Internship: Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation (JDRF)
Term of Participation: Fall 2019
What was your role during the internship?
As JDRF’s government affairs intern, I researched health policy, attended meetings with Congressmen and legislative assistants, and went to briefings on Capitol Hill. My favorite part of my internship was volunteering at the JDRF Hope Gala that took place in the National Building Museum. Over a million dollars was raised in total which really made me feel like I was a part of something instrumental in eventually finding a cure. I found this work rewarding because I am a type one diabetic, so everything I did had personal importance as well as helping others with the same disease.
How did your internship influence your career goals?
I’ve decided that I want to move to D.C. while I take a gap year before attending law school. Afterward, I plan on pursuing a career in government affairs.
What is an exciting memory from your time in D.C.?
One of my roommates, from UCSB, worked in Speaker Pelosi’s office so she was able to take me out onto the Speaker’s Balcony. It was an empowering experience.
I also remember the night the Washington Nationals won the World Series. I went out to Navy Yard (by the stadium) to watch the game. I will never forget the cheering, team spirit, and overall happiness everyone felt at that moment.
What kind of opportunities did the internship lead to?
I made so many new friends and connections from around the United States that have led me to different opportunities and resources that truly would not have been possible without the help of this program.
What advice do you have for future students?
Do everything you can. Take the metro outside of D.C., walk to the National Mall, explore. Don’t be afraid to NETWORK; professionals love to talk about themselves. Overall, use this time to find yourself.