2009 Internship Blog-Entry 1

Joseph Garcia - Entry 1

Posted June 16, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

FAST. It feels like I just got done packing to come to DC and now I am done with one full week of the CHCI program. I don't know if the days have been flying by because I am enjoying myself out here or if I have just been that busy.

Also, I noticed the pace of life in DC is accelerated in comparison to Colorado. I miss the mountains. I miss being able to watch the sunset from practically anywhere.

DC has definitely lived up to hype though. Last Saturday I visited the mall for the first time. I cannot find the correct words to express the huge amount of gratitude I felt when visiting the WWII and Lincoln Memorials. I was truly filled with pride. It just blows my mind that the young men who fought and died in WWII and the Vietnam War were not much older than me.

I have so much I want to accomplish in my life, I don't know if I would have been willing to accept that call to serve. I find this troublesome. This country has given my family so much.

To sum it up, the first week exceeded expectations.

David Justiniano - Entry 1

Posted June 17, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

My first week in Washington, D.C. was one of those experiences that I will never forget. Having the opportunity to stay at the Capitol and meet amazing people in and out of the program make this a unique experience.

Throughout our first week we had the opportunity to visit the CHCI office where we finally got to meet those who make this dream possible. This week was scheduled to have an insightful orientation. And it couldn't have been any better and made us feel more special than by having Cecilia Munoz as a guest speaker in our kickoff reception.

We also had our pictures taken, which turned out to be very nice, even though most of us were concerned due to the summer's high temperatures. At the end of the week we had our orientation at the Library of Congress where we learned about policymaking and visited NCLR where we met with staff members who work hard for the well-being of our community.

In sum, this past week has been a busy, but productive week; the beginning of an unforgettable journey in which we will experience the real world of our professional careers, expand our knowledge in government, and overall share our summer with wonderful people.

Edgar A. Nunez - Entry 1

Posted June 17, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

My first week in Washington, D.C. was amazing. It was amazing for the simple idea that I never thought I would be in the capital of the most powerful country in the world. My upbringing did not give me much to think about in terms of dreams, but my first week in Washington, D.C. was a dream come true for me.

Anthony Martinez - Entry 1

Posted June 17, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

Our first week has been an experience unlike any other that I've had before. Other programs and trips have come and gone for me, but none have made such a prominent impact in such a short period of time.

This privilege to not only be an intern within the halls of seemingly the center of the world, but to do so with 23 other amazingly bright and talented students, is a gift that I am immensely grateful for.

Scouring about the city and the halls of Congress, taking in so many new sights and sounds, and reveling in the history and weight of it all, has been both enthralling and humbling. To know that so many have come before and that their actions have shaped not only our history, but influenced the decisions to be made now that shape our future, has given me inspiration to make an impact as well.

I can't help but feel that simply the presence of myself and these other young Latino leaders in this city, doing our best to represent our greater Latino community and set a precedent of excellence, is a part of something monumental, the crest of a mighty wave that will soon sweep across not only Washington DC, but the nation.

Cynthia N. Cortez - Entry 1

Posted June 18, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

The first week was demanding because so much information was thrown at me. I couldn't escape the need to meditate and reflect on who I am while finding the words to articulate my purpose in DC.
 
I bring my life experience to strangers in two discomforts: unfamiliarity and professional clothing. And, it's intimidating.

But as one day reminds me of the different dimensions of the Latino experience and another how the Latino coalition is growing and yet lacking so much, I have to think about my contribution to Latino empowerment. I don't have the choice to dismiss any fact, tip, or suggestion thrown my way because I know what is at stake for my peers back home.

Leaders, speakers, and scholars came together this first week to work in a surreal dynamic manner to help give me as many tools as possible to keep my head up on the Hill. Seeing their solidarity and passion to help my development regardless of my politics, I've come to take a deep breath and unlock my ears to anyone who has something to say. And that's something I didn't comfortably feel at home.

Daisa Guilarte - Entry 1

Posted June 18, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

One word: INCREDIBLE, simply incredible.

The people I have met as well as my experiences have far exceeded the many great expectations I had for this program. I have learned a great deal in the last week regarding what it takes to be a leader and succeed in the fast-paced yet very rewarding environment that is D.C.

From learning how to properly network and get the best out of the internship to meeting incredible people during the networking events and orientation, this week has proved to me that CHCI will indeed be a life-changing program for me.

I am inspired and astonished by everyone I have met and feel especially blessed to be surrounded by the incredible group of young men and women with whom I share this incredible experience. Today marks the end of my third day as an intern for Senator Kennedy's office and I have already been in the presence of incredible leaders like John McCain and Joe Biden.

I never, in my wildest dreams, could have imagined having the opportunity to meet such amazing leaders and be in the presence of the incredible work that happens in Congress. I feel immensely blessed to be taking part in this program and expect much more in the weeks ahead.

Kelly Murguia - Entry 1

Posted June 18, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

As I walk the vibrant streets of D.C., my heart beats faster and faster. The unknown is present. I feel it. Excitement and fear, motivation and pressure, confidence and humility, its intrinsic nature is what I thrive off of from one day to the next.

Being in D.C. has begun to provide real perspective. There will be challenges to be faced, expectations to be met and parameters to be passed, but it is important to never let that succumb your craving for knowledge.

I am so grateful for my fellow CHCI interns, truly remarkable people with inspiring stories, determination and intelligence. It has been a learning experience engaging in discussions during and outside of orientation.

We all have our individual values, beliefs and passions; the diversity of thought is refreshing. Relationships are building and connections are forming. We are in the 'City of Change', where our experiences will be transformational.

It is tremendously important to look, listen and learn. We had the pleasure of hearing from prominent Latino Leaders as well as receiving the appropriate training skills necessary for getting us to that "change-making" level. If I conjured up all elements of an inspiring week, it would describe my first week in D.C.

I cannot wait to see what next week has in store. Watch out D.C., there are 24 exceptional visionaries in the making!

Karla Bayona - Entry 1

Posted June 18, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

Indescribable.

There are no words able to describe the combination of feelings, emotions, thoughts, and actions that has formed around us throughout this whole week. It is just amazing to think that we are living in one of the most important cities in the world; that we are able to be part of the decision-making process that affects the everyday life of millions and millions of people.

I have gained so much information in such a short amount of time that I don't think would have happened without this internship and CHCI. The simple fact of having to dress formally to work everyday already makes me feel important, not to mention working on CAPITOL HILL or living a couple of blocks away from Obama, or simply jogging around the National Mall while enjoying the most historic moments of our nation.

It is purely remarkable.

Veronica Gordon - Entry 1

Posted June 19, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

The last time I was in D.C. I was on a school trip with my 6th grade class. I arrived in pigtails (the Spice Girls were famous at the time, Baby Spice anyone?) and a smile on my face.

This time, I arrived with a different set of experiences and excitement for what D.C. had to offer. Though I still enjoy the Spice Girls, I am here with a different perspective and purpose.

Orientation week kicked off with an inspirational speech from Cecilia Munoz, Deputy Assistant for Intergovernmental Affairs to President Obama and ended with an informative meeting at NCLR. In between, we learned how to network and write for our offices, and discussed issues facing the Latino community.

Then, it was time to go to work. CHCI assigned me to Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ-7), someone who's extremely connected to my two main policy interests, the environment and education. I have been assigned to work on education issues, which I have always been very passionate about.

Everyone in my office is really great and I feel really lucky to be working in his office. My first week I attended a hearing on the role of new technology in schools, met the person who first introduced Title IX legislation, met an Olympic gymnast, acquired new skills, and saw the inside of the Capitol.

If you can't tell by this post, things have been awesome. I have officially started my love affair with Washington D.C., and I hope you will join me for the rest of the ride!

Noel Mendoza - Entry 1

Posted June 19, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

A few minutes ago as I opened constituent mail it struck me. I stopped, looked at myself, and thought about how deceiving I appeared.

I'm dressed in a neatly blue-striped suit, black polished shoes and flashy new tie, but no one back home would have guessed I open constituent mail on a daily basis. I laughed to myself as I thought about this.

I look like a billion pesos, I look like a chambelan de honor, but I feel extremely privileged to what many interns would refer to as slave labor. These duties are no surprise to me-opening constituent mail, summarizing briefings, answering phones, and replying to constituents.

Apart from these duties, my first week has been a lot more beneficial than what one may initially think. The bells that go off every half an hour remind me that I am not in a typical office. Everyday I am immersed with my fellow coworkers, politics and procedures of my office. I feel as my congressional office embraces my spirit and service.

When I run errands in the interconnected underground tunnels, a natural fit comes upon me. Walking in the same halls as Congress evokes visions as I look for familiar faces, and I am thrilled to almost bump shoulders with individuals who write laws that affect the entire nation. I am grateful and honored to be part of this program because many Latinos are not given this opportunity of not only understanding Capitol Hill, but also experiencing it, which is inaccessible.

Jasmine Rosa - Entry 1

Posted June 19, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

Wow, My first week in Washington D.C has gone by so quickly. I have made so many new friends, new memories and new experiences.

I am so glad that CHCI has given me this opportunity to learn about the legislative process and to meet other future leaders. I am so appreciative of all my fellow interns and of their successes.

Some of the highlights of this past week were definitely meeting the CHCI staff, meeting new interns and experiencing new places. One place in particular was the I Have a Dream block on the Lincoln Memorial. That experience meant so much to me because Martin Luther King Jr's and so many others' dream is coming true.

Just by working on the Hill and partaking in the mass change occurring in the United States shows how far we came ever since that speech was made. Just by standing where MLK gave his address made me feel empowered.

This first week will be followed by many more memories showing the change and knowledge we will have received. From the presentations to the heavy debates, this past week has been filled with happiness and I thank everyone for the wonderful experiences.

Melissa Graham - Entry 1

Posted June 19, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

I was whisked away to a city where people literally save the world and where I can be a part of that. I've made so many connections and friends who share my principles and contacts who genuinely care about my future.

We are the movers and shakers. We can move ahead through education, we can better our hometowns with perseverance, and we can revolutionize America by civic activism.

Sure enough, I'm bringing these tools home with me. I'm rising above my own expectations, organizing communities, and seeing life-changing legislation. I've been taught how to truly listen to advocates, catalyze communities, make lasting impressions, and navigate subways (without getting hopelessly lost).

I'm half expecting to hop into a phone-booth and don a cape tomorrow.

Maritza Perez - Entry 1

Posted June 19, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

My first night in D.C. this summer is reflective of my overall first week in the city as a CHCI intern. I arrived in D.C. on a Saturday night and immediately headed to my dorm room.

Soon after, I met my roommates - three amazing women from different parts of the country, and of various heritages, all fighting to enhance their communities.

We stayed up until past 2 a.m. on that initial night discussing global socioeconomic issues and what we had done/would do to rectify them. Indeed, since that first night, I have continued to network with more people.

Moreover, I have experienced the awesome power of the legislative branch on a first-hand basis. Much like the first night, I have also continued to hold conversations leading to further intellectual growth. Essentially, after one week, my roommates have become my family, while CHCI has become my home.

Together, these forces have influenced my stay thus far and consequently, they will influence my future endeavors as well.

Cristobal Salinas, Jr. - Entry 1

Posted June 19, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

I'm originally from Nebraska and now I live near President Obama. I love Washington, D.C. and would never insult it.

My first week in D.C. has been truly a wonderful experience. It bustles with vibrancy unequaled in any city I've ever been to, and its architecture is beautiful and bold.

The people are friendly, the food is wonderful, and there is never a lack of things to do. Overall D.C. is a great city.

Well, I guess my 23 new friends from 16 different states across the U.S. and Puerto Rico make my D.C. experience significant. Last week while in Washington, D.C. I was fortunate for two reasons: 1) Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute gave me the opportunity to experience my journey in D.C. 2) I made 23 new friends.

My roommates are great. Jael is a student at Columbia, Noel attends Georgetown University, and Anthony goes to Idaho State University. I'm excited to see how my summer goes!

Armando J. Santiago - Entry 1

Posted June 19, 2009

Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.

Work.

As students, we tend to throw this word around carelessly. I have certainly caught myself underestimating the true load of the word in a professional setting. The hours, I thought, were definitely a lot more manageable than our college class and homework schedule. "How bad can an 8-hour day really be?"

If there was ever a time when the expression "Ignorance is bliss" could be used, this would be it. Even as interns, the amount of work we do is but an infinitesimal portion of the work done by a single staff member in a congressional office. However, an 8-hour day is enough to drain my energy to the extent that I depend on those cozy naps on the Metro ride home to be able to cook dinner, take a shower, and sleep a few hours; only to rinse and repeat the next day.

As a student, I had enough time and energy left over after class to go to the gym, take on extra-curriculars, and hold a part-time job. Needless to say, those days seem like distant memories of a sedentary life.

However, the kind of experiences, knowledge, exposure and opportunities that have been offered to me through this internship program are priceless, and they are certainly well worth the struggle and difficulty in the challenges that they bring.

I like to think of myself as someone who thrives under pressure, so I look forward to the lessons to be learned from these new challenges. If I had to narrow down this first week to a single word, that word would be "Humility."