Raisa Majid, a rising senior in political science, has been accepted by the Panetta Institute to represent Cal Poly Pomona in their prestigious and highly-immersive Congressional Internship Program.
Every year, the Panetta Institute hosts one student from each of the 23 California State University campuses, nominated by their campus president, from August to November for a public service internship. The program also hosts students nominated by campus presidents from the Dominican University of California, Saint Mary’s College of California and Santa Clara University.
“I feel very lucky to be chosen. It is a very competitive internship, so just to know I was even considered is heartwarming,” said Majid. “I feel extremely grateful they said, ‘I’m going to take a chance on her.’”
Majid will begin her journey with intensive two-week training at the Panetta Institute, located on the campus of Cal State Monterey Bay. She will then travel to Washington, D.C., to serve as an intern for a member of the U. S. House of Representatives for 11 weeks.
During her freshman year, Majid was able to travel with the Department of Political Science to the Iowa Caucus and credits it for being the pivotal moment in her college career that inspired her to seek out more “learn by doing” opportunities.
Throughout her educational journey, she has proudly served as a residential advisor, Model UN teammate, and most recently as the secretary of external affairs for Associated Students, Inc. Because of these experiences, she has always been able to see how her studies connect directly outside the classroom.
“While being a student at Cal Poly Pomona, I’ve been fortunate enough to experience the meaning of ‘learn by doing,’ and see the value of engaging in education outside of just a textbook,” Majid said. “I’m grateful that this opportunity will give me the chance to continue learning through this approach and will allow me to gain an in-depth understating of the legislation, decisions, and discussions impacting people from the federal level.”
Majid said she hopes to attend law school and eventually work for an elected official passionate about similar issues, such as immigration policies, voter suppression and abortion rights.
To learn more about the Panetta Institute, visit www.panettainstitute.org.