Alyssa’s Reflection on TANIP Experience

Sawasdee ka my name is Alyssa Chatnakrob Leawprasert. I am proud to be the daughter of two Thai  immigrants and lucky to call California home. I am a rising senior at Pitzer College in Claremont, California, majoring in Political Studies with a focus on international relations. I am honored to be part of this year's Thai American National Internship Program (TANIP) cohort. I want to express my gratitude to The Royal Thai Embassy, U.S. Asia Institute, and Congressman Scott Peters [D-CA-50] and his incredible staff for all their support throughout my internship.


Thank you to Ambassador Tanee Sangrat, for  his dedication to serving the Thai people and commitment to further fostering Thai-U.S relations. To P'Ep, P’Jao, P'Jack, P’Aim,  P'John and the entire Royal Thai Embassy staff, thank you for your devotion to the Thai people and advocacy for greater Thai American representation. This once-in-a-lifetime internship experience is made possible through your hard work and dedication. As TANIP fellows, we have the privilege to play a small part in representing Thailand. Due to our identity, we have the unique ability to bridge the gap between the two nations.

Next, I would like to thank Mary Sue Bissell, Amanda Earls, and everyone on the U.S. Asia Institute staff for your support this summer. Orientation week was key in providing preparation for our respective internships and insight into the political scene in D.C. I was able to hear from political professionals with vastly different expertise and learn about multiple avenues to impact change.

To Congressman Scott Peters [D-CA-50] and his entire staff, thank you for everything you do for the American people. It was a privilege to witness first-hand all the hard work that goes on in  your congressional office. Congressman Peters and the staffers work tirelessly to address constituents' concerns from the 50th district of California and work towards a better America, an America that is more environmentally conscious, displays greater bipartisan collaboration, and has greater acceptance of differences.

During my summer on Capitol Hill, I  contributed in various roles, including delivering birthday letters, logging constituent mail, writing weekly legislative assignments, and creating daily press clips with my fellow interns. In addition, I composed four bill recommendations on foreign affairs and immigration. I was also granted the opportunity to attend multiple committee hearings and briefings. These various assignments and experiences have allowed me to develop essential skills while expanding my knowledge.

I want to give a special thanks to Jackie Duran, Paul, and Sophia, who went above and beyond in providing support and guidance to the interns. I am so grateful to have interned for an office that made it a priority for us to learn and contribute meaningfully while following our individual aspirations. Anna, Annai, Owen, and Daniel, I could not have asked for a better intern cohort, and I cannot wait to see what your bright futures hold.

At Congressman Peters's office, I gained a better understanding of the complexity within the American political system and the immense responsibility of those who protect it. Even as interns, working on the Hill gave us a strong sense of purpose. As someone who, prior to my internship, liked the idea of working within institutions to make a difference, I now know what the reality of making institutional change looks like. The reality is that the road to enacting change is intricate, complex, and challenging. Ultimately, I found the aspiration to make institutional change a worthy investment in the future.

At the Royal Thai Embassy, I had the privilege to accompany Ambassador Tanee Sangrat and P'Ep to a meeting with Ms. Kimberly Bassett, the Secretary of State for D.C. . The strengthening of sister-city relations between Bangkok and Washington was discussed at the meeting within the context of furthering Thai-U.S. relations. It was one of the many insightful experiences I had during this program.

In the near future, I hope to facilitate Thai-U.S. relations in any capacity, particularly for the U.S. government. My background as a Thai American has granted me a nuanced perspective on Thai-U.S. relations—namely, the ability to understand all perspectives and a desire to continue building upon a harmonious partnership. I aspire to one day play a role in cultivating greater understanding and collaboration between the two nations.

Lastly, I would not be standing here today to discuss this once-in-a-lifetime experience without the support from my mentors and loved ones back home.

To Professor Barndt at Pitzer College thank you for your recommendation to apply to TANIP during my sophomore year and continuous guidance in the pursuit of my dreams.

To Pe Anne and Lung Tony, thank you for encouraging me to follow my dreams to the fullest extent and being there to support me every step of the way.

To my loving parents, I am so grateful to be your daughter. I know you had to sacrifice some of your dreams so that I could follow mine. I hope to make you proud.

Khob Khun Ka! Thank you, everyone!