Melessa C. Rodriguez

Melessa C. Rodriguez - Entry 3

July 10, 2009

As a CHCI intern, you will be conducting a community service project on the 2010 Census. Why is this issue important to you and how do you think it impacts the Latino community?

In the past, the Latino community has not been counted accurately by the Census. In 2000, nearly three percent or 1 million Latinos were not counted. This upcoming 2010 Census is our chance as a community to make it count. As Latinos we are the fastest growing minority population in the United States, and it's time we stand up on April 1, 2010 and own the political power that comes with it.

Melessa C. Rodriguez - Entry 2

June 30, 2009

What has been the most challenging moment during your first three weeks of the internship? 

I would have to say the most challenging moment thus far includes altering my lifestyle to keep up with the fast pace hustle and bustle of D.C. Anything you do here, whether it's figuring out your route on the metro to summarizing a briefing for your office, calls for you to be a step ahead and to be constantly thinking on your feet.

What has been the coolest moment during the first three weeks of your internship?

Simply being in D.C. gives you the opportunity to have a cool moment at any point of your day.  I was able to attend a meeting with my congressman and a member of the Italian Parliament and later that same week I sat in another meeting with the Governor of Tamaulipas. To know that I am in the same city where top leaders are meeting and making important decisions that will be impacting not only the U.S. but also the rest of the world qualifies in my book as being cool.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

Every bit of my experience in D.C. has inspired me in one way or another. Above all, I think being surrounded by my fellow CHCI interns, who are all ambitious and driven to make a positive impact on our community and our nation, has left me feeling both inspired and hopeful for the future.

If you had to make up a slogan, ten words or less, that represents your internship experience thus far, what would it be?

Always challenge yourself to be better and to do better.