Name: Carly Mondry

Hometown: Dallas, Texas

Major: Political Science  

Minor: Law, Justice, and Social Change

Internship Placement: Office of Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi

 

Why did you decide to do Michigan in Washington?

Having interned on the Hill this past summer, I knew that I wanted to return from the moment I left. Michigan in
Washington is an absolutely incredible program, and I am so grateful that it has enabled me to pursue my goals. Although I love being at the University of Michigan, I feel that MIW provides a once in a lifetime college experience for
students to further their education with practical, real world experience.

What are some of the projects you have been working on at your internship?

I’ve had the good fortune to work in the Leader’s health policy shop. I’ve mostly been helping the staffers by conducting policy research on a diverse range of health issues. One of my favorite projects was collecting the final 2018 health insurance enrollment counts in states that operate on a state exchange and running subsequent analysis. I always have to spend time teaching myself background information on every issue I research. I consider this to be one of the most rewarding parts of my internship because I have expanded my policy expertise quite a bit as a result.

What elective are you taking and is there anything interesting you have been learning/doing for this class?

I am taking American Political Journalism with Carlos Lozada, an editor at the Washington Post. This class perfectly embodies what makes MIW so special: it blends top-notch teaching with real-life experience that you can only get if you live in Washington, D.C. For example, Professor Lozada has arranged for several prominent journalists to speak to our class including Washington Post Editor Marty Baron and Bob Woodward, a retired Washington Post journalist notorious for helping to unearth the Watergate scandal. 


What has been your coolest moment in D.C. so far?

One of my favorite moments in D.C. thus far actually happened last summer. Through dedication (I had to wake up at 3:30 am) and some good luck, I was able to attend the hearing of former FBI Director James Comey before the Senate Intelligence Committee shortly after he was fired by the President. I had been to congressional hearings before, but this one felt entirely different. I felt as though I was watching history in the making. One of my favorite moments from this current semester was when I had the opportunity to hear the President, Vice President, and congressional leadership speak at the Congressional Gold Medal Ceremony for former Senator Bob Dole.

What are you looking forward to for the rest of the semester? 

I’m looking forward to learning as much as I possibly can for as long as I’m here. There’s no better place to learn about politics than Washington, D.C., and there’s no better place to learn about successful policy and strong leadership than the Office of Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi.

Anything else you want to share?

Go Blue!