Elena Foulks ’26: Growing, Connecting & Learning

Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumna Elena Foulks ‘26, a political science major from Schreiner University, who discovered a whole new world during her transformative summer in Washington, D.C.

🏫 University: Schreiner University
📚 Major: Political Science
📍 Hometown: Galveston, TX
🧭 Program Track: Public Policy & Economics
💼 Internship: Leaders Institute

How has your TFAS Summer impacted you, professionally and/or personally?

🌱 Life. Changed.
My TFAS Summer has been life-changing in the best way imaginable. My perspective has been challenged, my views have been broadened and my ambitions have grown. TFAS exposed me to opportunities I was unaware of and granted me a seat in rooms I once only dreamed of stepping into. Because of TFAS, I have formed life-long friendships, made important connections and have more confidence in myself than I did just eight weeks ago.  

What was the most interesting thing you did at your internship?  

🏡 Connecting with the Community
The most interesting thing I did during my internship was interviewing members of the immigrant community in Bethesda, Maryland. I had the opportunity to interview people from Montgomery County’s Sister Cities of Morozan, El Salvador; Daejeon, South Korea; Xi’an, China; Gondor, Ethiopia; and Hyderabad, India. Connecting with community members and learning how Montgomery County has developed successful policies to support incoming families and promote economic growth has been a gratifying experience.  

What did you like most about living in Washington, D.C.?   

✨Opportunities Galore
The best thing about D.C. is the amount of opportunity in all aspects of life. There are opportunities for fun, for making friends and for cultivating a career. Because of the Metro there is nothing preventing you from getting out and exploring all the free events D.C. has to offer. From the Smithsonian Solstice to FIFA Fan Zones, there is always something to do with friends.  

How have the TFAS networking events helped you expand your professional circle?  

🤝 Alumni Access
TFAS networking events have connected me with professionals that I would never have met on my own. I now know that I have a team of people and a vast alumni network rooting for me and there to help me further my career. TFAS introduced me to a wide variety of policymakers, nonprofit leaders and Hill staffers who actively shape their field that I would not have had the chance to meet otherwise.   

What advice do you have for future TFAS students?   

🧠 Keep an Open Mind
Don’t be afraid to dive in. It doesn’t matter if you’ve never been to D.C. or are unsure about what career you want to pursue because that’s what this summer is for! Talk to everyone, ask all the questions, attend every event. Go to lectures with an open mind, especially if you disagree politically with the speaker, because that is where the biggest opportunities for growth lie. I used this summer to learn as much as I could about what it means to live and work in D.C., and I would recommend everyone else to do the same.