Mima George ’25: Giving Grace & Gaining Confidence
Discover the enriching journey of TFAS alumna Mima George ’25, a justice studies major from the University of Maine at Augusta, who discovered a whole new world during her transformative summer in Washington, D.C.
🏫 University: University of Maine at Augusta
📚 Major: Justice studies
📍 Hometown: Rockland, ME
🧭 Program Track: Business & Government Relations
💼 Internship: Consumer Advocate Network
How has your TFAS Summer impacted you, professionally and/or personally?
💪 Building my Confidence
My TFAS summer completely reshaped the way I see myself, both personally and professionally. Before the program, I struggled with confidence when it came to leadership and especially networking. I used to think I wasn’t the “right person” for that kind of role, and I preferred to stay behind the scenes. But being immersed in TFAS, surrounded by peers and mentors who weren’t afraid to introduce themselves and strike up conversations, gave me courage. I started stepping out of my comfort zone, addressing people no matter their title or status and realizing that networking isn’t about perfection, it’s about connection. That experience has stayed with me. TFAS built my confidence, sharpened my leadership skills and showed me that I am more capable than I believed.
What was the most interesting thing you did at your internship?
👐 Hands-ON Experience
Interning at the Consumer Advocate Network (CAN) was such a meaningful experience because it gave me an inside look at the mental health community. I wasn’t just observing; I was creating and contributing. I was tasked with designing brochures and developing coursework that would later be taught to consumers, and I even had the opportunity to help teach and connect directly with the community. Engaging with people, listening to their stories and seeing how our resources could make a difference was incredibly rewarding.
🗣️ Having an Impact on Things that Matter
The day that stood out the most, though, was when we went to Capitol Hill with the National Coalition for Mental Health Resources. I was paired with advocates from Iowa, and together we met with members of Congress to discuss the importance of mental health resources. Walking into those offices was nerve-wracking at first, but once we began speaking, I realized the weight of what we were doing; our voices and perspectives mattered. It was surreal to sit across from lawmakers and know that I was contributing to a conversation that could impact lives on a national scale.
🫂 People Make the Place
What made the experience even better was the people I worked with. My co-interns, Annette and Addison, who were also in TFAS, brought so much joy and energy to every workday; they made even the busiest days fun and collaborative. Our director, Simon, was an incredible mentor, always guiding us while giving us room to learn and grow. And the rest of the staff at CAN created such a supportive environment where I felt like part of the team from day one.
What did you like most about living in Washington, D.C.?
🌇 Living in the Center of Possibility
Living in D.C. was an adventure. It was incredible to be surrounded by people who were like-minded, passionate and driven, all while being in a city layered with so much history. Even though Foggy Bottom doesn’t sound glamorous, I came to see it as the perfect location close to everything and full of energy. I loved hopping on the metro every morning, not just for the commute but for the chance to explore a new museum, monument or hidden gem afterward. My absolute favorite was the National Museum of African American History and Culture. Everything felt within walking distance, which made the city feel alive and accessible. The people I met were welcoming, and there was always something new to discover. Being in D.C. didn’t just feel like living in a city; it felt like living in the center of possibility.
What skill or mindset did you leave D.C. with that you didn’t have before?
💗 A New Community
I left D.C. with far more than I expected. First and foremost, I built a lifelong community of friends. These weren’t just classmates or coworkers; they became people who pushed me to grow, encouraged me through challenges and celebrated my successes. I realized that your community is everything, both personally and professionally.
⏰ Time Management Skills
On a practical level, I also walked away with better time management skills. Balancing an internship, coursework, networking events and social life wasn’t easy, but it forced me to prioritize and manage my time effectively. These are skills and mindsets I know I’ll carry with me long beyond TFAS.
What advice do you have for future TFAS students?
🕊️ Give Yourself Grace
My biggest advice is to give yourself grace. As students, we often feel pressure to say yes to everything to join every event, every opportunity, every conversation. But it’s important to remember that growth doesn’t come from doing everything at once. During a roundtable discussion, the Senior Vice President of Stateside Associates shared this idea of giving yourself grace, and it really stuck with me. It reminded me that it’s okay to step back when needed, to pace yourself and to focus on quality over quantity. That advice has helped me not only as a TFAS student but also in my professional journey.