UH Hilo administration of justice major Alyah Cortez interns with Hawai‘i County Council
Alyah Cortez, who also serves in the U.S. Army National Guard, sees internships as opportunities to learn while serving her community.
By Riana Jicha.
A student majoring in administration of justice at the University of Hawai‘i at Hilo is getting a jump start on reaching her career goal to serve the local community by taking on internships in local politics and the judicial system.
Alyah Cortez, a 2018 graduate of Hilo High School, is interning at the Hawai‘i County Council this semester, and will start a new internship in May at the Hawai‘i County Office of the Prosecuting Attorney.
Cortez sees the two internships as incredible opportunities to grow.
“I look forward to learning as much as I can so I am able to grow my skills and knowledge in any way,” she says. “The internships give me a chance to gain skills to improve the community and learn the tools and skills needed to become a more effective leader and public servant.”
Cortez says she’s always wanted to join the police department and become a detective.
“But as we all know, it is not that simple,” she explains.
She hopes one day to find employment with law enforcement while maintaining her active status with the U.S. Army National Guard (signed up in 2021), both roles answering her goals to serve and protect her community. After she graduates from UH Hilo this spring, she hopes to successfully attain a master of science in criminal justice.
As a way to reach her goals, she says, “I am building up my resume and knowledge with such amazing opportunities” such as internships.
At the County Council, Cortez is working in the office of Councilmember Ashley Kierkiewicz. Cortez says she is becoming educated on how the county works with its elected officials, key to understanding how to bring about positive change in every individual’s life in the district.
“I am looking forward to getting to know more about what each council member does for our community and the changes they are implementing to make our state and county a better place,” she says.
While gaining knowledge of the councilmember’s duties and responsibilities, Cortez also is learning about policy and legislative action. She says she is learning both practical knowledge and nuance through attending council meetings. Observation of the formulation and implementation of bills has also afforded an excellent experience for the new intern, as she frequently observes the navigation of new policy.
All these experiences have helped her realize the endless possibilities and chances her education has brought her, opening new doors and more prospects to learn.
Not entirely set on the future, Cortez hopes to pivot these experiences into her professional development and life plans. The internship has shown her how to develop and maintain connections and relationships within the workplace. She also is gaining familiarity with facilities and work environments she hopes to interact with in her career.
By Riana Jicha, a double major in administration of justice and political science at UH Hilo.
