Interns Fall 2021

Directory

Internal Board:

External Board:

Internal Board Interns

Historian Interns

Meredith Larson

Meredith Larson

Junior | Psychology

Hey there! I’m Meredith, a junior studying Psychology. This is my third semester in Cal Rotaract, and my first semester as an intern! When I’m not attending Cal Rotaract events, you can find me playing video games, listening to music, cooking, swimming, crocheting, watching anime, or obsessing over k-pop girl groups.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
Great! It’s been really fun working with such a big historian team and getting to know all of the wonderful people within Rotaract.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
My favorite memories are the occasions where Mo, Vighnesh, and I are able to work together during events. It’s been really fun capturing all the best moments with them during GMs, service events, and more! From taking photos of each other during GM photobooths, capturing meme footage on camera, and to cheering on Captain Dylan during Berkeley Project, I have a lot of fond memories of working together with both of them.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
I’ve learned a lot about photography, videography, and editing during my intern experience! Special shoutout to my co-interns, Mo and Vighnesh, and the rest of the Historian Team (Isaac, Dylan, Nola, and Shuka) for all of their support; I really love our team’s dynamic and immaculate vibes 🙂

Mo Mao

Mo Mao

Freshman | Molecular and Cell Biology & Art Practice

Morning y’all! I’m Mo, currently a freshman at Cal! I am the mix between art and biology. I am interested in topics ranging from disease treatment and ecology, to all kinds of Monsters (Godzilla, xenomorph etc.) and Cthulhu, and to ancient mythology and literature (ancient Greek and Roman and Chinese). I also likes to game and watch anime.  🙂

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
This is definitely the highlight of my semester at Cal—not only did I learn new skills (with camera and editing software), but I also obtained great/hilarious memories that I would not have had— it was fun and rewarding.  🙂
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
There were times when we, the three historian interns, took videos of awkward dance moves of each other—Meredith started the trend when she recorded Vighnesh, who later decided he should share the experience with both of us (so he took videos of me and Meredith during the next meeting). I am very honored to add them into the meme video.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
There’s always more work behind the scene. Turning the videos and photos we took into a final presentation (recap videos) can be very time consuming, not to mention hosting workshops and teaching us how to use the software–thank you so much Isaac and Captain Dylan!
 

Vighnesh Nagpal

Vighnesh Nagpal

Sophomore | Physics & Astrophysics

Hey everyone! My name is Vighnesh, and I’m a sophomore studying astrophysics and physics here at Cal. I’m originally from Gurgaon, India, but have come to Berkeley via stops in the UK, Australia, and Boston, which is now home. I’m quite the outer space appreciator (always down to talk about the spooky stuff *out there*) and hope to work as a researcher in the future. In life outside academics, I love photography and enjoy  improvising and producing music. I also love anime, so if you ever wanna chat about topics in the weeb-realm, hit me up!

How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
I really enjoyed being a historian intern this semester! Honestly, going around recording events and the wonderful moments that happen within our Rotaract community was really fun, and I feel like I got to know the people in Rotaract better. I also a gained a lot more experience with videography and photography (shoutout to Isaac, Dylan and Nola’s workshops!)
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
The Historian Intern Twirling Cult.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
I learned how to use Premiere Pro and After Effects. Thanks Isaac, Dylan!
Human ResourceS Interns

Annelise Prince

Annelise Prince

Freshman | Molecular and Cell Biology

Hello internet person! My name is Annelise. I am originally from San Bernardino, aka SoCal. When I am not being studious or at Rotaract, I do enjoy cat memes, rock music, and chocolate. So, if you see me, you know automatically how to become friends.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
I enjoyed being an intern this semester. Doing behind the scenes work for the club was fulfilling, especially since HR work goes unnoticed. Both of my officers were so patient and grateful that it made the experience worthwhile.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
When getting ramen with my fellow intern and officers was so much fun! I was able to grow closer, while having ramen for the first time. I am glad to have shared this time with them.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
I learned how great of group of people Rotaract is! Thank you so much for your mentorship and time, Samantha and Shannon.

Sydney Tran

Sydney Tran

Sophomore | Psychology

Hello~ My name is Sydney and I’m a second-year studying Psychology, with an intended minor in Linguistics. I’m really interested in Developmental Psychology, in particular, as I love working with kids. In my free time, I like taking nature walks, trying new foods and writing about them, watching kdramas, listening to BTS, and ranting loudly to my sister on the phone.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
The time I spent as an HR Website intern has been really enjoyable and valuable. I had a really good time learning alongside my fellow HR intern, Annelise, and Samantha and Shannon were really patient and encouraging. Being a part of Cal Rotaract as a whole was also an amazing experience, as everyone was so kind, accepting, and just overall wholesome. I had lots of fun and made a lot of great memories and friends.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
Shannon was showing me a cool tip when she demonstrated how to create pages on the Cal Rotaract Website. I was expecting something mind-blowing, but it turned out to be just Ctrl+Shift+V (pasting text without formatting). I was slightly disappointed as I learned how to do that ages ago, but Shannon also taught me how to use the Picture-in-Picture mode to watch YouTube while doing work, and not going to lie, that was the best thing I learned this semester.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
I learned a lot of lifelong skills, such as how to interview people, how to use WordPress and work a website, and just basic organizational or tech-savvy skills. Thank you so much to Shannon and Samantha for being super supportive and understanding of us!
Project Development Intern

Jack Swenson

Jack Swenson

Freshman | Economics / Data Science

Outside of Rotaract, I am an avid chess and tennis player. I have played in national tournaments for both and I continue to play on the club teams here at Cal. I also really love Asian food.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
I enjoyed the experience as an intern this semester. Since it was a laid back position, I didn’t feel overwhelmed about any tasks. Overall, I just enjoyed taking part in different activities through Rotaract.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
My favorite memory was meeting people from different backgrounds. I think it was great to be able to connect with people at different meetings who all want to help the community in some way. I liked having the opportunity to make memories with people through small discussions with them.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
Thank you Alejandra!
Treasurer InternS

Lanah Duque

Lanah Duque

Freshman | Political Science / Psychology

Hi!!! My name is Lanah Duque, I am a First-Year at UC Berkeley from Washington State, with a passion for service and people which I convey through all my involvements. From Cal Rotaract to ASUC to PASS and more, I strive to utilize my skills and knowledge that I have gained through many extracurriculars and leadership roles, hoping to better communities in any way that I can. While I remain unsure of what career I want to have in the future, whether that be a policymaker, non-profit organizer, businesswoman, therapist, etc. I want to improve the world to make it livable for our current society and generations to come.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
Being a Treasurer Intern has been pretty chill and fun as I have had the opportunity to meet nice and cool people! The work has not been too intensive but rather really manageable and flexible which I appreciate as I am fairly busy all the time.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
My favorite memory was learning that you can take control of someone else’s device through Zoom which I learned during a Treasurer training. I just thought it was very fascinating ahaha.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
Thank you for being so chill and honest throughout the semester about this role and life in general. It really refreshing and helpful to hear honest opinions and advice for future semesters and college in general. I’ve enjoyed interning for you both and wish we could have got to know each other better if COVID-19 restrictions and busy schedules allowed! <3

Surya Rajan

Surya Rajan

Sophomore | Electrical Engineering & Computer Science

Hey I’m Surya, and I’m a sophomore majoring in Electrical Engineering and Computer Science. I’m also the founder of Incred!ble, an e-commerce startup that aims to connect buyers and sellers in a faster commerce marketplace model for digital goods with expiration dates. Outside of startups and computer science, I love skateboarding, cooking, and hiking!

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
As an intern, I had a great experience working with Lanah and learning from Mika and Nicholas about the responsibilities of a Treasurer at Cal Rotaract. I got the opportunity to learn how fundraisers are organized and how reimbursements need to be made for people who helped buy materials for service events and fundraisers. Outside of the internship responsibilities, I also had an awesome time getting to know Lanah, Mika, and Nicholas and look forward to carrying what I learned into the Treasurer role next year!
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
My favorite memory during the internship experience was tabling, where I got the chance to meet other Cal Rotaract Officers and talk to the people interested in the organization at Sproul.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
I learned that the Treasurer position requires really good organizational skills in order to be able to keep track of all reimbursements and plan fundraisers well. I learned how to request reimbursements from the ASUC, track reimbursements on the balance sheet, and brainstorm as well as plan fundraisers for Cal Rotaract. Thank you so much Nick and Mika! I had a lot of fun interning for the Treasurer position this semester!

External Board Interns

Fellowship Intern

Jasmine Tai

Jasmine Tai

Sophomore | Molecular and Cell Biology & Psychology

Hi everyone! I’m Jasmine, a second year pre-med majoring in MCB and Psych and hopefully Nutritional Sciences, but we’ll see how far I get lol. I’m a big foodie and love to try new restaurants and will love you if you send me sushi restaurant recommendations. In my free time, I play golf and am on the Cal club golf team.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
Fun!
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
Art night and seeing everyone’s beautiful creations.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
Thank you Duy and Zannelle for being great officers and so easy going.
Interact Committee Interns

Guisselle Salazar

Guisselle Salazar

Freshman | Political Science & Spanish

I am from SoCal, and my favorite fruit is papaya but I HATE cantaloupe.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
I really enjoyed interning with Aady and Gen! It was fun to learn how to do newsletters and work with the Interact committee to get things done for our stayover. A very, positive light experience.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
My favorite memory as an intern, was going to all the Interact Meetings (weekly). It was nice to make some friends and get some serious work done.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
Sending much thanks to my officers Aady and Gen for making me feel welcome as a freshman, it was so nice to learn from the both of you. You made the job easy!

Patricia Milano

Patricia Milano

Junior | Molecular Environmental Biology

I’m a junior from San Diego (WOO 619 babyyy). I like anime, cooking, kdramas/kpop, eating, watching people play video games since I suck. My favorite thing to do is eat, drink boba, and have wholesome quality time with mi friends. I’m new to Rotaract, but I’ve enjoyed it so far and I can’t wait to get to know the rest of rota people more teehee!

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
Being an intern for this semester has been super fun and humbling. It taught me new skills that I know are going to be helpful in the future. I’ve learned to stand my ground and really assert myself. It’s been super fun seeing how the preparations all connected and unfolded onto the next meeting. I enjoyed learning about what it takes to run Intercom and really see the behind the scenes of everything! 🙂
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
The funniest moment during my internship experience was after the Interact meeting and we were waiting to do our weekly check-ins. A small group of us were just huddled up, talking and laughing about the randomest things and I remember laughing so hard that I got super red. It was something simple, but I just genuinely enjoyed just talking to people and hopefully I get to have more fun with others in the future ! 🙂
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
I learned the different factors you have to keep in mind when planning a high school event and to always set a deadline for yourself to get things done ! I would just like to say that it’s been a really fun learning experience to have been an intern under Aady and Gen and if I could I would do it over and over again.   :))
 
International Committee Intern

Ata Alic

Ata Alic

Freshman | Pre-Haas

Hello, I’m Ata Alic, a first year Pre-Haas student. Some of my hobbies are cycling, working out, and spending time with my friends.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
Fun and informative.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
When I got to present my experience in a Rotary Summer Exchange Program in Germany during the International Committee Culture Minutes.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
I learned how it is to lead a committee here in Cal Rotaract and what the officers do for their role. I would like to thank Esmeralda, my head officer, for her lead.
Local Committee Intern

Kit Beyer

Kit Beyer

Freshman | Political Science

Hello, I’m Kit! I’m a first year from Riverside County, California. I love to read, draw, go hiking with my dogs, write about politics, and consume excessive amounts of coffee. In the future, I’m hoping to become a lawyer. I’m so glad to have joined Rotaract and can’t wait to see what the years will bring.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
I have greatly enjoyed my work as an intern this semester. I was able to collaborate with Local Committee’s officers and develop experience in planning service projects and meetings. I grew my knowledge of issues that affect not only the city of Berkeley, but also California and the entire United States. In the process, I became more connected to Rotaract and to my community as a whole.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
My favorite memory during my internship experience was participating in the icebreakers that I planned! I was able to meet so many wonderful people. We had a good time at every meeting even as we addressed important topics.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
I learned about service opportunities around Berkeley, which I’m excited to continue participating in throughout my time here, and how to organize service events. I really appreciate all of Naomi and Bryan’s guidance! They showed me how to be a leader and supported me in everything I did.
Rotary Liaison InternS

Andy Beyer

Andy Beyer

Freshman | Political Science

My name is Andy Beyer, and I’m an intended political science major. I love animals (more specifically, talking endlessly about my cats), history, and drinking too much coffee. In addition to Rotaract, I’m also involved in the Berkeley Political Review. In my free time, I enjoy reading and hiking.

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
My internship was overall a great experience. I feel like I learned a lot about Rotaract and Rotary as my whole through my intern position, so I’m glad that I had this opportunity. Being an intern allowed me to feel a stronger connection with the club and has made me excited for the coming semesters. Planning and organizing haven’t always been easy, but I’ve loved finding ways to contribute.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
My favorite memory of my internship experience was the Rotary Mixer. It was so much fun to participate in an event with the Rotarians. We had some great conversations despite the virtual setting, and since my internship involves working with Rotary, talking to Rotarians made me feel more confident in my position. Ultimately, it was a very enjoyable event.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
Thank you so much to Semele for helping me in this position! I appreciated the guidance a great deal. I learned that communication and organization go a long way, and I’ve really enjoyed working with my officer and fellow intern this semester.

Garrett Oman

Garrett Oman

Junior | History

I am in my Third Year from Mesa, AZ. I enjoy writing, community service, and camping

 
How would you describe your overall experience as an intern this semester?
It was very helpful in allowing me to see all the possibilities for contributing to community service in the local communities.
 
What was your favorite memory/funniest moment during your internship experience?
The Rotary Mixer event was very fun. I got to meet many fun and interesting people.
 
What did you learn about the specific office/position that you are interning for? Anything you would like to say to your officer?
Thank you for introducing me to Berkeley Rotary.