Annabel Doherty had the unique opportunity her freshman year at the University of Hawaiʻi at Mānoa, where she was able to combine her experience of living with a disability with her interest in political science and passion for helping those in need. Doherty interned for the Hawaiʻi State Council on Developmental Disabilities (DD Council) and served as an advocate for the Hawaiʻi disabled community during the 2023 legislative session.
“I’m very big about service and helping out the people around me,” said Doherty. “It’s something I’ve always wanted to do since I was a kid.”
Doherty has misophonia, a condition where certain sounds like chewing or repetitive noises like dripping water can cause anger, irritation or panic. She says it was severe when she was child.
“I would define a disability as something that affects the way you want to live your life,” said Doherty. “Currently, I wouldn’t say my condition is a disability to me since I’m able to live my life the way I want without it negatively affecting me.”
The experience led her to the DD Council, which educates and advocates for disability rights. During the legislative session, Doherty tracked bills, prepared testimony and worked with the Self-Advocate Advisory Council, a subsection of the DD Council that helps people participate in the legislative process.
“It’s important that the people get their voice heard in legislation,” said Doherty. “I’ve seen people around my age wanting to be involved in legislation, especially since the Red Hill situation occurred. They’re starting to learn how much impact the government has on their daily lives. They deserve to have their voices heard.”
She hopes to mentor others as she was mentored by her supervisor, Che Silvert, a PhD candidate in political science with a focus on disabilities studies.
“It’s so valuable being able to see someone who has walked a very similar path as the one I am currently going down, and seeing how passionate and knowledgeable he has become by being able to work in a field he cares deeply about,” said Doherty. “It gives me a lot of hope that I will be able to find a place in the world that works as well for me too.”
Doherty is on the fast track—due to AP courses she completed in high school that counted toward college credits, she will be able to obtain her bachelor’s in political science by the end of 2024. She is also fulfilling prerequisite courses to later apply for the Kapiʻolani Community College EMT program.
Political internships through UH Mānoa
Doherty’s internship was completed through the Mānoa Political Internship program. The internships are open to all majors and span different government departments, such as the Public Defender’s office and Hawaiʻi State Legislature, as well as Congressional offices in Washington, D.C.
“The internship program was a great way for me to diversify my college experience,” said Doherty. “Internships are an opportunity to learn about different backgrounds and meet new people. It also expands your knowledge and perception of the world and makes you more aware, especially if you intern in an office of a community or subject you aren’t well-versed in.”
