Hometown: West Bloomfield, MI
Major: Political Science
Internship Placement: Rock the Vote
Why did you decide to do Michigan in Washington?
I’ve been eager to apply to this program since I was first admitted to the University of Michigan! Political Science has always been my path, driven by my passion for law and my profound interest in philosophy. The Michigan in Washington program was the perfect fit because it offers hands-on internship experience and places me in the heart of D.C., where policy decisions are made. This opportunity supports my academic and career goals and allows me to grow, contribute, and be part of something bigger than myself.
What do you do during a typical day at your internship?
A typical day at my internship includes tasks like checking emails from Info@, reviewing voicemails, and keeping track of messages on mobile commons. I also monitor the status of voting bills in all 50 states and research related topics. Part of my work involves drafting explainer articles, summarizing key posts from the Election Law Blog (ELB) on important voting-related information, and brainstorming or filming TikTok videos to engage the Rock the Vote audience. Every Thursday, I have an intern check in to review my ongoing projects, assess my workload, and get updates on Rock the Vote's initiatives.
What's something that you're proud of that you've done at your internship so far?
I wrote an explainer article on the Freedom of the Press, breaking down this essential topic to make it clear and accessible for our audience.
How has your skill set evolved or changed since you began working on this internship?
My skill set has evolved since I began working at Rock the Vote. Professional development sessions with my supervisor have provided valuable insights into the professional world. A key project was a website audit, where I focused on identifying outdated information and broken links, enhancing my attention to detail and problem-solving skills. Additionally, I’ve improved my ability to gather information, such as bill status updates and summaries of key voting-related information on the Election Law Blog, more concisely and clearly, increasing my productivity and helping the team work more efficiently.
What is one fun activity that you have done since being in D.C.?
One fun activity I’ve done in D.C. was attending the University of Michigan vs. University of Maryland women’s basketball game. Although we lost by a couple of points, it was a great experience cheering on my school and spending time with my peers!
What advice would you give to a student interested in Michigan in Washington?
Reach out to students who’ve participated in the program to get a sense of their experience and any advice they have. Connect with professors in advance who can write strong letters of recommendation on your behalf. Most importantly, go for it and apply! The internship search can be difficult, but trust that you’ll go where you're meant to be. And never underestimate the power of networking and putting yourself out there. Connections can take you further than you’d expect. This experience has granted me mentorship, meaningful D.C. connections, and advice that will stick with me long after the program.
