Claudia Velasco: Blogs

Civic Engagement and Community Service

Last Wednesday, we spent the day volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Building this house for Habitat for Humanity really made me reflect on all the blessings that I have and how important it is to give back. This family is finally going to have a house. That’s life-changing. If it wasn’t for the groups of volunteers that come week after week, this family would not be able to afford a home. It was really great being part of this process with my peers. As Latinos, it is especially important to give back to our communities. Many of us are first or second generation immigrants. How could we not give back to the communities that have given so much to us? How could we not give our time to the country that has given us an education and the chance to have a successful future? Although many Latinos have been living in this country for generations, it is still imperative that we give as much as we can to show that our population cares and wants to influence this nation in a positive way. If we want to have a voice, we must start change in our communities by offering our time to service. And although it is important that we help our own Hispanic community, it is also essential that we give back and serve our community as a whole. I believe one of the largest problems with the Hispanic voice being heard is that it is reduced to certain issues--- immigration, for example. The fact is that the issues that concern us also concern the rest of the country. Education, job opportunities, and equality are just as important as comprehensive immigration reform. The way we stop others from limiting our voice is by serving all facets of our individual communities and striving to make our city, state, and country a better place for everyone.

Experiences on the Hill

Entering Longworth House office building on my first day, I expected nothing but pompous politicians and all too serious interns who thought they were saving the world. These past five weeks have proved me wrong. SO WRONG. Not only have I learned that your Representative really cares about what you have to say, but that they work really hard to shape legislation that will benefit you. One of my duties as an intern is to respond to constituent letters. We have hundreds, and guess what? We answer all of them. That was amazing to me. I had no idea my politician cared. Learning this has encouraged me to be more politically active and tell the people back home to be active as well. Furthermore, being on the Hill has allowed me to meet incredible people. One meeting that stands out is a former member of Teach for America. He told me about his experience with TFA and specifically the work he did in uniting poor schools with institutions of faith. His experiences have inspired me to do something similar in my city of Jackson, TN, where one of the largest high schools is also a “drop out factory” and where the largest church has a few thousand members who are willing to help. Finally, the most personally rewarding part of these past five weeks has been the friendships I’ve made with my fellow interns. I think we fell in love with each other from week one. It’s a little ridiculous. Growing up in Tennessee, I was often the only Latina in my classes or even in my school. To be surrounded by thirty other incredibly smart people who share my same background, passions, and dreams has been so rewarding. The fact that we can laugh about our funny abuelitas and our Latin American stereotypes, or how much we love Mana, or how tight our Mamis braided our hair when we were little is…amazing. I’ve never experienced it before. The things that I’ve learned, the people that I’ve met, the opportunities I now have can never be replaced. I have so much hope for my future! I thank God every day for this opportunity. This summer was an answer to prayer. It changed my life.

First Week in Washington, DC

Wow! What an incredible week! I still can’t believe I’m here. So, first impression? I drive up to our high-rise apartments, take the elevator to the 20th floor, and walk into our beautiful fully furnished apartment. The view is great and sunlight is flooding through the huge windows. I can’t believe I get to live here for free. A few minutes later I meet Emily, my roommate. We’re both so excited to be here (especially after we go to the roof and see the pool). On Sunday, the group gathers for the first time. We discuss what comes next. What do we hope to learn? How do we want to feel? What changes will we want to make? How will we define ourselves as a group and as individuals? I’m so impressed by the discussion and a little intimidated because there’s people here who are really smart. Monday morning hits fast. Suit, lint-roller, metro, craziness, laughs, pictures, confusion, arrival to CHCI. Our first speaker is Sara Manzano-Diaz, Director of the Women’s Bureau. This lady is super important but she treats us like family. I’m so inspired by her story and her advice, “Dream big.” Favorite quote: “Honor the struggles of the people that came before you.” Tuesday is really fun. We have our photo shoot and learn really random things about each other as we pose for fake conversation pictures. Walking around Capitol Hill, eating in Longworth cafeteria, hearing advice from alumni, and visiting the Library of Congress is so surreal. I’m so happy to be here and be surrounded by these people who share my culture and my passions. The rest of the week is great and we learn so much about so many things, but my favorite day is definitely Thursday. We go out to a ropes course and do group activities all day. It’s 98 degrees outside and some of the tasks are really challenging but we work together and complete everything really smoothly. It was great to see personalities come out, opinions formed, different actions taken, and see that we were able to work well together despite our fears, insecurities, and differences. At the end of the day, I feel so much closer to everyone. It’s been one week, but it feels like a month (in a good way.) Our group has really bonded in a short time and I’m so excited about the things we will experience together. It’s going to be an unforgettable summer!