Humza Baig
Management information systems senior
My last month in D.C. has to have definitely been the best. The last few weeks of my internship at MPD were full of really fun opportunities. I got to ride with our department’s harbor patrol unit in a speedboat down the Potomac River. Although it was 30 degrees cold when we hit the water, I had a blast getting to patrol with them around the joint base down the river. I also had the rare opportunity to fly above our nation’s capital in a police helicopter. We flew above all of the landmarks and I got a bird’s eye view of the city. Opportunities like these really opened my eyes to the important work my department accomplishes in ensuring homeland security. Also, I still can’t believe how lucky I am to be able to do all of this.
As my internship came down to its last few days, my office treated me a to surprise graduation lunch. I am so thankful I got the opportunity to work with these amazing professionals this spring. On the last day, I got a certificate of appreciation, signed by the chief of police himself, from the department. When I read the line “Thank you for your service,” it really hit me that I was leaving D.C. knowing I made an impact here. I am honored to have worked for such an amazing agency that plays a critical role in protecting the nation’s capital. I hope I made my family back at Bauer proud!
The Bauer in D.C. Fellowship is honestly the best experience I have had in my undergrad years at the University of Houston. Not only did I get that real world application of what I learned in class, but I also took away a genuine sense of personal growth from the experience. The independence and life away from home really helped me learn how to become a more able individual. I highly recommend this awesome program to all current Bauer students! See y’all back on campus!
Baig submitted these photos:
Andrew Teoh
Accounting and finance junior
In its final month, my internship culminated in a meeting with Congresswoman Tulsi Gabbard. In this meeting, I pitched her a new policy idea, which I had been developing for the past month. To flesh out my policy, which is an update to Federal Pell Grants, I met with higher education advocacy groups, discussed financial aid with the Congressional Research Service, and worked through legal semantics with the Legislative Counsel. Conducting the research to draft a bill was exhausting and time-consuming but thoroughly rewarding.
In my meeting, the Congresswoman asked thoughtful questions, and, backed by data, I was able to support my policy’s many intricacies and details. After an engaging (albeit nerve-wracking) discussion, she expressed how impressed she was by the breadth and thoroughness of my proposal. Her office is continuing to pursue the policy, and I am actively involved in finalizing the intricacies of the bill. Right now, Legislative Counsel is turning my draft into bona fide bill language. I can think of no better end to my internship.
After such a life-changing semester, leaving the office was bittersweet. Over four months, I had the opportunity to go to work every day for someone and something that I truly believed in. However small, my work made a substantive difference in my office, community, and country.
My only solace is that I know this is not the end. Because of Bauer in D.C., I secured a summer internship with the White House Initiative on Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders. I am eager and excited to continue my public service adventure in our nation’s capital, representing the University of Houston and Bauer.
Waleed Vohra
Management information systems junior
“I have come back to Houston from D.C. and I am feeling truly blessed to have been given this amazing opportunity. D.C. was a life-changing experience all the way through.
D.C. put me in a position where I got to meet the most fascinating people. Not only some of the brightest from around the United States, but also some of the most intelligent people from around the world. The network D.C. has allowed me to create seems unparalleled.
Also, the chance to live hundreds of miles away from home was great. I really had the chance to live at the edge of my comfort zone. I was forced to meet new people and make plans by myself for myself. That is something that many people don’t get until after they have graduated.
All in all, I am incredibly grateful to all of the people at Bauer who made this trip possible. I want to give a special shout-out to the director of the program, Colleen Davies. She supports each and every student every step of the way. It was truly awe-inspiring and heartwarming.
To any student reading this who might be interested in applying, I have one piece of advice. Do it. You won’t regret it.”