I would definitely recommend applying to the Cal in the Capital program and experiencing this firsthand. 

My name is Enya Yuan, and I am a rising junior at UC Berkeley studying Political Economy. This summer, I am working for the United States Attorney’s Office for the District of Columbia, working in their Homicide Division. Interning here has been a profoundly meaningful experience thus far, due to both the deeply impactful nature of the work and the wide range of people I have met through it.

One aspect of living in Washington, D.C. that I have especially appreciated is the endless opportunity to explore new places. Whether after work or on weekends, I have been able to take advantage of the city's museums, restaurants, and parks. One of my favorite pastimes so far has been exploring nearby parks and water coloring. The warm weather has also allowed us to spend much of our free time outdoors, which has made our time here especially enjoyable.

Another memorable experience was attending the annual Congressional Baseball Game with my roommates, where we watched career Senators get scraped up diving to catch balls. My favorite highlight so far, however, was spending the summer solstice exploring the museums at night. This past weekend, my friends and I roamed the National Mall and visited the late-night exhibits. Being able to experience such a vibrant city alongside so many like-minded peers has been one of the most rewarding parts of the summer.

I have also enjoyed D.C.'s proximity to other major East Coast cities. Last weekend, I traveled to New York City to celebrate my best friend's birthday. We managed to fit an entire weekend's worth of activities into just a couple of days and still made it back in time for work on Monday morning. D.C. has been an incredible place to spend the summer, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone interested!

Hi there! My name is Duke Dela Rosa, and I recently wrapped up my second year at UC Berkeley, where I double major in History and Political Science and minor in Public Policy. This summer, I am a cross-cutting intern in the Higher Education and Development departments at The Education Trust (EdTrust), a national nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing policies and practices that dismantle racial and economic barriers in education.

While my internship has deepened my interest in education policy through projects ranging from drafting recommendations on state financial aid portfolios to completing grant applications to support our higher education policy research, my time in Washington, D.C. has also shown me how much community-building and networking truly matter. 

Community has shaped my experience before I even arrived in D.C. I first connected with EdTrust through a relationship I built while serving in my student government, where I helped organize a higher education policy panel featuring the organization's Senior Vice President during our annual D.C. lobby trip. After staying in touch and reaching out to the team through a cold email, that connection ultimately helped land my internship. It was a good reminder that networking is not simply about making connections for personal gain, but about building real relationships over time.

That lesson has stuck with me since relocating to the East Coast. At a D.C. Cal Alumni Club networking event, I got to talking with an alumnus who was curious about my work on mental health resource implementation in higher education back in California. What started as a conversation turned into a chance to attend and present at a behavioral health conference she was organizing, and I am currently finishing up a poster presentation for it. Moments like that have shown me the value of being genuine, staying curious, and being willing to put yourself out there when meeting professionals in your field.

I have also found community by being intentional about scheduling coffee chats and catching up with fellow Berkeley students throughout the DMV area. Some of my favorite conversations have been with members of my team at EdTrust, many of whom previously worked at the Department of Education or served as education policy advisors for the White House and Congress. Hearing about their career paths, learning how they navigated the policy world, and connecting with them on a personal level has been one of the more rewarding parts of my summer as I think about my own professional path ahead.

One of the biggest things I have taken away this summer is that networking and community-building go hand in hand. The strongest relationships often grow out of honest conversations and shared interests. Especially during a tough political moment, being surrounded by others who care about public service and educational equity has kept me grounded in why this work matters.

I look forward to continuing to learn from the amazing people around me and leaving a personable mark during my time here in Washington, D.C.!

Hi everyone, my name is Amelia Chen and I am a rising junior at UC Berkeley studying Political Economy and Global Studies. As I first stepped foot into Congresswoman Doris Matsui’s office as an intern with an open mind and willingness to learn, I honestly had no idea what to expect. As someone who had always been passionate about public service, politics, and the legislative branch of the U.S., I was extremely drawn towards the opportunity to work on Capitol Hill in the House of Representatives within the U.S. Congress. 

Over the past month, however, I have gained a much deeper, firsthand understanding of the functions of congressional offices through attending briefings, committee hearings, writing policy memos, networking with the team within my office, managing her social media messaging, assisting with communications projects, and more. Additionally, the constituent-focused aspect has deepened my understanding of public service by demonstrating how elected officials and their staff work endlessly to ensure that the voices, concerns, and priorities of their districts are heard and represented. Through speaking directly to constituents on the phone, reading their emails, and writing/reviewing the office’s responses, I am constantly reminded of how policy decisions, legislative proposals, and political debates impact real communities.

Both inside and outside the office, one of the most rewarding aspects of this experience has been building relationships with the team, other interns, and students who share similar interests but come from vastly different backgrounds and experiences. Whether through intern events on the Hill, CITC events, exploring museums together, or even simply grabbing lunch during breaks, I am intrigued by every unique path that led people to Washington DC. These conversations have reminded me that there is no single route into public service and some of the most valuable lessons come from learning through doing. 

Living in D.C. has also given me a stronger sense of connection to the institutions and history that shape our country. Walking past the Capitol on my commute to work, visiting monuments on late night walks, and watching the government in action has made concepts that once felt distant in a lecture hall feel tangible. As the summer continues, I hope to continue growing both professionally and personally while building meaningful relationships, exploring new opportunities, and gaining a deeper understanding of how public service can create positive change in communities across the country.

My name is Liliana Vasquez-Herrera, and I am a rising third-year student at UC Berkeley, studying Legal Studies and Sociology. 

This summer I’m interning at American University’s School of Education, where I work alongside Dr.Amaraah DeCuir and the Center for Student Belonging. So far, my experience has given me the opportunity to explore educational equity through research and student support programming. 

Working with Dr.DeCuir has allowed me to engage with challenges impacting K-12 schools. The work I do consists of transcribing school board and equity committee meetings, attending congressional hearings held by the Committee on Education & Workforce and virtual educational policy panels, and conducting research at the American University Library, DC Public Library, and Library of Congress. I have been able to gain a deeper understanding of how educational institutions and policies directly affect communities, families, and students which is something that has always been interesting to me. I’m grateful for the opportunity to further explore this interest while contributing to Dr.DeCuir’s research. 

Additionally, my work with the Center for Student Belonging has been meaningful. As a first-generation student, I have had the opportunity to contribute to the development of the Summer Transition Enrichment Program (STEP), which is designed to help first-generation incoming students navigate American University. This work is inspiring to me because of everyone’s commitment to student success. I do hope to build a sincere connection with the incoming students and be a support system for them this summer. 

Being in Washington, D.C., is sentimental to me. As a first-generation, low-income Latina student from the Central Valley I never once imagined myself to be in DC, let alone intern here. The atmosphere here is definitely different from the Central Valley and Berkeley, but the experiences are what you make out of it. I’m extremely lucky to have been paired with my roommates who love exploring! We have been to World Cup watch parties, museums, and gone through many sleepless nights playing Monopoly and Uno. Overall, I have been loving my time in DC! 

My name is Briana Lee and I’m a junior majoring in Political Science and Educational Sciences. This summer, I’m interning at UNITE HERE Local 7 in Baltimore (yes the commute is not ideal but yes it’s also an incredibly scenic and serene train ride that lets me take the time to slow down and journal). UNITE HERE Local 7 is a hospitality union, representing around 2000 hotel, casino, events services, and airport workers across the larger Baltimore area. As a Research and Organizing Intern with the union, I support a variety of the union’s ongoing projects, including the mobilization of members and outreach initiatives. 

Working with the union has truly solidified my passion for social justice and community-centered change. While working on the BWI campaign, I’ve participated in grievance meetings and have observed the lengths that corporations will go to to undermine worker power and autonomy. Most recently, our organizing efforts culminated in a general membership meeting, where my staff sought to inspire our members to continue fighting the good fight and to discuss new organizing and advocacy strategies. Being in that space and hearing directly from workers who continue to maintain hope, despite the abuses they suffer at the hands of their employers, was incredibly powerful. It is a common misconception that the working class is unaware of the disparities between themselves and the billionaire minority; from the cuts to Medicaid and accessible transportation, these workers showed immense awareness of how their lives are being impacted by policy changes and how the union can advocate on their behalf for improved benefits and wages. To serve this group of people and help bring them justice and dignified working conditions has been so fulfilling and I’m excited to continue my work here. 

Outside of work, I am absolutely loving living in Washington D.C. Although I spent a whole semester with my fellow CITC peers, I didn’t get the chance to know most of them on a personal level until I moved into UCDC. A big lesson I’ve learned from my first few weeks here is to say yes to as many events as possible. Coming back from an 8 hour shift will inevitably leave you drained but it’s nothing that a dinner with friends or a dessert run can’t fix! Taking the time to branch out and meet new people, even as an introvert, has been so rewarding and I’m so glad that I’ve become close with people who I previously didn’t imagine myself being friends with. As I reminisce on the last couple weeks, I wish I could tell my pre-CITC self that everything will be okay and all will work out, as long as you’re willing to put in the work to meet new people and put your best foot forward. I’m so so excited for the rest of my summer here. Cheers to more runs around the Washington Monument, sunsets in Dupont Circle, shopping days in Georgetown, and exploring every museum D.C. has to offer!!

Hi Everyone,

My name is Samantha Ramos Alva. I graduated last month from UC Berkeley with a major in Psychology and a minor in Public Policy. This summer, I am interning with LULAC, League of United Latin American Citizens, where I work in Mass Media and Communications as a student journalist with El Grito Media, a newsroom dedicated to reporting news and issues that impact the Latino community. I recently returned from the LULAC National Convention in Texas, where I had the opportunity to interview Bobby Pulido. The convention was an incredible experience, and I was able to speak with many community leaders, advocates, and attendees while taking notes and creating content for LULAC and El Grito Media. Through this work, I help share important information and stories that keep our Latino community informed about current events and issues affecting our communities. 

I was very excited to come to Washington, D.C., but I was also nervous about balancing my work and personal life. Before arriving, I thought my summer would be mostly focused on work with very little time for anything else. However, I quickly learned that there is so much to do here and so many opportunities to connect with others. One of the best parts of this experience has been finding an amazing group of friends who also happen to be my roommates this summer: Lizbeth, Iris, Liliana, and Irving, whom we jokingly say we “adopted” into our group. They have truly become like family to me. I am incredibly thankful for Cal in the Capital for preparing me through networking opportunities, resume-building, cover letter workshops, and professional development. Their support made the transition to D.C. much smoother and helped me feel more confident entering this new chapter. 

Outside of work, my friends and I have made it our mission to make the most of every day here. We have visited museums, celebrated my birthday at Fogo de Chão, explored the International Spy Museum, visited the zoo, spent time in Georgetown, enjoyed late-night adventures, watched World Cup matches, gone biking at 2 a.m., gone bowling, and even played Monopoly until 3 a.m. Yes, really! This summer has been filled with unforgettable memories, meaningful friendships, and incredible adventures. Every week, we challenge ourselves to do something new and not waste a single day of this experience. Looking back, I am grateful not only for the professional opportunities I have gained, but also for the people I have met and the memories we have created together. This experience has reminded me that growth happens not only through work, but also through the connections we build and the experiences we share with others.

Hi! My name is Jongmin Chae; I am a rising sophomore studying English and Economics. I am currently interning at Quickie Skincare as a growth strategist, working to prepare the startup for the launch of its first product in the coming weeks. 

Traveling to Washington, DC, and getting acclimated to the new environment in the UCDC building has been a fun and oftentimes perplexing experience. My immediate impression of the people in DC was of their walking pace—everyone seemed to be race-walking from location to location, as if every task were allotted a 10-minute passing period. I was also struck by the heat and humidity, as I sweated through clothes on brief walks to grab lunch at the nearest Cava or Chipotle. While Washington, DC was amazing to see, my favorite memories so far have been traveling. My internship involved a lot of time in New York, and traveling to nearby cities around DC such as Alexandria and Arlington and venturing a few hours by train to New York have been the highlights of my summer so far, seeing friends and family along the way. I was fortunate enough to be in New York when the Knicks won the NBA championship—seeing the city erupt in that manner was an out-of-this-world experience. Although travel and adjustment have dominated much of my time so far, DC is becoming increasingly familiar, with yesterday being the first time I rode the metro without navigating on my phone. Having the metro system is such a fun way to jump from work to monuments to food to sleeping, an added bonus that BART can’t quite compete with. 

Despite primarily focusing on the differences between DC and California, I was pleasantly surprised at how many Berkeley alumni were in the area. On a day I wore a Berkeley shirt, I was repeatedly comforted by shouts from passersby, and hearing “Go Bears” reinforced what I already knew to be true; DC, and anywhere else for that matter, was bear territory.