Dana Kit’s diverse experiences—ranging from advocating for immigrants at Catholic Charities to researching international poverty at The Borgen Project—reflect her commitment to both social justice and global issues. In this interview, Dana shares insights into her work, memorable experiences, and the skills she’s developed throughout his journey.
How did your experience working with Catholic Charities influence your perspective on immigration law and the challenges faced by immigrants?
Working with Catholic Charities has helped me realize just how uncertain immigration law can be. I started my internship around the time the Biden administration unveiled a new border policy for asylum seekers. Navigating that uncertainty and consulting potential clients about its effects was a unique challenge. Whether it was a new border policy or a newly implemented dedicated docket in immigration courts, every week felt as if something new had been enacted that had to be addressed.
Can you share a memorable case or project you worked on during your internship with Catholic Charities that had a significant impact on you?
Many of my cases involved direct client interaction and interview skills. One case, in particular, involved an asylum seeker who had faced past persecution in his home country due to his sexual orientation. Engaging directly with the client and helping him flesh out his story to strengthen his asylum claim was an invaluable experience that refined my client interaction skills and touched me emotionally.
Many of the cases I worked on dealt with heavy topics that left a significant emotional impact on me. Being able to consult with and interview clients—and to give them a voice in an often voiceless area of the law—has left me feeling empowered and determined to continue this work in the future.
How did your thesis on "Unraveling White Supremacist Discourse Within Right-Wing Populist Groups" shape your understanding of contemporary political issues?
My honors thesis explored the similarities and differences in white supremacist rhetoric within right-wing populist groups in both the United States and Russia. It highlighted common rhetorical appeals used by populist groups in both countries, such as scapegoating minority groups for societal decline.
One of my most striking discoveries was that, although the specific targets of their discourse differed—focusing on different ethnic or racial groups in each country—the rhetoric itself was strikingly similar. This realization shaped my understanding of the global populist movement and its common ideological patterns.
What skills did you develop as a Writing Fellow at Drew University that have been most beneficial in law school?
During my tenure as a Writing Fellow, I held individual tutoring sessions with first-year students, developed and implemented lesson plans, and held weekly office hours. Checking in with students and offering support helped me develop strong interpersonal skills, which have proven invaluable in law school.
My experience editing first-year students’ papers and creating detailed lesson plans on writing also helped me acclimate to legal writing. The ability to clearly communicate complex ideas and provide constructive feedback has been particularly beneficial in my legal studies.
Can you describe your role and achievements as Co-Director of the Drew Student Voter Project?
As Co-Director of Drew University’s Student Voter Project, I helped increase undergraduate voter turnout and participation on campus through tabling events, presenting informational sessions to first-year classes, and assisting students with voter registration.
During my tenure, we increased voter participation by over 50% through our frequent voter registration events. It was incredibly rewarding to see so many students become engaged in the democratic process.
What was the most challenging aspect of your internship with Judge Susan D. Wigenton, and how did you overcome it?
The most challenging aspect of interning with Judge Susan D. Wigenton was transitioning from the classroom to real-world legal experience. Navigating the complex rules of federal district court and maintaining the proper decorum was an adjustment. At times, I experienced imposter syndrome.
It took weeks of practice and acclimation before I started to feel comfortable in the role. Watching attorneys engage in oral argument and noting both their strengths and weaknesses helped me realize that they, too, were human. This perspective shift helped alleviate my anxieties and allowed me to grow more confident in my abilities.
How has your fluency in Spanish and Ukrainian been an asset in your legal career so far?
I’ve always considered language skills an invaluable resource in any career because they allow you to connect with individuals you otherwise might not have had the chance to.
For example, my Spanish skills have been particularly useful at Catholic Charities. Many of my clients speak only Spanish, and being able to communicate with them directly—without relying on an interpreter—has been invaluable. Speaking a foreign language opens countless doors to connecting with and understanding clients on a deeper level.
What motivated you to work as a Political Affairs Intern for The Borgen Project, and what did you learn from that experience?
My passion for both local politics and international relations made The Borgen Project a perfect fit. During my time there, I discussed the importance of international poverty-reducing legislation with congressional staff members and conducted research on poverty initiatives.
It was eye-opening to learn about the misconceptions the public has regarding international poverty and U.S. foreign aid. This experience reinforced my understanding of how much work remains to be done in the fight against global poverty.
How do you balance your academic responsibilities with your long-term commitment to North Jersey Research as a Digital Associate?
After starting law school, I balanced my commitment to North Jersey Research by working on a per diem basis. As a result, my advice and assistance are only required when necessary for projects such as proofreading social media posts, newsletters, and websites.
This arrangement allows me to prioritize my academic responsibilities while still contributing to North Jersey Research when needed.
What do you enjoy most about your interests in hiking, international travel, and learning foreign languages, and how do they contribute to your overall well-being?
Hiking, international travel, and learning foreign languages are all hobbies that I cherish as part of my self-care routine. Being able to immerse myself in nature and see the world from a new perspective—whether through hiking or traveling—helps balance the stresses and expectations of law school.
As for foreign languages, I’m always open to suggestions on which one I should learn next!
