We are happy to have Michelle Zelaya, a junior at Mount St. Mary’s University in Emmitsburg, Md., interning with us this semester. A first-generation college student and Montgomery County resident, Michelle is studying for a double major: philosophy, politics and economics, and cybersecurity.
So far she has attended hearings on a wide range of issues and is helping with communications. Later in the session she will testify on a bill in person.
“I get to listen to bills and go to the Senate, and see first-hand the process of legislation. I enjoy hearing the testimony and different perspectives. I am surprised by the boldness of the testimony. I wasn’t expecting it to be so awkward, the tension that builds up for issues like gun control,” Michelle said.
“Going to school, you read about these concepts, but when you put it into practice, you see the effects,” she added.
She finds herself drawn to social justice topics, and also is contemplating writing a paper about physician-assisted suicide and morality, a topic she has been learning more about, for a philosophy class this semester.
“We need to value ourselves the way others value you. Everyone has been in a hard place at a hard time. Resources are available, instead of removing yourself. There is no going back once you do that,” she said.
Michelle says her family has instilled a strong faith in her. She and her family (which includes her parents, and two brothers, one her twin) are parishioners at St. Mark in Hyattsville. At school in Emmitsburg, she attends the Spanish-language Mass at the University’s National Shrine Grotto.
She said she likes interning with a Catholic organization: “It’s reassuring to know I’m going to work at a place with similar morals and values.”