[Lena Phomsouvanh and Sen Mazie Hirono through hard work and determination] HDFS (FamR) student Lena Phomsouvanh earned a full-time internship in Washington, D.C., with Sen. Mazie Hirono during spring 2015. She was immersed in the political realm and learned firsthand about the legislative process and the political sector. Lena writes that she was truly humbled to be one of the four students representing UHM. She felt fulfilled knowing that she was making a difference through the work she did. She has always had a strong interest in family public policy and how legislation can impact minority families, and now she is strongly committed to public service and hopes to continue on to serve her community. During her time in D.C., Lena was able to analyze how U.S. legislation affected Hawai‘i in the areas of education, health, and social welfare. Lena explains that the government crosses all sectors, and interning in D.C. is a great opportunity for all majors to learn about its role. She concludes, “I encourage all CTAHR students to apply because you will gain more than you would even imagine. Students do not necessarily need a political science background to intern! As CTAHR students, we are able to bring a unique perspective to the Hill through our diverse majors. If you have a willingness to learn and bring your own knowledge and experience, you can achieve anything.”