Rachel Culver, a student at The Master’s University, is currently working as an intern for United States Representative Mike Garcia.
Congressman Garcia is in his second term as a House Representative and currently serves on the subcommittees of Defense, Justice, Energy, and Water Development. Working in Garcia’s district office in Santa Clarita, California, Culver supports the staff through policy reports, project management, meetings with local officials, and administrative tasks.
“I have the opportunity to exemplify Christ as I answer phones and speak with constituents,” said Culver, a senior political studies major. “My eyes are opened to the daily life of Americans in real-time. I get to be a small piece of their story, as they look for answers. I get to be the bridge between their situation and what the congressman is doing in D.C.
“I can’t always give the answers they are looking for, but I can be someone who is willing to listen and take the time to demonstrate that they are valuable.”
The internship isn’t Culver’s first opportunity to work in a political environment.
During the fall 2022 semester, she worked on Suzette Valadares’s campaign for California State Assembly. Culver impressed the team with her work ethic, something that helped her land her internship with Garcia.
Another factor was the assistance she received from TMU’s Office of Career Services. Culver received guidance on her resume, cover letter, and interview skills.
Culver’s professors have also come alongside and helped prepare her for the opportunity.
“I have been shaped by countless mentors the Lord has placed in my life at strategic moments,” Culver said. “To name a few, I am very grateful for my professors in the political studies department: Dr. John Stead, Dr. Gregg Frazer, and Prof. George Crawford.”
Culver views a biblical worldview as a necessary foundation for a future career in law. That was one of the deciding factors in her decision to study at TMU.
“At TMU, we are equipped with the knowledge and the skills to be effective ambassadors and ministers of reconciliation to a broken and dying world,” Culver said.
For Culver, studying at TMU has been a time of ongoing academic and character growth.
“The Lord has deepened my love for truth and strengthened my passion for honoring Him in what I do,” Culver said. “My experience in the classroom, working for Student Accounts, and political involvement prepared me for this internship with Mike Garcia.”
God’s character motivates Culver to pursue politics and approach governmental interactions in a way that prioritizes justice, truth, and integrity.
As a senior graduating in December, Culver hopes to work as a legal or legislative assistant before attending law school.
“After law school, I have several dreams and goals that I hope to achieve,” Culver says. “A few of those include clerking for a federal judge, working for the Department of Justice, and supporting Alliance Defending Freedom as an appellate litigator.”
Having applied for several internships this summer, Culver continues to trust that the Lord will provide clarity while she pursues her political career path.
“My greatest prayer is that the Lord would use my gifts and talents for His glory,” Culver said.
Interested in learning more about a degree in political studies at TMU? See this page.
