Julia Mathis

Hometown: Kensington, Maryland

Degree and graduation year: 4+1 Master of Public Policy, 2021

Where I interned: The Office of State Representative Lindsay Sabadosa, through the Civic Action Project, a fellowship program that provides internship experience, training, and mentoring for emerging public service leaders.

What I did there: As a policy fellow, I worked on researching and coalition building for H.3841, a bill to bring medication abortions to public universities in Massachusetts. I also organized and hosted a virtual town hall on accessing abortions on campus. 

The most important thing I learned: I learned that it's okay to admit that you don't know something and to seek out help when needed. 

The most challenging part of my internship: The biggest challenge I faced was doing the whole internship online due to COVID-19. Trying to connect with people, schedule meetings, and plan ahead proves very difficult when done virtually. 

What surprised me the most: The lack of knowledge around a more "taboo" issue like access to abortion, even in progressive circles. 

Why I’m studying public policy: I'm studying public policy — specifically reproductive justice and immigrants’ rights policy  — in an attempt to improve our country, which is currently failing many of our most vulnerable folks. 

Future plans: I hope to work in the organizing sphere, either on electoral campaigns or on other grassroots interests campaigns