This article is part of an ongoing series, in which students document their experiences, both on campus and beyond, from their unique perspective.
Celine Cottenoir ’20 is a Political Science major from Lubbock, Texas. Her favorite part of Austin is the range of outdoor activities, but being that she's a Political Science major, she also loves that Austin is the political center of Texas. She took these photos during her spring internship at the capitol.
Laurel Salem, one of my favorite baristas at Jo’s, makes my usual: a small almond milk latte with one pump of vanilla. Jo’s is typically my first stop before heading to my internship.
I took this picture of the capitol from the south entrance during my lunch break. I work most of the day from 9–5, so my supervisor sends us to go get lunch sometimes.
While I was running an errand from my office, I ran into my friends and fellow Student Government Association (SGA) Senators Giovanna DiNapoli and Cristobal Garcia-Quiroz. One of their classes was at the capitol for research.
This photo was taken at my desk in the Senate Finance Committee office. I’m holding a “Senator Jane Nelson” mug because she chairs the committee. My boss walked in right as the photo was taken, and he thought it was really funny we were still using disposable cameras.
This is a shot I got on my way home from work. I like to go through the neighborhoods because it’s more scenic.
In the evenings, I love to go on walks. This photo was taken on a particularly busy Thursday afternoon on South Congress.
The only place I can ever get any work done is the library, so naturally my friends and I spend a lot of time here. My favorite spot is at the tables on second floor next to the windows behind all of the book racks.
More About Celine
Describe your life on the hilltop in three words? Transformative, educational, community
Your idea of happiness? Doing anything with the people I love
What is your present state of mind? Hopeful, despite many of the unknowns that come with graduation in a year. I know that even though everything isn’t planned out yet that I’m still going to be okay.
Tea or Coffee? Coffee!
What inspires you? Nature, new experiences, other people’s stories
What do you do in your free time? Hiking, swimming, reading, crafting, volunteering at Austin Pets Alive
Where are you working or interning for the summer? I am taking classes at the University of Minnesota, Humphrey School of Public Affairs
Where do you see yourself after graduation? Abroad! I am applying to a few programs, such as the Peace Corps and Fulbright Teaching Assistant program.
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