Connor Moses (’26 Political Science, Law and Liberal Arts minor) standing in front of the U.S. Capitol Building in Washington, DC, where he interned over the summer.

In this edition of From Our Eyes, Connor Moses (’26 Political Science, Law and Liberal Arts minor) shares his experience working as a summer intern for a U.S. Congressman in the House of Representatives.

I was raised on the belief that politics should be rooted in good integrity. I came to Chapman University because of Wilkinson College of Arts, Humanities, and Social Sciences‘ dedication to upholding good virtue in the political field. This commitment to principled leadership traces back to Chapman University’s founder, Charles Chapman, who was a devoted admirer of Abraham Lincoln. Today, the campus honors Lincoln through several sculptures and memorials. Chapman intentionally selected the date of President Lincoln’s 1861 inauguration to open the new college, signaling their commitment to equality at a time when the nation was on the brink of Civil War.

This summer, I had the incredible honor of interning for Congressman Pete Aguilar, the House Democratic Caucus Chairman, in Washington, D.C. Over several months, I handled constituent services, took detailed transcript notes on hearings, conducted research on bills and policies, analyzed district data, led Capitol tours, escorted guests, and assisted with caucus election activities. Each responsibility deepened my understanding of public service and the trust placed in those who serve.

Across my internship badge were the familiar words, “E Pluribus Unum” (Out of many, one). This phrase has been echoed throughout my entire academic career, but it wasn’t until I stepped onto Capitol Hill that I truly understood its meaning. That unity in purpose, rooted in integrity and shared responsibility, is the foundation of our democracy. Chapman’s hero, Lincoln, famously said, “A house divided cannot stand”. Walking the halls of Congress, I saw firsthand how the strength of our government depends on the character of those who serve it, not just on laws.

Every interaction reminded me that public service is a vocation of trust. During a coffee chat, a staffer asked, “How many people in this country can clock into work each day and say, ‘How can we help the nation today?’” That question captured the essence of what I observed: leadership in our democracy is about the commitment to act with integrity for the common good.

Leading a tour of the House Floor with my intern coordinator was especially powerful. This is where all 435 members meet to debate national issues, and where every president has delivered their State of the Union Address since 1857. I imagined the weight of history in that space, thinking of Lincoln again, who in his Second Inaugural Address, urged the nation to move forward in the face of Civil War “with malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right.” I also had the privilege of hearing Representative Jamie Raskin quote Thomas Paine: “The real man/woman smiles in trouble, gathers strength from distress, and grows brave by reflection.”

Raskin added, “Public service is derived from strength, not the kind that dominates, but the kind that endures.” This understanding resonated deeply with the values instilled in me at Chapman. Just as Lincoln led a divided nation with steadfast virtue, the mentors and staff I observed on Capitol Hill demonstrated that public service requires daily acts of honesty, ethical judgment, and dedication to others. Every interaction, from assisting constituents to analyzing legislation, was part of the larger mission of sustaining democracy. My experiences reaffirmed that unity, integrity, and personal virtue are inseparable; it is through these qualities that the “many” can truly act as “one,” fulfilling the promise of our democracy.

I am forever grateful for the resources Chapman University provided me throughout this journey. From faculty guidance to hands-on opportunities through Wilkinson College, Chapman equipped me with the tools I needed to succeed. A special thank you to Dr. Ann Gordon (Political Science) for her mentorship, encouragement, and support throughout my preparation. The workshops, mock interviews, and career resources helped me refine my skills, build confidence, and ultimately perform at my best, allowing me to secure this incredible internship.

(Photo header: (left to right) Connor Moses (’26 Political Science, Law and Liberal Arts minor) with Congressman Pete Aguilar. Photo courtesy of Moses.)