Spotlight on Our Students: Anysha Luna

What sparked your interest in this specific experience with the Fund for American Studies? 

I had the interest in interning with the Fund for American Studies program because I wanted to have the internship experience at the Association of Prosecuting Attorneys with my housing secured and being able to attend program and networking events. With this program, I was able to live at George Washington University and attend events at locations such as the Capitol Hill and the U.S. Senate offices to gain academic and professional development skills. I have been able to hear from law school students, attorneys, senators, law school professors and congressional workers while being able to intern as well.

What do you hope to learn from this experience? How would you use that knowledge moving forward? 

I went into the experience of this internship having intended to apply to law school this fall, but with the expectation that this internship would help narrow my focus and show me aspects of the law that I liked and disliked. Moving forward, I feel that I can apply to law school with confidence that it is the right step for me and to gauge whether I found a legal internship fulfilling and to be exposed to different practices of law. 

What is the most interesting thing you’ve experienced so far during this experience? 

The most interesting aspect is the meetings and events that I have been able to attend. I had the privilege to attend conferences and meetings with staff from the White House, Department of Justice and attorney generals. Being able to speak with them and taking notes on policies and events that are occurring has been extremely interesting to me and allows me to talk with people outside of the office.  

What has been the most challenging? Why?

The most challenging aspect of my internship is completing letters of request for important organizations or people by a certain due date. Working to make sure that there are no errors on them and that they address the specific assignment and are precise is integral, and I do not want to submit anything with errors. 

What is the most valuable thing you’ve learned from your time in D.C.? 

D.C has felt like a fresh start to me. I have enjoyed the new sights and activities and was able to meet so many new, amazing people who have been great to ask for help when needed. Arriving in D.C gave me a whole new sense of motivation and commitment to accomplish the goals that I had set for myself, and work harder than I did before. 

How has your time in the UHP prepared you for this experience?

I took a trip with the UHP during the fall break of 2021 to Washington, D.C., and that was my first time there. I fell in love with the city and knew that I wanted to spend more time [there], and I applied for internship programs afterwards so I would be able to come back. I am additionally currently doing my Capstone Project, where I am doing a research paper, and the writing skills that I have learned have been applicable to the writing projects I am doing at my internship. 

What do you want to tell other students about how to prepare for research opportunities like this?

Apply even if you feel like you might not be qualified! And apply confidently; you would be surprised. Make sure you show that you are passionate and willing to learn. 

What’s the best bit of advice you’ve ever received?

The best advice I have received was that putting yourself in uncomfortable situations is going to be the way you get ahead. Doing things out of your comfort zone is the way you will gain more opportunities and meet new people, and it is worth being uncomfortable for a small amount of time!

This post was originally published in DASA.