Natasha Mar’s Reflection on TANIP 2025 Experience

There is a Thai saying my mother has reminded me of since childhood: “อย่า เป็นกบในกะลา ครอบ”, which literally translates to, “Don’t be a frog in a coconut shell.” The image it evokes is vivid: a small frog, believing the coconut shell is its entire world, unaware of the vast expanse beyond. As a child, I brushed off my mother’s advice with a quick “Yes, Mom,” without thinking much of it. Over time, however, I have come to see how that metaphor extends far beyond childhood lessons. The “coconut shell” is not just a physical boundary, but a mindset–one shaped by habit, familiarity, and fear of the unknown. My experience this past summer, participating in the Thai-American National Internship Program (TANIP) in Washington, D.C., gave me the opportunity to leap beyond that shell, expanding both my worldview and my sense of belonging. 

Nearly a decade ago, I first encountered Congressman Scott Peters at my mother’s Thai restaurant in San Diego, where he attended an event with the previous Thai Ambassador. At the time, I saw politics as something distant and unfolding in formal spaces that felt worlds away from my own life. Later, when I received community awards from him, I was grateful but still only grasped politics in its most visible form: ceremonies, speeches, and headlines. This summer, however, gave me a new lens. Through TANIP and my internship in Congressman Peters’ office, I was able to witness and engage in the work behind the scenes–the less glamorous, but deeply vital forms of public service that keep democracy alive. 

When I arrived in Washington, I felt the weight of uncertainty. Unlike many of my peers, I do not major in Political Science. Instead, I study Cognitive Science and Music Industry at UCLA, two fields that might appear unrelated to the legislative world. This difference initially left me questioning whether I belonged. The imposter syndrome was strong in those first few

weeks; I wondered whether my contributions would matter. Yet, as the internship progressed, I came to realize that the diversity of academic and personal backgrounds within political spaces is not only welcome but necessary. What ultimately matters most in public service is a genuine commitment to understanding communities and working toward their betterment. That realization shifted how I viewed my place on Capitol Hill. 

During my time in Congressman Peters’ office, I came to experience what I now think of as three “sides” of politics. The first was being on the front lines through constituent services. Much of this involved answering phone calls, listening to concerns, and responding to the needs of individuals in our district. At first glance, this might seem like administrative work, but I quickly recognized its significance. Democracy thrives only when elected officials remain in consistent and sincere dialogue with the people they represent. Picking up the phone was more than a task. It was an act of connection and a reminder that public service is rooted in accountability to real people and their lived experiences. 

The second side was policy research, which I experienced through drafting memos, analyzing legislation, and preparing cosponsor and cosign recommendations. The learning curve was steep and required me to quickly adapt to new forms of writing and synthesize complex information under time constraints. At times I felt out of my depth, but my curiosity became my greatest asset. I pushed myself to dig deeply into topics, cross-referencing sources and putting in extra hours to fully understand the issues. I gravitated especially toward policies related to clean energy, permitting reform, and voting access. These areas not only reflected the priorities of our office but also sparked my own interest in how legislation can shape the structural foundations of a more sustainable and equitable society.

The third side of politics was, to me, the most surprising: the spontaneous opportunities that arose outside of routine tasks. This included attending briefings and, most memorably, engaging in coffee chats with people both within and beyond the Hill. These conversations were invaluable. Hearing others’ stories about their career paths and the motivations that led them to public service gave me reassurance and perspective. The encouragement I received reminded me that mentorship and even small gestures of support can have a powerful influence on someone’s journey. 

Beyond domestic policy, this internship also exposed me to the complexities of foreign policy. One of the most eye-opening experiences was preparing remarks on the unrest between Thailand and Cambodia. While researching and reflecting on Thailand’s position, I became acutely aware of how international conflict is not only a matter of political maneuvering but also a human issue. The border tensions had stirred anxiety among Thai citizens, many of whom feared the spread of misinformation, humanitarian harm, and regional instability. Thai authorities emphasized their commitment to de-escalation and humanitarian law, underscoring the need for diplomacy as the first and best solution. This experience deepened my appreciation for the urgency of diplomacy as a strategy for managing disputes and also as a means of protecting dignity and human lives. 

One of TANIP’s greatest impacts on me has been its role in strengthening my identity within the Thai-American community. Growing up in Southern California, I was connected to Thai culture primarily through family and local community events. This program allowed me to see how Thai-American identity can be represented on national stages and within the broader fabric of American society. Returning to UCLA, I plan to channel these insights into my role as the upcoming president of the Thai Student Association. My goal is to foster stronger networks

among Thai and Thai-American students, creating opportunities for mentorship, cultural exchange, and leadership development. Just as TANIP offered me a community of support and growth, I hope to extend the same sense of belonging to others. 

As I look to the future, I remain uncertain about whether politics will become my primary career path. What I am certain of, however, is that this experience has instilled in me a desire to improve the lives of others, whether through policy or through other avenues. I carry forward new technical and interpersonal skills and also a renewed confidence in my ability to contribute meaningfully. The relationships I have built in Washington will continue to guide me, and I plan to nurture and expand those connections in the years to come. 

Reflecting back, I see how much my perspective has shifted. I began this summer as a frog who had only known the “coconut shell” of Southern California. By leaping into the unfamiliar environment of Washington, D.C., I challenged my assumptions, expanded my sense of community, and discovered new dimensions of myself. The proverb that once felt like a parental warning now feels like a personal mission: never let comfort limit growth, and never remain confined when the world beyond the shell is vast and waiting to be explored. 

This summer, I learned that public service is not about titles or recognition–it is about listening, researching, connecting, and acting with empathy. It is about recognizing the responsibility to contribute to something greater. And it is about continually striving to step out of the shell, again and again, into spaces that challenge and expand our understanding. 

For that reason, I am deeply grateful for TANIP, for the opportunity to serve in Congressman Peters’ office, and for the communities that supported me along the way. This program has not only shaped my present but will continue to shape the way I navigate the future, as a student, a Thai-American, and a citizen committed to making a difference.