Allison Adams’s Reflection on TANIP 2025 Experience

This summer, I had the privilege of being a fellow under the Thai-American National Internship Program (TANIP), an experience that has left a profound mark on my sense of understanding of what public service means to me. 

My name is Allison Neesha-Ann Adams, with “Neesha” being my Thai name. For a long time, I wasn’t sure how it fit into my life and identity. Growing up in a small town in the suburbs of Sacramento, California, I felt far removed from the roots it represented. TANIP gave me the chance to explore that part of myself in ways I never had before, and to embrace it fully as part of who I am. 

Becoming a public servant was not always at the forefront of my mind. I was torn between my fascination with understanding the human mind and my commitment to giving back to my community. In college, I realized that I could pursue both. I am now a rising third-year student at the University of California, Riverside, studying psychology and public policy — two fields that together have shaped my aspirations. The ability to move between a white lab coat and a suit is a privilege I owe to my mother, who immigrated from Thailand to allow me to pursue higher education. 

TANIP, created and nurtured by the US-Asia Institute and the Royal Thai Embassy, reflects a truth I have come to believe: people support what they help create. The strength of this program comes not only from its vision but from the shared investment of those who sustain it — mentors, embassy staff, congressional offices, and the interns themselves. That collective effort is what makes TANIP impactful and lasting. 

This summer, I served in the office of Congressman Ami Bera, who represents California’s 6th District, the very place I call home. He is not only a leader on the Subcommittee on East Asia and the Pacific, but also the Congressman for the county

where I grew up. As an intern, I had the chance to work on foreign policy issues I had long admired, particularly those related to Asia. Equally meaningful was the chance to connect with constituents from my own district. Many conversations were grounded in a shared understanding of the landmarks of our community. Helping community members navigate how legislation might affect their lives reminded me of the importance of public service rooted in local connection. 

I also attended congressional hearings that played a role in building stronger U.S. relationships with ASEAN nations. Watching those ties form in real time deepened my appreciation for the role that diplomacy plays in shaping cooperation and mutual respect. 

At the same time, TANIP gave me the opportunity to contribute directly to U.S.–Thai relations. At the Embassy, I worked on a Multi-Angle Analysis of the Thai-Cambodian border conflict. My focus was on ASEAN perspectives, which highlighted the importance of neutrality and ASEAN-led mechanisms for resolving disputes. Countries such as Malaysia emphasized the need for unity to preserve regional autonomy and prevent external interference. Engaging with these perspectives pushed me to think critically about diplomacy and identity. It also reminded me of the human cost of conflict and the importance of compassion in policymaking. 

As I reflect on this summer, I feel gratitude toward the institutions and people who made this journey possible. The US-Asia Institute built and believed in TANIP, Congressman Bera’s office gave me space to grow as a public servant, and the Royal Thai Embassy welcomed me into a mission of strengthening Thai-American relations. Most of all, I am grateful for the lessons and challenges that have shaped me into someone more prepared to carry my experiences into the spaces I step into next. 

This summer affirmed for me that public service is not just about policy; it is about the people. It is also about carrying our heritage proudly and building bridges across communities and nations. I leave TANIP with a stronger sense of identity and an enduring belief in the power of shared creation.