As a public university, the University of California’s fundamental missions are teaching, research and “to serve society as a center of higher learning.” None of these endeavors are possible without public service. And yet, the importance of the public to the university is not always obvious to the public that we engage with the most frequently on campus — our students.

Cheryl Purifoy, director of the UC Davis Washington Program, believes in the power of mentorship and hands-on experience to help equip students for their futures.