“Few rare people devote their adult lives to service, but far more adjust their focus toward other responsibilities. That is why important causes need young people to serve, before we have too many responsibilities to find the time.” – Carl Lasker

Public Service Review features informative and poignant stories from young voices from across the nation who share in their own words their experiences, insights, hopes, and dreams as they immerse themselves in the public service sphere through a variety of formats and activities. This edition of Public Service Review introduces you to seven new voices and provides an optimistic glimpse into the future for all of us who care deeply about the future of American democracy. As they explore the challenges and rewards of public service, the commitment of these young leaders to do their part to make our nation stronger is truly inspirational. We are proud to highlight their voices and are encouraged about our nation’s future.

This edition introduces you to young leaders like Carl Lasker and Tanner DeYoung, who share their unique service experiences in unexpected places. Featured in the inaugural edition of the journal, Carl shares a motivational reflection on his year of service in an under-resourced D.C. public school. Tanner, a biochemistry major at Mississippi State University, reflects on his “outside-the-box” internship experience with the Helsinki Commission, an independent U.S. government agency. Additionally, this edition features an interview with Mr. Tom Daffron, where Maine Law student Anna Zmistowski explores his extensive tenure on Capitol Hill.

Lastly, this edition introduces you to a new series titled “Reflections from a Congressional Intern,” where we tasked Stennis Program for Congressional Interns participants to reflect on their time on Capitol Hill and provide their unique perspectives on their public service experience. This edition features Sameer Chhetri of Pennsylvania State University, Kylie Harlan of Texas Tech University, Laura Ludwig of the University of California, Davis, and Jessie Xu of Duke University, who all interned on Capitol Hill in the fall of 2021.

Public Service Review is a place for talented young leaders to tell their stories in the hope that readers will benefit and learn from these reflections, encouraging both those interested in a similar path and others interested in public service. We hope these stories and interviews will inform and inspire readers of different perspectives as we all work toward a better future.