My name is Jordyn Murray! I am a fourth-year Politics and Legal Studies double major and I participated in the University of California, Washington D.C. program (UCDC) in Fall 2024. I’ve always been interested in government and policy, so when I first heard about UCDC as a freshman, I knew I wanted to participate.
Living and working in the nation’s capital was a truly unique experience. I was born and raised in Southern California, so moving to a big city like D.C. was different from what I was used to. However, I thrived there. There were so many things to do, people to meet, and sights to see. The city was full of new food, cultures, and experiences that I never would have been exposed to otherwise. I tried Ethiopian food for the first time, went to theatre productions at the Kennedy Center, and attended an Oktoberfest celebration on the Wharf. Public transportation made everything accessible, from the national monuments to the free Smithsonian museums. Some of my favorite museums were the African American History Museum, the Holocaust Memorial Museum, and the National Art Gallery. My roommates and I were always trying out a new museum, restaurant, or study spot. There are cool cafes all over D.C., some of the standouts for me were Tatte, Nativo, and Emissary. For restaurants, Martin’s Tavern and the Red Hen are a must. If you are vegetarian or vegan, the Planta Cocina is great and only a five-minute walk from the study center. No matter what, there was always something going on or a new thing to try!
Additionally, I got the chance to intern on Capitol Hill in Senator Alex Padilla’s office. In fact, my internship started a month before the program, so I got to D.C. and moved into the study center early. Working for my own senator was a rewarding experience, but it wasn’t without its challenges. Going through Capitol security and walking into the office for the first time was intimidating. As a young college student, it was easy to feel imposter syndrome. I was worried that the work culture on the Hill would be too much for me and that I wouldn’t fit in. Despite my worries, the Senator’s office was a great place to work. Everyone was so accepting and friendly; they all knew exactly what it was like to be in my shoes. My internship allowed me to test out my interest in governance and policymaking by allowing me to work with legislative staff, attend congressional hearings, and speak with constituents.
A typical day in session at the office would start by answering phone calls, logging voicemails, and sorting through mail. Then, I’d be assigned to a briefing where I’d take notes to bring back for legislative staff. After lunch, I’d give a tour of the capital to one of our constituents before typing up my notes from that briefing, editing them, and sending them to the policy team. Finally, I’d end the day with my weekly internship check-in where I’d get to speak with my supervisor on how the week went and anything I may need help with. This internship was a great first look into the world of government. Ultimately, it solidified my desire to pursue a career in this area.
Another challenge I didn’t expect was moving back to Santa Cruz after the program ended. It can feel difficult and abrupt to end your study away experience, especially after making so many new friends and connections. Going from working a nine-to-five nearly every day to homework and classes can be a big adjustment. Plus, I learned a lot about myself in D.C., and I didn’t want to lose that. While this move may be difficult, you don’t have to lose any of the friends you made or the lessons you learned in your time away. Since coming back, I have continued to build on those friendships and lessons. Just yesterday, I met up with a friend I met during my internship and got lunch. I still talk to my UCDC roommates every day. And most importantly, I am building on the foundations I laid in D.C. in my classes as I explore a future career in politics.
UCDC was such a positive experience, and I will never forget the memories I made there. The combination of living in our nation’s capital and gaining internship experience is so valuable. I recommend this program to any student interested in gaining work and life experience!