Meet Paige Axness, Student Intern at City Hall

What did you learn during your internship with the San Francisco Environment Department?

I learned a great deal about the city’s programs focused on waste reduction, hazardous waste, clean energy, and biodiversity. And I learned how much the city’s sustainability work relies on public trust and participation and that these programs only work when residents understand what is available to them and know how to engage. As a member of the policy and communications team, I worked on weekly newsletters, meeting minutes, social media planning, and mailer campaign analysis. I saw how communication can make technical initiatives feel more relevant and usable in everyday life.

I strengthened my ability to translate complex information into writing that is clear, concise, and developed for specific audiences. I learned how the city turns policy conversations, data, and outreach into materials, attempting to support transparency and action.

I came into the internship thinking I wanted to focus more directly on policy. While that is still a primary interest of mine, my experience showed me that even the strongest environmental programs depend on clear, accessible public communication to succeed.

How did you find this fellowship?

Initially, I planned to attend USF in DC, so the McCarthy programs had been on my radar prior to my acceptance to USF. Since my freshman year, I can recall seeing the McCarthy Center flyers posted around campus. I ended up falling in love with San Francisco and wanting to stay here, so the McCarthy in SF program seemed like the perfect fit. I applied and was accepted, and the program matches you with a fellowship that aligns with your skills and interests. Most of all, I would like to extend a big thank-you to Angeline Vuong, who maintains relationships with city departments to secure placements for every single one of us, taking so much pressure off the fellowship process for students. Angie proposed SFE to me, and I thought it sounded like a great match, and that's how I ended up there.

What's your advice to your first-year self at USF?

I would tell my first-year self to get involved earlier and not be so afraid of putting myself out there. I would say join clubs earlier, go to events, even if it was alone, apply for any internship, no matter whether I was the most qualified, and to build positive relationships with professors. I spent too much time worrying about whether I was qualified enough or whether I belonged in certain spaces, when in reality, a lot of growth comes from simply being willing to show up and put in the effort.

I would also say be braver about taking chances, even when something feels intimidating. Some of the best opportunities in college come from moments where you have to risk being uncomfortable, whether that is speaking up in class, meeting new people, or saying yes to every opportunity. Being brave does not mean feeling confident all the time; it just means doing it anyway.

Most of all, I would remind myself that college goes by quickly, and the more you engage with it, the more you get out of it. I am so involved in my communities and the city now, and although I was not too late to the game, I wish I had felt more belief in myself and my capabilities. Connections, experiences, and confidence are built over time, but only if you let yourself step into them!

What's next for you?

I'm a politics major, and I plan to attend law school after graduating from USF and pursue a career as an attorney. What draws me most to law is its ability to create both immediate and lasting impact. I am passionate about how legal work can help those navigating difficult situations while also addressing the broader structures that shape their lives.