My Internship Experience at the California State Assembly

In the summer of 2023, at 19 years old, I had the opportunity to intern for Assemblymember Chris Ward in California’s 78th Assembly District through a College Corps program while I was still a community college student. I received the internship through a political science professor who encouraged me to apply, and what began as a summer opportunity turned into a six-month experience that significantly shaped me both personally and professionally.

Walking into the California State Capitol in Sacramento for the first time was both exciting and intimidating. I was young, inexperienced, and constantly questioning whether I belonged in a space filled with professionals who seemed so accomplished and knowledgeable. I struggled with imposter syndrome throughout much of my internship, especially because I was only 19 and most of my office, aside from my chief of staff, was made up of men. At times, I felt as though I had something to prove, not only to the people around me, but to myself.

Throughout my internship, I worked directly with constituents through phone calls, emails, and community concerns. I drafted fact sheets and talking points, researched legislation, attended hearings, met with lobbyists, and gained firsthand experience with the legislative process. One of my most significant projects involved House Resolution 46 related to homelessness in my district, and I contributed extensively to researching and preparing materials for that work.

What surprised me most was how detailed and complex the legislative process truly is. Before this experience, politics often felt distant, something the public only sees from the outside. Being inside the Capitol gave me a completely different perspective. I saw how much research, collaboration, and responsibility goes into every bill and policy decision, and how even the smallest details can carry significant weight.

My Assembly Certificate.

I was honored to complete the Community College Corps Program at the State Assembly through Robert Rivas , Speaker of the Assembly 2023.

Not everything came naturally to me at first. I still remember that my first fact sheets and talking points were honestly not very good. At the time, I felt discouraged and questioned whether I was capable of doing this kind of work. Looking back, I realize that growth often begins in moments of discomfort. I was fortunate to be surrounded by intelligent, kind, and supportive people who helped me improve and challenged me to grow. One of the most meaningful moments of my internship was receiving positive feedback on the bill I had been working on. For the first time, I felt that I had truly contributed to the team and that my work mattered.

More than anything, this experience gave me a new perspective on politics, public service, and leadership. It taught me how much effort goes into creating policy, but it also taught me something about myself. I realized that this is the kind of work I want to pursue in the future. My internship helped solidify my decision to continue my education at UC Davis and eventually attend law school.

If there is one thing I would tell other undergraduate women interested in opportunities like this, it is to apply anyway. The worst they can say is no, and most of the time, you are more qualified than you give yourself credit for. I wish I had entered this experience with stronger interview skills, a better resume, and more confidence in myself, but sometimes growth comes from stepping into opportunities before you feel completely ready. We all begin somewhere, and sometimes the struggle is what teaches us the most.

Looking back, this internship was more than a professional opportunity. It was an experience that reminded me that I do belong in rooms like these, and that my voice, ideas, and ambitions deserve a place there too. More importantly, it reminded me that other women belong in these spaces as well. Women deserve to take up space in leadership, public service, politics, and law, even when those spaces may feel intimidating at first. We all have something valuable to contribute, and we all belong in these spaces.

My Internship at the California State Assembly (2023)

An experience that shaped my path toward law school and public service.

My first real public service experience.