Ana Wolken: Blogs

Civic Engagement and Community Service

Working together on the Habitat for Humanity house was a valuable learning experience in many respects. First of all, I learned the ins and outs of hanging siding. Needless to say this is not something I envisioned learning during this internship but I enjoyed the physical labor outdoors. After spending the better part of the last seven weeks in an office, often behind a computer, it was a welcome change of pace. However, the most important thing I learned from the Habitat for Humanity experience is the importance of working together as a group in support of a common cause. It was empowering to know that our volunteer efforts were in support of an underprivileged family. Helping those in need is a non-partisan issue and such issues have been in short supply during our time on Capitol Hill. Community service is a great way to make a difference and as someone who hopes to effect positive change, I give my time to help whenever possible. There are worthy groups in need of a helping hand across a wide spectrum of causes and I highly encourage all young leaders to get involved in a cause they believe in. As the quote goes, “To whom much is given, much is expected.” Giving back to the communities that have given us so much is a moral imperative and a great way to ensure that future generations benefit from the foundation we are laying today.

Experiences on The Hill

The highlight of my time working on Capitol Hill has without a doubt been my office’s involvement in the on-going debt ceiling negotiations. As co-chair of the Congressional Progressive Caucus, Congressman Raul Grijalva has been doing a lot of press over the past few weeks. His high visibility has increased the amount of work for staff and we have all risen to the challenge. Long hours and jam-packed phone lines have been fairly common. However in spite of the sometimes hectic environment I am incredibly proud to be on staff with a group of such hardworking and forthright individuals. Knowing that Congressman Grijalva is truly fighting the good fight helps keep me motivated in the most trying of times.

Though some of my proudest moments have occurred during these debt negotiations, I have faced some of my most challenging moments as well. In addition to supporters, Congressman Grijalva’s high visibility has drawn out a few detractors and critics as well. I have spoken with a small but vocal minority of callers who not only disagree with the Congressman’s positions but also some callers who were simply mean-spirited and even racist at times. The first time I took such a call, I was shocked and even felt a bit discouraged. However, after speaking with very supportive staffers I managed to set those feelings aside and continued working as though unfazed. This experience has definitely taught me lessons in perseverance and determination. At times the challenges we face in life can seem insurmountable but it is often up to us as young leaders to work through difficulties to ensure that the issues and causes we support continue to move forward in spite of confrontation. My time on Capitol Hill has reinforced the importance of determination and perseverance as part of being a good leader. These lessons will no doubt be with me throughout the rest of my education and into my future career; a career I now envision on Capitol Hill.

Pillars of Leadership

After meeting with Congresswoman Judy Chu and Congressman Raul Grijalva, CHCI’s emphasis of civic engagement was really driven home for me. Because I intern with Congressman Grijalva, I am familiar with the details of his path to the House of Representatives. Both he and Congresswoman Chu were civically engaged at the local level early on in their careers. Because they both spent time in the trenches, so to speak, they built strong records of public service in their respective communities. This experience simultaneously educated them about the needs of the people they would later represent and made them stronger, more effective leaders in the House. As both Chu and Grijalva progressed through their careers they moved from the local level, into state offices and finally into their current roles at the federal level. For Congressman Grijalva, this path included the Tucson School Board followed by the Pima County Board of Supervisors. At each step the Congressman was civically engaged in his community and thus attuned to the needs of the people he serves. This is an important lesson to learn as a young leader. By being civically engaged in my community, I am learning the needs of people just like me. Should I be privileged enough to represent my community in some capacity in the future, as a leader such knowledge and awareness will be invaluable and empowering.

First Week in Washington, DC

My first week in Washington, DC was, in a word, intense. CHCI had amazing week of orientation activities planned for us in preparation for our time on Capitol Hill. The discussions with Department of Labor Women’s Bureau Director, Sara Manzano-Diaz and Obama's Western Hemisphere Advisor, Dan Restrepo were the highlight of my week. We gained valuable insight into the speakers’ backgrounds and how those backgrounds put them on paths to the positions of influence and power that they hold today. Most importantly, both Ms. Manzano-Diaz and Mr. Restrepo provided inspiration for my future career in public service. The fact that they both hold juris doctorates solidifies my decision to attend law school in the not too distant future. However, the Orientation Week moment that stands out the most occurred during our time on the ropes course in rural Maryland. I volunteered to be first to cross a high wire suspended twenty or thirty feet above the ground. Despite wearing a safety harness and helmet, once I was in the air I became extremely fearful and contemplated backing down. After considering my options I was able to push myself to complete the task and overcome my fear. Knowing that I possess that kind of fortitude and determination is reassuring and empowering and will no doubt serve me well in a leadership capacity going forward. My first week in Washington, DC has been an amazing experience. I have no doubt that the experience and skills that we’ve gained will prove to be crucial as we begin our work in Congress.