Veronica Gordon

Veronica Gordon - Entry 2

June 29, 2009

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

This past Friday as part of a ropes course organized by CHCI, I faced my fear. One activity, the zip-line, consisting of a pulley suspended on a cable that swings in midair across a beautiful landscape, made me push myself to new heights, literally and figuratively.

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

Last week I was able to go to the Supreme Court for the first time to hear some of their final decisions on various cases. Arriving at 7 a.m. to be one of the first people in and seeing the justices in action, while hearing their verdicts, was an unforgettable experience.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

It is hard to just pick one moment. Every moment in D.C., whether it is in the office, walking around the sights or with my fellow interns, has taught me so much.

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

Seize every opportunity.

Veronica Gordon - Entry 1

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!