Kayla Petri '26

My experience this summer has been eye-opening and impactful. Before this summer, I had a very limited understanding of the asylum process. However, after this summer, I feel like I have learned so much and have been exposed to so many new things. I had numerous opportunities to sit in on meetings with clients and in doing so, learn about their experiences. I really enjoyed getting to actually sit and talk with clients. I felt like every day I was doing something new and got to perform a variety of tasks such as case research, country condition research, work on personal statements, and filling out different forms that are a part of the asylum process. I also really enjoyed my work environment and everyone in the office was so kind and helpful. Ultimately, I had a great experience and am so glad to have had the opportunity to work at Journey's End.

What impacted me the most was getting the opportunity to meet with and talk to the clients. The people represented by Journey's End come from all over the world. Getting to hear their stories and getting to know them as individuals was truly a one-of-a-kind experience and one of my favorite things about the summer. I liked having the chance to talk and listen to the people whom I was providing legal assistance. Additionally, simply learning about the asylum process was extremely impactful. Before this summer, I never realized how long and complex the asylum process can be. After this summer, I understand just how much goes into preparing applications and navigating the asylum process. I have so much respect for the lawyers, clients, and everyone else involved!

I would like to thank the donors to the Catalyst Fellowship who made my experience this summer possible. This fellowship enabled me to fully dedicate myself to my internship and eased some of my worries I had with taking an unpaid position. It allowed me to take a position and work in an area that I previously had a very limited understanding of and allowed me to learn and grow and try something new.