By Sebastian Linan, Staff Reporter
A lot can influence the professional goals of a student over the course of their college career – a chat with a professor, a networking event, or a chance meeting during an on-campus activity. When Victor Murillo started studying history at Dominguez Hills, he thought he’d use his degree to become a teacher. But after completing an 11-week Congressional internship in Washington, D.C., he thinks another form of public service may be his calling.
For over 25 years, the Panetta Institute for Public Policy has provided opportunities for college students to get first-hand experience working in the nation’s capital. Founded by Sylvia and Leon Panetta, the former secretary of defense under President Barack Obama, the annual program recruits students to serve as interns for House lawmakers.
Murillo was the latest Toro to participate in the program, representing Dominguez Hills alongside other students from across California State University, Dominican University of California, Saint Mary’s College, and Santa Clarita University.
Murillo learned about the program from two of his history professors, Kerry Shannon and Andrea Johnson. Although he enjoys history, Murillo said he sometimes felt his career prospects were limited – the internship seemed like an opportunity to apply his skills and knowledge in a different way.
“I’ve always been interested in politics, but never did I think about getting a career in it,” Murillo said. “The more I was involved on the Hill, doing the legislative work and seeing how different issue areas and bills impact others lives, it changed my perspective.”
He was selected for the program following interviews with his professors and CSUDH President Thomas A. Parham. Murillo then had a final interview with representatives from the Panetta Institute.
“I felt honored, because not only do I get these opportunities for myself, but also while representing my community and my school,” Murillo said.
Shannon and Johnson helped Murillo to prepare for life in Washington. Shannon told The Bulletin Murillo was uniquely qualified for the experience.
“He has the ability to think critically and creatively about large processes of historical change,” Shannon said. “As opposed to somebody who had immediate policy recommendations, Victor has a broader knowability to think beyond and apply it to the immediate problem.”
Before heading to D.C., interns completed a two-week training course at the Panetta Institute in Monterey, CA.
Students attended lectures and seminars about current events and heard from prominent guest speakers from “across the aisle,” including former New Jersey Gov. Chris Christie and former Vice President Dan Quayle.
“We had those personal, one-to-one moments with them,” said Murrillo. “I got to talk to so many interesting people.”
Students were matched with lawmakers based on shared interests. Murillo wanted to focus on issues related to pollution, climate change, and national security. This made him a natural fit for the office of Panetta’s son, Democratic Rep. Jimmy Panetta, who serves California’s 19th Congressional District.
Murillo hoped to be assigned to his local congresswoman, Democratic Rep. Nanette Barragan, but said the program prohibits interns from serving lawmakers in their home district. “Besides Barragan, I actually only wanted Jimmy.”
Murillo worked alongside Congressional staff to tackle issues related to wildfires in Panetta’s district, which includes parts of Santa Clara, Santa Cruz, Monterey County, San Luis Obispo counties. He also helped Panetta’s staff stay current on the Russia-Ukraine war.
Murillo enjoyed learning more about how legislation is crafted, and said the experience opened his eyes to other ways he could give back to his community. Still, the experience wasn’t without its share of challenges, especially in the run up to Election Day earlier this month. The division and lack of cooperation between lawmakers was particularly frustrating to witness up close, he said.
Panetta, who won re-election on Nov. 5, echoed Murillo’s newfound vision. In an email to The Bulletin, the congressman said the senior Toro leaned into public service “at a time when far too many people want to tune out.”
“I am proud that he was on my team and appreciated his hard work in the office,” Panetta said. “I encourage anyone with a passion for serving people to follow Victor’s example and step forward, because your service is a necessary part of the future of our democracy.”
