Student Stories: Winter 2017

David Chang, UC Riverside

"I am by no means a picture perfect college student. I'm thirty and it took me thirteen years to finally say that I’m graduating next quarter. I used to think it was shameful (and a part of me still does) but I found solace in knowing that I gave my best given the circumstances.

You know how we all sang the Star Spangled Banner and pledged allegiance to the flag as children? It sounds corny but I feel like a part of me, as an American citizen, is finally fulfilled by living here in D.C."

David Chang majors in Media and Cultural Studies at UC Riverside. He currently works as a Press Officer in the Office of Communications and Outreach at the Department of Education. His duties include informing the public about education and civil rights policy, facilitating departmental programming, and taking photos at events.   

Keuren Parra Moreno, UC Santa Cruz

Keuren Parra Moreno is a Business Management Economics major from UC Santa Cruz. She currently interns at the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section. At work, she assists with cases by digesting transcripts of trial testimony and depositions, conducting research, and preparing materials to use as litigation exhibits.

“I never imagined I would be in the center of our country's political world at such a historical and controversial time. Learning about federal prosecution in the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section is a once in a lifetime opportunity. I am witnessing how important this work is for our communities and exploring the variety of career opportunities available in law. I am grateful to UCDC because I would have never had these opportunities without it.” 

Tiffany Chiu, UC Irvine

“Living and working in Washington, D.C. has been a unique and rewarding experience. I’ve been able to network with fellow psychologists at professional conferences and take weekend trips to New York City and other east coast destinations.

Anyone interested in gaining professional work experience, becoming more independent, or living on the east coast should definitely apply to UCDC.”

Tiffany Chiu is a Psychology and Social Behavior major from UC Irvine. As research intern at the American Psychological Association, she designs surveys, conducts project evaluations, and promotes research via social media.

Marnie Lowe, UC Berkeley

“My time in D.C. has been immensely rewarding. At the Department of Justice, I've been fortunate to work with some of the most talented and dedicated people I've ever met. Outside of work, D.C. offers a ton of political history and opportunities for present-day activism. Overall, it's an experience I never could have had in the Bay Area, both professionally and culturally, and I'm looking forward to my remaining months here.”

Marnie Lowe majors in Legal Studies at UC Berkeley and currently interns at the U.S. Department of Justice, Criminal Division, Public Integrity Section. As an intern, she assists attorneys and paralegals by conducting public source research on witnesses and defendants, organizing and analyzing documents in evidence, and preparing materials for trial use, such as video transcripts and examination binders. She also observes hearings, trial preparation, and staff meetings, giving her inside look at the prosecution of internal government corruption.