Meet Ciera Wilkerson, a Public Health student from East Stroudsburg University of Pennsylvania who's turning curiosity into career preparation. Through the Inside Washington program, Ciera stepped into the world where public health meets policy, discovering that the most valuable lessons come from the moments that push us beyond our comfort zones.
What drew you to apply for the Inside Washington program?
I was drawn to apply for the Inside Washington program because it offers a unique, hands-on opportunity to observe and engage with professionals at the intersection of public health, policy, and administration. As a Public Health major concentrating in administration, I want to gain a comprehensive understanding of the processes and decisions that shape public health policy.
How did this experience complement what you've been learning in your courses?
This experience has given me many “full circle” moments, where concepts from my courses suddenly clicked. Listening to speakers discuss the roles of policymakers and the impact of economics helped deepen my understanding of how decisions are made. It has expanded my knowledge beyond the classroom and inspired me to explore a wide range of political topics, agencies, and career paths in greater depth. Overall, the program allowed me to connect theory with real-world practice and sparked my curiosity to continue researching these areas that did not necessarily tie to my specific major.
Which site visit, speaker, or panel left the biggest impression on you?
The first panel, Trump’s (Second) First Year, set a high standard for the rest of the program. Both Dr. Levin and Dr. Galston handled the discussion with professionalism and clarity. Before the seminar, I noticed that Dr. Levin works for AEI, typically a more right-leaning organization, while Dr. Galston works for Brookings, generally more left-leaning. I wondered how their interaction would unfold. To my surprise, they had a thoughtful, respectful conversation that demonstrated it is possible to hold opposing viewpoints while maintaining mutual respect. Witnessing this balanced, civil discourse was a breath of fresh air and showed me the value of engaging with differing perspectives in public policy.
Was there a moment during the program where something you learned suddenly "clicked"?
During the It's Still the Economy panel, something I had been struggling to fully understand suddenly clicked. Economics isn't a topic I usually explore in depth, and I wasn't sure I would follow the discussion easily. However, both speakers broke down the concepts in a clear way. I realized how what I had learned in my economics classes applies on a much larger scale.
What skills do you feel you've gained that will help you in your career?
I definitely feel that I've strengthened and refined my networking skills, and I learned strategies for engaging with people who hold opposing viewpoints, including how to interact respectfully and constructively without creating conflict.
What's been your favorite moment or memory from the program?
My favorite moment was when my group took the metro for the first time. We arrived just as the train was leaving; some people were still on the escalator while others debated if it was the right train. Seconds before the doors closed, one other person and I jumped on, leaving the rest behind. Reminding me that sometimes you just need to take charge and act, even without all the answers. We figured out the route, arrived early enough to grab food, and the rest of the group made it on time. That moment of navigating a new city, thinking quickly, and taking initiative made it unforgettable.
What would you tell other students who are considering applying to Inside Washington?
Be open and engage with everyone you meet. Talk to people who may not share your views, but always be respectful. Come prepared with your business card, resume, and LinkedIn profile so you can make the most of networking opportunities. Take every chance to connect with others, for example, between panels, introduce yourself, and seek out people who ask questions during sessions. During site visits or downtime, don't be afraid to explore and don’t forget to take photos to capture your memories. Ultimately, the program is what you make of it, and the more initiative you take, the more rewarding the experience will be.
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