Adapting to Change

Becoming Adaptable to Change

Growing up, my family stressed the importance of taking risks and applying for academic and professional opportunities that may push me out of my comfort zone. Taking the initiative to apply for internship positions and leave my home to work in Washington, D.C. this summer taught me how to adapt to new environments and overcome mental hurdles. This past summer taught me many lessons as I had to adjust to several changes at once: moving to Washington, D.C., moving away from my boyfriend, navigating an unfamiliar city alone, figuring out how to use the Metro, developing professional friendships and connections, all while working my first full-time position with the welfare policy team at the Cato Institute. Before moving, I joined D.C. Facebook groups and messaged random people about housing situations. Once I found roommates, to adjust to the move, I had to learn how to become comfortable with asking strangers for guidance and had to research and attend networking events where I did not know a single person. Taking these steps led me to become more comfortable interacting with new people and the importance of doing my research. Becoming adaptable to my new environment was an intimidating challenge, but it taught me important things about myself and how I handle stressful situations.

My Journey to the Hill

Moving to Washington, D.C. for the summer allowed me to increase my knowledge on welfare policy in California while also growing personally. When researching summer internships, I came across an opening for a research intern with the welfare policy team at the Cato Institute. I knew that a summer internship was a mandatory requirement at the Bush School, and although I could have stayed close to home, I knew I could not pass up applying to my dream position. I submitted an application, and a month later, I heard that I was chosen for the internship. When I first received the email that I was selected at my top choice think-tank organization, I was exhilarated yet terrified. Before leaving Texas, I had to find temporary housing, introduce myself to random people to find roommates, and figure out a way to get three months’ worth of clothes and necessities halfway across the country. I joined Facebook groups to meet other summer interns that way I could make friends before arriving and could find housemates. Upon arriving in Washington, D.C., I had to quickly learn how to navigate the Metro, find the most cost-effective way to get to and from work, and, most importantly, how to become comfortable introducing myself to others and developing quick relationships with my cohort. I did extensive research online on the fastest and least crowded routes on the Metro, and I used Facebook groups and my internship mailing list to find networking opportunities around the city. As an introvert and a homebody, being in a big city alone and adapting to external changes proved to be a more difficult task for me rather than my actual work. I pushed myself to attend networking events and conferences, and these opportunities have allowed me to become more comfortable in a professional setting.

At the end of my three-month experience, I gained many life and professional skills. In my position, not only did I gain a better understanding of welfare policy, but I learned how to network with scholars and other interns with different backgrounds and interests than my own. I also learned personal skills on how to better manage my money since I was on a limited budget with expensive rent. Instead of going to lunch every day with the other interns, I packed my lunch, made coffee at home, and limited myself to only going to the free Smithsonian museums on the weekends. These choices allowed me to explore and navigate a new city alone and with my new friends, while also saving money in the process.

Positive Change for a Positive Future

Learning to adapt to many significant changes at once taught me lifelong skills that I will utilize after I graduate from the Bush School. Not only did I gain practical and technical skills during my internship that will be useful for my capstone project and any job after graduation, but I also learned many interpersonal skills. My willingness and ability to adjust to new situations will help me in my transition to the workforce. In the future, when I graduate from my master’s program and enter the workforce for the first time, I will undoubtedly face challenges as I learn to navigate the professional world. Still, I feel confident from my lifelong experiences, and especially from my summer in Washington D.C., I will be able to overcome these challenges.