sebastian sanchez: Blogs

Civic Engagement and Community Service

This past Wednesday my group got the opportunity to volunteer our time to build a house for an underprivileged family. During this time I took into consideration the privileged we are given to have a shelter over our heads, a place we can call home. Many citizens around the country are not so fortunate, and have to live in the streets where they are seen as the “homeless”. While interning in D.C I have noticed the lack of attention, and numerous amount of individuals living on the streets. Washington D.C is the Capitol of the United States, the strongest and greatest country in the world, this should not be happening. Having the opportunity to work together with my CHCI family on such a promising project was unbelievable. Even though we were divided into a morning shift, and afternoon shift I could feel the progress we all made in building the house for a struggling family that will benefit from it. After volunteering I realized the importance of coming together with a positive leading group and projecting all of our dedication to a project. In this case it was the house we helped Habitat for Humanity build. I feel that I can talk for the group and say that we all benefited from this project tremendously, by learning how to be a leading group that works together. We young Latinos have made our way to the world’s leading nations Capitol to work hard, and provide a strong professional appearance on behalf the Latin community. I have learned a valuable lesson, the importance of community service, and never forgetting to give back. Even though I am still a young adult, after this amazing experience I feel the strength in going back to my community to make a positive impact on my fellow Latinos. I have always known the strength we Latinos have, but know we lack one important factor, having mentors. I will give my promise to CHCI, and my new CHCI intern Familia that I will provide my experience while in D.C to young Latinos. I will go back to my community to be the bridge that will connect many young low incomes, struggling, and smart Latinos to a brighter attainable future. Being a Latino is an honor, but being a progressive Latino Leader that helps build our community is a job in the making.

Experiences on the Hill

As my internship experience on Capitol Hill comes to an end, I can’t help but appreciate how much I have grown professionally. One of many impactful highlights while on the Hill has to be the day I attended the DREAM ACT hearing. Before having the privilege in becoming a U.S Citizen, I too followed many of the Dreamers footsteps and struggles. Having the chance to sit in on the DREAM ACT hearing has put so much more into prospective regarding the immigration dilemma in the U.S. I remember seeing many young Latinos were wearing their cap and gowns. As I looked around the room, I truly started to feel a strong connection with these Dreamers. These young Latinos present the strength the next Latino generation holds. Willing to come to the U.S Capitol, and present themselves to congress officials knowing they are undocumented shows the commitment they hold. During the hearing, as corny as this may sound, all of my life flashed before me up to where I stood. I remember packing all my clothes, and being told I was going to finally see my parents, since I had not seen them for some time, while not knowing I would have to start a whole new life in a foreign country. Then I looked around as I stood in the Senate building, where I am interning, to realize how much I have achieved in the country I now call my home. To conclude, the DREAM Act hearing was by far a moment that stood out the most.

My most challenging moment would have to be combined with gratitude, in having the privilege of meeting such great summer internship classmates. The reason I see this being a challenge, is in knowing how close many of us got to each other, and realizing we are soon going to depart to our homes. Everyone in my program has helped me understand the meaning of being a Latino in the U.S. We all come from different parts of the U.S, but come together under one title, of being a “Latino”. I can go back home to say I have learned not only how the U.S congress system works, but also how united Latinos are growing in the country. I am proud to be a Latino that has been given the chance to better my life, family’s lives, and Latino community in my home, the U.S.

Week One: First Week in Washington, DC

First week at CHCI headquarters and meeting the rest of the interns was unreal. Although I have only known these great individuals for a week, I feel as though it has been much longer. It has been great to share common past experiences amongst each other, which I feel has brought us much closer. Some highlights of orientation week were when the group got to zip-line through the woods in Maryland, had discussions with Women’s Bureau Director Sara Manzano-Diaz, and Dan Restrepo the Director of Western Hemisphere Relations (influential discussions).  The one moment that stood out to me the most was the second day when we spent it on the Hill. The day on the Hill consisted of the CHCI photo shoot and we were also able to meet former alumni of the program. The alumni of CHCI provided us with great insight of what to expect while interning on the Hill for our respected offices. Upon meeting them, I was able to talk to Josie who was part of the Public Policy Fellowship program, and I thanked her for sharing a small part of her personal early childhood that I could assimilate with. Orientation was a great experience, where I can say I have met influential individuals that I know I will create a strong friendship with for the rest of my life.