MatchBridge

Youth Profile | Amy L.

“My experience at the Public Policy Institute of California allowed me to be more aware of the world around me. Just by talking to my colleagues and reading some of the documents I helped edit, I realized that public policy workers go through a lot to gather accurate information, spread awareness of economic and social problems, and provide well thought-out solutions. I was interested in how California budget cuts will affect youth in school. I became more aware of the policies around me related
to school budget cuts, child retention, transportation, immigration, and water. I am lucky to have worked there because it helped me understand a world that I was
previously oblivious to.

I am considering a career that allows me to work alongside youth. While working at the Public Policy Institute, I got the opportunity to talk to an education policy specialist. Meeting her helped me understand how rules and policies in the school districts work and how she gathers information to determine the impact on a child’s education. Even though my career in education is tentative, I was able to learn things that may help guide me in the future.

I gained plenty of new skills and had the opportunity to learn about my strengths and weaknesses. I was able to work with adults and leave my comfort zone. My
self confidence developed in presenting my ideas and opinions. Overall, I became more professional in the way I present myself to others in the work place. The
job helped me mature and become a more capable candidate with higher self esteem and new skills to improve myself.”

Amy Li has been a member of MatchBridge since 2008 and was an intern this summer with the Public Policy Institute of California. For more information on summer internship opportunities like this one, please contact MatchBridge.