Majors: International Relations and History

• Internship: U.S. House of Representatives - Office of Congresswoman Matsui
• Current Position: Clean Energy Program Litigation Assistant at Earthjustice
• LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/celine-b-56869b201/

 Tell us about your internship – what kind of work did you do? What did you find rewarding?

I managed the office's phones, mail, constituent relations services, and helped process flag requests. I also helped research legislation/bills, write memos, and support the legislative staff. I gave constituents and special guests tours of the U.S. Capitol, which was a very exciting part of the job and I found it particularly rewarding because I got to contribute to people's positive experiences of visiting the nation's capital, while also learning about them and their stories. Overall, I loved every part of this experience.

Have your career or life goals changed as a result of your internship? If so, how? 

My experience in the Washington Program and my internship gave me more confidence in my ability to reach my career goals.

Share an exciting memory from your internship – something unexpected, an accomplishment, someone you met. 

While many exciting things happened during my term in DC, there is a specific instance that comes to mind in regards to something I hold close. A constituent came to DC with his daughter, her partner, and his two children. Their tour of the Capitol was the first one l I gave (alongside my supervisor), and they were so kind. I have worked in early childhood my whole life so it was nice seeing young children again, and I felt like there was a piece of home with me. We really bonded and had wonderful conversations, and I enjoyed teaching this family about the history of the Capitol building and Washington DC. A couple weeks afterwards, we received an email thanking us for the tour and for the time we took to get to know them and make their experience pleasant. This showed me the intersections between public service and politics, and how impactful people's actions not just in DC, but everywhere, on behalf of an office can be. It was an honor to be in this position and to be a part of this family's special memory in DC.

Did your internship lead to any opportunities?

Yes. Even though I decided to not pursue entry-level positions on Capitol Hill, my internship led me to meeting peers (interns/staff in other offices both in the House and Senate) as well as mentors who helped guide me through the closure of undergrad and also through exploring career goals. I am still in contact with many of these individuals today. I also made great connections with guests, whether they were constituents I was giving capitol tours to, or professionals who I escorted to meetings with the Congresswoman.

Share a story about something special you did in Washington – an event you attended, a place you went, an exciting talk, etc. 

The Supreme Court's draft opinion overturning Roe v. Wade was leaked on the night of Monday, May 2. The next day, I went to work in the office, where the energy was united but mournful, to say the least. After work, the office staff joined the protests in front of the Supreme Court. The sense of solidarity I felt with not just my office staff, but all individuals who were present at the protest, was immense and inspiring. It reminded me what we fight for every day, and how movements have persevered in the past. It was an eye-opening and life changing moment for me, and truly showed how important it is that I do everything in my life (both career and personal) to fight for and protect the rights of others.

Do you have any advice for future UCDC students?

Go above and beyond in your internship. Get to know your team, and ask questions. Journal every day (or try to) so you can look back afterwards and see the measurements of progress and evolution that you experience (because they will happen!) during your quarter's cohort.