Annika Char is a political science student at the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign who interned in Senator Dick Durbin’s office through the Illinois in Washington program. She worked across the Education, Judiciary, and Press teams, assisting with legislative research, communications, and Senate hearings.
Last spring, I decided to apply to the IIW program. I had heard about it in countless political science classes, and the idea of spending a semester in D.C. immediately caught my attention. I had always dreamed of being in the city where the nation’s policies are made, and after a freshman year at UIUC spent mostly among high school friends, I craved a fresh start. I only knew one or two other students applying for the program, and not very well, which made the decision feel like a leap, but one I was ready to take.
The summer leading up to my semester in D.C. was a whirlwind. I scoured LinkedIn, Indeed, and the Senate Job Board multiple times a day, applying to every internship I could find. The deadlines were stressful (many weren’t until August) and I would be moving at the end of that month. Finally, the moment I had been waiting for arrived: I was offered an internship in Senator Dick Durbin’s office. As the Democratic Whip, Ranking Member of the Judiciary Committee, and a champion of immigrant rights, working in his office was an incredible opportunity.
Interns in the office are assigned to various legislative portfolios, and I was fortunate to rotate through the Education, Judiciary, and Press teams. My days were a mix of traditional intern tasks (answering phones, giving Capitol tours) and extraordinary experiences, like attending high-profile Senate Judiciary Committee hearings, including those of FBI Director Kash Patel and Attorney General Pam Bondi. On the press team, I drafted quotes for the senator, wrote tweets, and compiled press clips, which taught me how to communicate effectively in a high-stakes environment.
One of the most unforgettable moments of the semester was witnessing Senator Durbin reintroduce the Dream Act for the last time. Being present for such a historic and deeply meaningful piece of legislation, knowing how much it could impact the lives of so many young immigrants, was inspiring and humbling. It reinforced why I wanted to work in public service and showed me firsthand the importance of policy that affects real people.
Perhaps the most unexpected lesson I learned was how to write. Hill writing is precise, efficient, and detailed, and finding the right balance in dozens of memos – especially after four-hour hearings – was a challenge I grew to enjoy. I also gained a much deeper understanding of education policy. Working with Senator Durbin’s education team revealed how interconnected federal policy and schools are, which was a perspective I never fully appreciated before.
My time in D.C. also coincided with the longest government shutdown in U.S. history. My office remained open on part-time hours, but the tension was palpable. That period tested my resilience, and I leaned on my friends for support. At the same time, it gave me the chance to explore the city more deeply, take class field trips, and discover new cuisines (shoutout Beli!). Those moments, outside the office, made the experience truly memorable.
Balancing a full-time internship with full-time coursework was demanding, but it pushed me to grow in ways I hadn’t anticipated. By the end of the semester, I feel more prepared for life after graduation than ever before. From watching Senator Durbin question prominent figures in the Trump administration to snapping a photo with Senator Bernie Sanders, every moment reinforced my love for D.C. and my gratitude for the chance to contribute to meaningful work.
This experience wasn’t just an internship – it was a turning point. It challenged me, taught me new skills, and expanded my perspective on public service and policymaking. D.C. has my whole heart, and I will carry the lessons I learned here with me for the rest of my life.
Student Blog Disclaimer: The views and opinions expressed in student blog posts are those of the individual authors and do not necessarily reflect the views of the Illinois in Washington Program, the University of Illinois, or its staff and affiliates.