Just over 20% of Americans say they trust the federal government to do what is right “just about always” (2%) or “most of the time” (19%), the Pew Research Center reported this summer—far below the numbers registered in the late 1950s and early 1960s, when more than 70% trusted the leaders in Washington. While Ryan Carney, a senior in Global Liberal Studies, recognizes the reality of public sentiment today, he has also witnessed the ways elected officials can improve people’s lives. “Yes, we’re becoming more politicized and polarized, but I think there’s still meaningful change happening,” says Carney, who grew up in Vienna, Va., and has interned for both Democratic and Republican members of Congress, including U.S. Rep. Carolyn Maloney (D-NY) this semester. “Working with constituents to solve issues related to immigration or taxes, or even helping them get passports, was something that I really enjoyed.” More of Ryan Carney's story at the link in our bio.