Before this summer, I had only a vague understanding of what public interest communications meant. I assumed it had something to do with advocacy and messaging, but I hadn’t fully grasped its power. Now, after my internship with Families USA, I understand it as a strategic, values-driven approach to social change. It amplifies voices, drives policy reform, and puts people at the center of the narrative. It’s about using communication as a tool for justice.
When I was matched with Families USA, I didn’t know what to expect. I just hoped for a meaningful experience — and that’s exactly what I got. On my first day, I walked into the D.C. office a little nervous, but that disappeared almost instantly. I was greeted with warm smiles, a tour of the space, and kind words from my supervisor. The workplace was filled with people deeply committed to health equity, and I knew right away I was in the right place.
As a public health major, I had learned about programs like Medicaid and Medicare through coursework. But working at Families USA gave me something textbooks couldn’t: the human stories behind the policies.
I read and wrote narratives of real people navigating our healthcare system. People like Jane, a resident of Ocean View, New Jersey, who relies on Medicare with her husband. Without it, they wouldn’t be able to manage their health conditions. Or Filipe, an immigrant from Angola diagnosed with schizophrenia, whose access to full coverage has been delayed for years due to his immigration status. These are just two of the many stories in Families USA’s story bank. Each one is a reminder of how beneficial government assistance programs can be — and how detrimental it is when they’re stripped away.
This summer allowed me to gain hands-on communications skills. I used tools like Muck Rack to build targeted media lists and identify health reporters across the country. I sat in on project meetings covering topics like maternal health, Medicare Advantage, and payment delivery reform. And I spent a day on Capitol Hill, witnessing health advocacy in action. Every day brought something new, and every experience deepened my understanding of strategic advocacy.
But what I’ll cherish most? The people. From fellow interns to mentors to the entire Families USA staff, I learned so much simply by being around them. Their dedication, thoughtfulness, and collaborative spirit pushed me to grow both professionally and personally.
This experience expanded my view of what a career in public health can look like. It showed me the power of storytelling and what true advocacy means. I left not just with new skills, but with a clearer sense of purpose.
Taking a leap into the unknown this summer led me to an incredible experience and community. I’m deeply grateful for the opportunity — and for the people and stories that made it unforgettable.
