Gray West '25: Finding Growth in Change

Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumnus Gray West ’25, a government major from Wesleyan University, who discovered a whole new world during his transformative summer in Washington, D.C.

🏫 University: Wesleyan University
📚 Major: Government
📍 Hometown: Middletown, CT
🧭 Program Track: Public Policy & Economics
💼 Internship: Open Gov Hub

How has your TFAS Summer impacted you?

💡 A Summer of Changing Ideas
My TFAS summer completely reshaped how I think about my future. I came in with a clear idea of what I thought I wanted, but through every speaker, conversation, and experience, I was challenged to think bigger and stay open. I’m incredibly grateful for how thoughtfully the entire program was curated, from inspiring speakers and meaningful alumni connections to an internship that pushed me to grow. This summer wasn’t just about professional development; it was about finding confidence and purpose when it came to the career I wanted to pursue. I’m walking away from this summer with new academic goals, lifelong friends and a deeper understanding of who I want to become professionally!

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

👂 Listening to and Learning from Others
One of the most interesting and rewarding parts of my summer was getting to know the incredible nonprofits that shared an office with me. I had the chance to meet people from Pen America, Accountability Lab and the Partnership for Transparency. Every conversation offered a new perspective. It was so amazing to learn about their work, their missions and the change they’re striving to create in their fields.

The Open Gov Hub, along with its thoughtful leadership, exposed me to a wide range of career paths, issue areas and ways of thinking. I’ll carry those insights with me for a long time, and I’m truly grateful for the community I found with my supervisors and fellow interns.

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

🚴 History with Every Pedal
There’s truly no other city like D.C. As someone who grew up internationally, it felt surreal to leave my dorm in Foggy Bottom and find myself walking past the White House or the Capitol. D.C. is a living museum, a hub of historical significance, and every time I roamed (or biked!) through the city, I stumbled upon places rich with meaning. One of my favorite hidden gems was when I left a bookstore and, by chance, found myself in one of the oldest buildings in D.C. Moments like that made the city feel endlessly full of discovery, blending history with the rhythm of everyday life. If you ever find yourself near the Old Stone House, the backyard garden is amazing and is a great place to get some outdoor studying done!

How did this experience change the way you show up in professional spaces? 

📝 Always Take Notes
I never used to be a notetaker, but during my time in D.C., I really learned the value of it. It may seem like a simple habit, but it’s completely changed how I show up and present myself in professional environments. Taking notes demonstrates that you’re engaged, detail-oriented and dependable. It shows colleagues that you care about what’s being discussed and can be trusted to remember and follow through on important information. It’s a small shift that has made a big difference in how I contribute to meetings and team dynamics.

How did you grow professionally during your time in Washington, D.C.?  

🤝 Building that D.C. Network
I think I really learned what networking was and the potential for actual relationships to be built through coffee chats and informational interviews. Networking can feel transactional at first, but during my time in D.C., I began to understand it as a genuine process of relationship-building.

I learned how to ask thoughtful questions, follow up meaningfully and stay engaged with people whose work I admired, not because I wanted something from them immediately, but because I was truly interested in their paths and insights. That shift helped me grow professionally by expanding both my mindset and my network. It also gave me more confidence in initiating conversations and navigating professional spaces.

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

💌 Forever Friendships
I don’t think I would have made half the friends I did this summer if it weren’t for the networking opportunities. I struck up so many conversations with people I now consider close friends while waiting in line for speakers we both found interesting. Of course, these events are great for meeting alumni and professionals who are willing to help you out, but the most meaningful aspect for me was the friendships I formed. Networking events are a fantastic opportunity to connect with people who share your political passions and interests.

What advice do you have for future TFAS students?  

🧠 Keep an Open Mind
Take risks and be open to hearing perspectives from those who may hold different political beliefs. TFAS brings together a wide range of speakers and institutions, many of whom may challenge your assumptions, and that’s a good thing. Some of the most valuable lessons I learned came from people I didn’t initially agree with.

Engaging respectfully and critically with differing viewpoints helped me sharpen my own thinking and become a more well-rounded learner. Don’t shy away from discomfort; it’s often where the most growth happens.