When Maxwell Kiernan talks about what drew him to public service, he doesn't start with a class or a textbook. He starts with his mom.

An Air Force pilot and career civil servant, she spent her life protecting the country and showing her son what it looks like to show up for something bigger than yourself.

 "I grew up watching her model true citizenship," Maxwell told us. "I am forever indebted."

That foundation is what brought Maxwell to IDEA, first as a student, then as an undergraduate research assistant, and now as one of three DC Fellows heading to the nation's capital this spring. A sophomore studying Politics, Philosophy, and Economics with minors in History and Psychology, Maxwell is particularly concerned about political apathy and the growing number of citizens stepping away from the ballot box entirely. "Right on brand, I know," he said with a laugh.

In DC, Maxwell is looking forward to experiencing the day-to-day reality of how policy gets made, from committee meetings to the inner workings of congressional offices. But the experience isn't just professional for him. He sees this summer as a chance to grow personally, navigating a new city, building new relationships, and learning to fend for himself in an unfamiliar environment.

He's also working toward a personal goal: learning conversational Spanish to reconnect with his heritage and broaden the communities he can engage with.

When asked to describe himself in three words, Maxwell kept it simple: Citizen, Son, and Friend.

And his grandfather's advice, the words he carries with him?

 "Don't die before you get shot." In other words, don't hold back. Take the opportunity. Show up.

Stay tuned as we follow Maxwell's journey in Washington, D.C.