Policy, Public Service, and Putting Yourself Out There with Andre Achacon

In this episode of Beach Peeps, CSULB Vice President of Student Affairs Beth Lesen sits down with political science major Andre Achacon to talk about advocacy, public service, and taking intentional risks.Andre shares how he jumped into Associated Students, Inc. (ASI) during his first year at The Beach and quickly found his passion for student advocacy. That passion led him to the prestigious Panetta Institute Congressional Internship Program, where he spent a semester preparing at Cal State Monterey Bay before heading to Washington, D.C., to intern in Congress.While in D.C., Andre worked directly in a congressional office, answering constituent calls, contributing to communications strategy, producing video content, and navigating the realities of a federal government shutdown. The experience, which he describes as the most transformative of his college career, helped him discover his interest in political and public communications.Now serving as a communications intern for Congressman Robert Garcia, Andre reflects on how every risk he’s taken, from moving away from home to putting himself in uncomfortable environments, has shaped his path.His advice for new students is simple but powerful: show up, take strategic risks, and reflect on what you learn along the way.