Imagine having the peace of mind every month to refill prescriptions, get regular check-ups and time with a provider you trust, only to have that completely ripped away. Unfortunately, that may be a looming reality for millions of Americans.
As a public health major, I’ve always understood — at least in theory — that policies impact lives. But this summer at Families USA, a nonprofi t that advocates for affordable, high-quality health care, I came to understand that truth on a much deeper level.
I began my internship at a pivotal time. Major policy changes were being proposed, including a bill that threatened core safety-net programs like Medicaid. I already knew the so-called “One Big Beautiful Bill” posed real harm. But it wasn’t until I joined Families USA that I truly grasped what was at stake — the health care coverage of at least 17 million Americans.
Over the past month, I’ve worked on a variety of projects. I’ve compiled daily press clips, created the monthly newsletter, researched how the president’s proposed budget would affect public health, and written social media content. I’ve also attended many project meetings, learning about topics ranging from Medicare Advantage and payment delivery reform to maternal and child health. Along the way, I’ve had the opportunity to get to know the dedicated professionals I work alongside.
One of the tasks I’ve enjoyed most has been helping build Families USA’s story bank — a growing archive of personal narratives from people navigating the health care system. That emphasis on storytelling is one of the things I admire most about this organization. Families USA believes patients and advocates should be at the center of policy conversations. Real stories help policymakers understand the human impact of their decisions.
Listening to people share how Medicaid and Medicare have changed their lives reminded me just how vital these programs are — and why they must be strengthened, not stripped away.
A few weeks ago, the “One Big Beautiful Bill” became law. It was disappointing, especially after months of advocacy from organizations like Families USA. But that moment also taught me something essential: advocacy isn’t just about victories. It’s about resilience and persistence. That day, one of my coworkers shared a quote from Maya Angelou that has stayed with me: “You may encounter many defeats, but you must not be defeated.”
This internship has been a powerful lesson in resilience. Change doesn’t come easily, and progress is often slow. But I’ve learned that with clarity of purpose and a commitment to the work, real impact is possible.
As I continue my path in public health, I’ll carry these lessons with me. The work is challenging, especially now — but it matters. And, if there’s one thing I’ll never forget, it’s that stories have power. They can move people, shape policy, and spark lasting change.