Newsletter

December 2007
API Internship Day at the Capitol

Selena An, Intern Class of 2007

This summer, the CAPA Ed interns from Class of 2007 were invited by Vision New America to participate in the API Internship Day at the Capitol. Sponsored by the Asian Pacific Islander Caucus in the California State Assembly, API Internship Day is a two-day event attended by interns from around the state. Two interns from CAPA were able to make the trip.

On July 16th, 2007, the interns took a bus to Sacramento. In the morning, tour guides led the interns on a tour of the State Capitol, where interesting history of the Capitol, the rooms in the Capitol, and the portraits of governors were related. The interns were given the special privilege to take photos in the Assembly chamber.

After a catered lunch in the Eureka Room in the basement, the interns were given presentations by panels that included staff and members of the State Legislature and lobbyists. The topics that were discussed included partisan collaboration, workload, and misconceptions about lobbyists, legislatures, and the government in general. The speakers encouraged the interns to consider fellowships in the State Legislature and careers in public service. Assemblywoman Fiona Ma also gave an excellent presentation on the role of family in the life of a public servant. In particular, she talked about the expectations Asian parents and the influence her parents had on her career choices.

The interns had a wonderful experience in Sacramento and wrapped up with a group picture on the steps of the Capitol.

Interns Selena An and Mark Bibera join interns from other API organizations
including APAPA, TACL, VNA and CASIC for API Internship Day at the Capitol.