Maritza Perez

Maritza Perez - Entry 2

June 30, 2009

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

Finding confidence in my abilities in order to get tasks done well at work.

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

I have two - 1. Getting escorted by a Senator (a prominent one at that) to coffee in the morning at the Capitol. 2. Discovering that the writing I complete on the job will all be published in various formats for the purpose of promoting my Senator.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

Being surrounded by prominent, goal-driven Latinos of all ages who believe in their own dreams and in mine as well.

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

"If I shine, you shine." I did not make this slogan up but rather I learned it at a CHCI training from a sister organization. This internship has helped me become less selfish and more driven to enhance my community. CHCI has introduced me to a network of professional and caring individuals who I aspire to be like and learn from.

Maritza Perez - Entry 1

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.