Public service is not just a career—it is personal. For me, public service is a calling that arose from a need—a need because my community was being overlooked and forgotten. Being queer in my hometown was not something that was encouraged; it was an identity associated with "those people," but I was one of "those people." We, as Californians, can do better.Despite generations of progress, Californian's diverse communities face hardships and barriers across the state. Recent attacks on the LGBTQ+ community have shown that the struggles of the past are still struggles of the present. From the banning of books, significant disparities among LGBTQ+ persons experiencing homelessness, or even the motivated hate crimes against my community—there need to be leaders in public service who will stand up and ensure policies stay centered on and are communicated to those considered to be outsiders in our society. I strive to be that leader.My previous experiences interning in government offices have provided me with the foundation of essential skills needed for a career in civil service. As an intern in Assemblymember Bauer-Kahan's District Office, I learned the importance of communicating and connecting with District constituents, the fundamentals of leadership, problem-solving, and policy research. My time in the Office of Governor Newsom taught me the complexities of communicating policy to the public, speech writing, handling media inquiries, and media research. Lastly, my experience in higher education advocacy and lobbying taught me how to navigate the legislative process, interpret legislation, and communicate policy. These experiences act as my footing, and I am excited by the opportunity to build on top of these through future endeavors.