University of Wisconsin–Madison

USA: Ivy Ceballos (Final Reflections)

Final Reflections on My Program Experience

Ivy stands in a business casual black dress in front of a red banner with the UW logo on it.
Me, posing beside a UW banner at the “Wisconsin in Washington” banquet event.

As this program comes to a close, I find myself reflecting on all that I have learned, experienced, and overcome. My time here has been a whirlwind of growth, both professionally and personally. Balancing a full-time internship with classes in Washington, D.C. was challenging, but it pushed me to sharpen my skills and truly immerse myself in the world of law and policy.

One of the greatest lessons I’ve taken from this experience is the power of community. Whether it was collaborating with my peers, building connections with mentors, or working alongside colleagues who share a commitment to justice and public service, I learned that we accomplish more when we work together. I gained a front-row seat to the workings of our legal system, from attending court hearings to writing articles that delve into complex cases. This was not just a window into my future career, but a reminder of why I’m passionate about this field.

A round room with arched red walls with sections of stained glass.
A picture of the main chamber within the Library of Congress.
A dimly lit hallway with crowded framed photos hung from floor all the way to the tall ceilings.
A photo of Jewish victims, spanning floors below and above in height. From the main exhibit within the Holocaust Museum.

While there were moments of exhaustion and doubt, those moments taught me resilience. They showed me what I’m capable of when I put my mind and heart into something. I leave this program with a clearer vision of my goals and a newfound sense of purpose. This is not the end but a steppingstone to the next phase of my journey, and I am deeply grateful for the experiences that have shaped me during this chapter.

Ivy stands next to the "A" of a red NASA logo statue in front of a concrete building.
Me, posing on the right-hand side of the NASA sign in front of NASA headquarters.

 

Ivy takes a selfie in a white room with a dark brown door.

Ivanna (Ivy) Ceballos

Major: Political Science, Legal Studies

Hometown: Romeoville, Illinois

Program: Wisconsin in Washington, DC Internship Program