The Rose Institute was the first on-campus organization I joined as a freshman at CMC and as I look back on the completion of my first year, I attribute a lot of my growth, development of skills, and best memories all to the institute. I loved how we got to dive right in with training and skill development which really helped us get a head start on our new-hire projects. The new hire project was definitely some of the hardest work I’ve done, but also work that I am extremely proud of and hope to continue researching in the upcoming year; having Nathan as our new hire manager was incredible as he created such a friendly, positive, and welcoming environment in the midst of a difficult project. I was not expecting to become friends with so many of the student staff at the Rose so quickly, but through the culture Tara, Cam, Desmond, Nathan, and the senior staff created at the institute, I found that it was so easy to foster relationships with not only my fellow new hires but also Rosies who have been at the institute for multiple years. The Rose has already given me so much personal and academic growth and has also exposed its students to so many interesting people and ideas in state and local government. One of my favorite memories from this year was attending the Athenaeum talk when former Governor Gray Davis led a panel discussion on Aligning State and City Housing Policy; housing policy has been been an area of interest for me and it was a great experience to hear from multiple, diverse perspectives on a pressing issue that is looking for the most optimal solution. I am so excited for what my next three years will look like at the Rose, and to be a part of such a special moment for the institute on its 50th anniversary!