Meet Claire Arnaiz, a senior at the University of California, Santa Cruz, who has joined Penn Hill Group as an intern through the UC Washington Center’s research and internship program. With an interest in social issues, Claire is a Legal Studies major who will graduate in December of this year.

See our interview with Claire below to learn more about her and what she brings to our office. Welcome, Claire!

Claire Arnaiz

What brought you to DC?

I am in DC to participate in the UCDC research and internship program, a University of California program that allows UC students to intern in Washington DC while earning college credit.

What do you hope to do or learn during this internship?

During this internship, I hope to further my understanding and knowledge of current education legislation. Likewise, I am excited to learn about the process of lobbying the federal government and all of the intricacies associated with it.

What is your major? What are some of your hobbies?

I am a Legal Studies major, although I have also taken a number of politics and feminist studies courses. In my spare time I enjoy reading, exercising, practicing Spanish, baking cookies, and spending time with family and friends.

How will this internship fit in with your future goals?

As a Legal Studies major with an interest in politics, I plan on pursuing a career in the law or the legislative branch of the federal government, although I am not exactly certain which of those I would like to pursue at the moment. My time with Penn Hill Group allows me to explore the fields of law and politics and my experiences in those fields will help me determine which arena I would ultimately like to pursue.

What interests you most about education?

I am passionate about early childhood and higher education, specifically President Obama’s Preschool for All initiative and legislation to make college more accessible and affordable.

What did you do this summer?

I spent this summer studying Spanish language and culture in Madrid, Spain. During my free time I practiced my Spanish, ate tapas, and traveled around Spain, Portugal, Morocco, France, the Netherlands, and Italy.