Witnessing the Political Process First-hand in Sacramento

by Paige Schoknecht

After taking political science classes for almost four years, I wanted to witness the political process first-hand. I think it is important to take yourself out of your comfort zone for a quarter. I had already studied abroad with EAP, so I wanted to stay close to home rather than go to Washington, D.C. UCCS seemed like a good fit because of its small size, and I was excited about helping to shape a brand new program.

While at UCCS, I did an internship in Assemblymember Mullin's office in the State Capitol. He represents most of northern San Mateo County, which is where I am originally from. My experience was great, because the other staff members in my office treated me like a regular full-time staff member, just like the other legislative aides. My work consisted of staffing an education bill that I was assigned, briefing the Assemblymember on bills that were coming before his committees, and attending committee hearings, meeting with constituents, and planning events in the district.

One of my favorite experiences at UCCS was working on the bill that Asm. Mullin carried this spring. It passed through the Assembly Education Committee, and although it was held in the Appropriations Committee, it was later appropriated funding in the Budget Act.

Another interesting experience that I had as a UC student and as an intern in a legislator's office was dealing with the backlash after the UC compromise with Gov. Schwarzenegger. After Gov. Schwarzenegger and the UC Regents agreed to raise tuition and divert students to community colleges, UC students from all of the campuses came to the Capitol to protest the cuts. I was amazed at what the students were able to accomplish, and I know people in my office were interested in what I had to say about the issue as a UC student.

My experience at UCCS definitely influenced my career. I was offered a job in Assemblymember Mullin's office, where I am now a legislative aide. My internship not only helped me focus my career goals, but it actually helped me get started in my career in public policy.

I would strongly recommend applying to the UCCS program, especially in its pilot phase. Dr. Dymski, an economics professor from UC Riverside, leads seminars twice a week to supplement the internships. He is a wonderful professor and made an effort to get to know each of the students in the program personally. The program is small enough now that all of the students know each other really well and are very excited about establishing a new systemwide program.

Paige Schoknecht graduated from UCSB with a B.A. in political science in June 2004. She eventually wants to earn a master’s in public policy or a degree in law.

Learn more about how to apply to spend a quarter at the UC Center in Sacramento: www.ltsc.ucsb.edu/urca/uccs.php

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