Student Voices: a Rutgers Democracy Lab Blog
The Purrfect Candidate
How a few fluffy faces on Instagram might be the key to sparking and civic engagement and curing political burnout
By Molly Garvin
December 10, 2025
Since my time at the Rutgers Democracy Lab, I’ve found myself thinking more deeply and taking the time to notice how disconnected people — especially my generation truly are.
"This Summer Cemented my Calling to Serve" : a Reflection by Rida Kadri
Being in the room with stakeholders fighting for our democracy was such a surreal experience that never lost its thrill.
By Rida Kadri
September 6, 2025
My Summer 2025 internship on Capitol Hill wasn’t your typical Hillternship. I spent nine weeks working for the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, Democrats, currently in the minority, but steadfast in their fight for transparency and accountability in our government.
"Democracy as a Verb" : a Reflection by Gavin Walker-Mason
This protestor, this shirt, this program, and this summer has - again - changed my life, and I am committed to continuing to build this career of mine into politics, to continue uplifting the generation behind me, and to invoke democracy.
By Gavin Walker-Mason
September 3, 2025
This summer, I had the immeasurable privilege to pursue two internships in the United States Senate, with the office of U.S. Senator Ben Ray Luján, from my home state of New Mexico, and for the Senate Committee on Energy and Natural Resources under ranking member, Senator Martin Heinrich. These opportunities were absolutely life-changing.
Dialogues and the Common Good: a Reflection on RDL's Inaugural Fireside Chat with Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ)
A student expressed that he felt discouraged from promoting civic engagement as a non-partisan individual in polarizing political spaces. Upon hearing this, Flake encouraged the attendee to become involved in his community.
RDL Think & Do Tank Podcast
Episode One: Civil Dialogue and Holding Elected Officials Accountable in a Polarized Age
In the first episode of the Think & Do Tank podcast, Shayan Chaudhury, student moderator of the September 23rd Fireside Chat with former Senator Jeff Flake (R-AZ), reflects on the event. He also offer reflections on the recent Civility Tour of NJ Senators Jon Bramnick (R-21) and Joe Cryan (D-20), including, what does productive bipartisanship and communication look like in this era of polarization?