19 Feb A Filipino American First-Gen Student’s Journey Toward Global Impact
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Drawing from her experiences as a woman of color, @Sheryl Samala does not shy away from challenges. Just last summer, the Public Affairs major traveled over 8,000 miles from California to Singapore to complete a life-changing global internship with @United Women Singapore (UWS).
Sheryl and fellow students in the international program by Absolute Internship
What began as her first time traveling abroad quickly became a defining chapter in her professional and personal journey. Her mission-driven internship at this nonprofit advocating for gender equity not only helped her bring policy beyond @UCLA’s classrooms, but also expanded her understanding of Public Affairs on a global scale.
“It was such a transformative experience, learning about a different culture and seeing how their policies and government systems work,” she shared in an article published by the @UCLA Luskin School of Public Affairs.
Working in a field close to her heart
Sheryl’s interest in Public Affairs is deeply rooted in her lived experience. As a Filipino American woman and the first in her family to attend college, she was drawn to a field that connects systems of government and policy to the realities people face every day.
In the UCLA Luskin feature, she reflected on what inspired this pursuit:
“We were learning about government, history, and systems, and connecting them to current issues that were actually relevant to my life. As a low-income, first-generation woman of color, I remind myself that my voice and perspective are needed in places like government, law, and policy.”
Exploring hidden corners in Singapore
An international internship allowed her to further deepen that conviction. By immersing herself in a new cultural and policy environment, Sheryl developed global awareness, an essential skill in Public Affairs and one that expanded her understanding of advocacy beyond borders. It allowed her not only to learn how policy operates in different contexts, but also to reflect on the perspectives shaped by her background.
In a separate video interview, Sheryl said, “If I hadn’t gone on that internship, I wouldn’t have stepped into these spaces that, typically, students from marginalized backgrounds don’t have the opportunity to do so.”
Hands-on learning makes all the difference
Back in Los Angeles, Sheryl is actively involved in student organizations at UCLA, advocating for causes ranging from immigrant student rights to freedom of speech. She believes in turning abstract ideas into actual change and in seeing how policy can directly shape people’s lives.
It came as no surprise, then, that she made the most of her internship with UWS. There, she contributed to research and analysis aimed at improving the organization’s outreach and fundraising efforts, and participated in events that showcased advocacy in action.
Proudly wearing her alma mater in Universal Studios Singapore
An opportunity that stood out was her attendance at UWS’s STEMFest 2025, an event empowering women in traditionally male-dominated fields like engineering and IT. Sheryl is no stranger to working in fields where representation remains limited, and this exposure to women-led leadership and innovation proved insightful in more ways than she expected.
She was also able to visit the Bloomberg office in Singapore as part of her internship, where she learned from industry experts about Environmental, Social, and Governance (ESG), as well as sustainable financial solutions.
Ultimately, Sheryl saw the application of policy and governance in the real world, not just in one field, but across disciplines such as STEM and Finance. This experience was made possible by a work environment that encouraged her growth and involvement, as well as the guidance of what she described as an “incredibly supportive and kind” team.
Growth beyond the office
Of course, Sheryl’s experience abroad wasn’t limited to her internship. She explored Singapore outside work hours, taking in must-try hawker centers, the iconic Marina Bay Sands, and even an exciting day at Universal Studios.
Through Absolute Internship’s program, she connected with fellow students from around the world, and each of them brought their own backgrounds, perspectives, and ambitions. Shared days navigating a new city grew into meaningful friendships and a global network built on a rare shared experience: learning and growing together in a new country.
Her time in Asia also gave her the opportunity to reconnect with her roots. She visited the Philippines and experienced familiar comforts, from enjoying a classic Jollibee meal to taking in the views of Taal Volcano. In doing so, this stopover helped ground her international experience in a deeper sense of identity and belonging.
Exploring the Philippines
Beyond participating as an intern, Sheryl also became an Absolute Creator, documenting her journey to inspire her peers to explore international education and experiential learning. By sharing her story, she extended the impact of her experience beyond herself and reached students not only at UCLA, but also those who see their own backgrounds, aspirations, and questions reflected in her path.
“Thank you to Absolute Internship for connecting me with this opportunity. This internship has strengthened both my professional and personal development, and I am excited to carry these lessons forward in my academic and career journey,” she wrote in a LinkedIn post.
Sheryl’s journey is an incredibly powerful reminder that global opportunities aren’t reserved for a select few, but for students who are curious, driven, and ready to make a difference.
If you’ve ever wondered what it might be like to see your studies come alive, to gain global perspective, or to bring your unique voice into meaningful spaces, an international internship could be your next step!
At Absolute Internship, we’re here to support students from all backgrounds who want to learn, grow, and create impact, wherever their journey takes them.
Apply Now, and we’ll help you get started on an experience that could change the way you see the world, as well as yourself.
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