Blog: The CHCI Experience

First Week in Washington, DC

June 13, 2011

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!

First Week in Washington DC

June 12, 2011

One week down and my heart is full! Last Sunday June 5th, I was getting adjusted to our new home for the summer in Arlington, VA, getting to know my amazing roommates and fellow interns, as well as awaiting for CHCI Orientation. This Sunday June 12th, I find myself buying full groceries for the first time, restlessly wandering about the Metro and D.C. streets with my 30 brothers and sisters, mourning the end of orientation where we shared space altogether, and anxiously preparing for my first day working on Capitol Hill. My first week in DC has been truly incredible, and flying by way too quickly! Orientation week was filled with advice about working on Capitol Hill. Network. Develop and maintain a willing attitude. Listen. Ask questions. Learn and respond positively from failure. Follow your heart. Remember and honor the struggles of those who came before you. Trust yourself and build trust in others. Be early. Stay late. Network. I am so grateful for having the opportunity to meet and hear from former CHCI interns and staff members. Orientation week was also filled with advice and intense discussion on leadership. What does it mean to be a leader? In particular, what does it mean to be a leader and identify as Latino? While there are too many moments that stood out for me, there is one quote by our incredible first Keynote Speaker, Sara Mazano-Diaz, Director of Women’s Bureau Department of Labor that reassures me: “life’s journey is a series of opportunities and how you react to them.” I am becoming more and more cognizant of the extent of opportunities afforded to me as a CHCI leader.Tomorrow I begin my first day as a CHCI Hill intern. I will be fearless and proactive.

Week One: First Week in Washington, DC

June 12, 2011

First week in DC…hmm…well it was nothing that I could have ever expected. I arrived late so I kind of felt as if I was at a disadvantage because the other interns had the opportunity to tour the capitol and take part in the photo shoot. I did not let that bother me for long, though. I jumped right in to orientation on Wednesday and began my week as a CHCI intern. We had some people speak to us about different things regarding their professional lives as a Latino, a writing workshop, CHCI alumni members, and the Latino Smithsonian Center. My favorite of the presentations was when Dan Restrepo, Senior Advisor for Western Hemisphere at National Security Council, spoke to us. He talked about what lead him to where he is today and gave us some advice about trying to plan our lives. He advised not to have a plan. We should just embrace the opportunities that come our way and though it may not seem like the best one or the highest paid at the time, it will eventually lead to another opportunity that you may not have ever thought about. My absolute favorite part of the week was when we went to the ropes course. I was a little uneasy about the whole situation since I am not the most physically fit person and I am afraid of heights. I went into it with an open mind just telling myself that I probably will not have another opportunity to do something like this, so I have to do it. It ended up being an experience that I will never forget. We had a lot of team building exercises that allowed us to work together, practice our leadership abilities, and learn to communicate with everyone to complete a task. The changing moment for me was when I walked the catwalk that was high off the ground. Never had I put myself in such an uncomfortable situation. It was out of my comfort zone but I knew I needed to do something like that if was ever going to grow as a person and as a leader. I did it, but the most difficult part was falling back off the catwalk, trusting my other group members to lower me back to the ground safely. Sometimes, it is hard for me to trust myself. I did not know how I was expected to trust people that I had met the day before. It was a huge struggle. I succeeded, not before a few tears were shed of course. It was a rewarding experience. After that, I felt like I could do anything. I ended the day with riding a zip line and feeling so absolutely proud of myself. This week overall, helped me realize a lot about myself, my fellow interns, and the CHCI program in which I am so blessed to have been chosen to participate in.

First Week in Washington DC

June 12, 2011

On my third day here in Washington, DC, our orientation director asked us to write three qualities that we use to describe ourselves. I wrote: “independence, courage, hard working”. Then, something unexpected: we were asked to write those three words using our non dominant hand. I watched my writing go from neat lines and curves to infantile scrawl. The exercise unexpectedly bothered me. Suddenly, I was out of my comfort zone. Then we were asked us, “what is loss?” I thought of my emotions during my first few days in Washington. I was scared, homesick, and apprehensive. It was my first time traveling alone and the longest I’ve ever been this far from my family. The usual feeling of familiarity that I had at home was gone. The environment, the scenery, and the people surrounding me were all new and daunting to me. Then came the second part of the question: “what does loss mean in terms of leadership?” It had never occurred to me until now that the uncertainty that I was experiencing could make me a stronger leader. Thinking back to the defining moments in my past, I note that each began the same way: with uncertainty, discomfort, and apprehension. Each ended however, in a sense of fulfillment and gratefulness. I realized then that what I am doing here during these next eight weeks is pushing my boundaries and broadening my personal horizons. I am getting to know myself and explore capabilities that I didn’t know I possessed. Today marks one week that I have been in Washington and although I still have some ways to go, I have already learned several new and positive things about myself. I have gained confidence in my identity and my ambitions, and met so many admirable people whom I can see becoming lifelong friends. I realize that there are times when the realization of dreams hinges upon the confrontation of the unfamiliar. But what if you do face it? What if you dare to persevere through it all and find something wonderful on the other side? If I hadn’t pushed myself past my fears, I wouldn’t be here in one of the most exciting cities in the world pursuing what I once considered far-fetched ambitions. Speaking to these insights, I will finish with some advice that our keynote speaker Sara Manzano-Diaz, Director of the Womens Bureau at the Department of Labor, gave us: "Be proud of yourself for all you have accomplished. Ground everything you do in love and honor the struggles of those who came before you. Most importantly, dream big and be fearless."

Week One: First Week in Washington, DC

June 12, 2011

Saturday, June 4, 2011, 7:10am. I boarded my flight headed to Baltimore, Maryland. Having no family, friends or connections of any sort in Washington, DC or on the East Coast for that matter, I did not know what I was to expect. I will admit that this first week has been quite nerve wrecking. It is that much more difficult for me to be so far away from home as this is my first time being out in the “real world”. It was during this first week in DC that I discovered what that really meant. I have been so accustomed to my community back home that it has been an interesting experience to live in a different part of the country and live among the other interns which all come from distinct backgrounds. Having completed the first week of Orientation, CHCI has already helped me develop personally and professionally. In my opinion, the highlight of Orientation Week would have to be the discussions we had with Sara Manzano Diaz, Director Women’s Bureau at the Department of Labor, and Dan Restrepo, Director of Western Hemisphere Affairs. It was quite amazing to have listened to their stories and see what these Latino leaders have come to accomplish. Having met these two individuals, on top of the other interns that will be sharing this amazing experience with me, I feel very motivated to fulfill CHCI’s mission statement. I feel that this internship opportunity will open many doors for me, which makes me that much more eager to take advantage of what will come in my direction these next 7 weeks.

Week One: First Week in Washington, DC

June 12, 2011

I left my family, my significant other, and my cat for a plane ride, by myself, for the first time. I wasn’t sure what to expect. Would the other interns like me? Was I smart enough to fit in with such an amazing group? I found a new family in this past week, or rather an extended family of people I feel I have known for months. The first day we had a long ride from the airport and none of us knew exactly what our apartments would look like. My apartment is amazing; I’ve never lived in a place with such a glamorous view of the city. Soon after unpacking, a large group of us knew we had to buy groceries. I was surprised at the cost; everything was more expensive than back home. Despite this cost, the city has so much to offer. I’ve already visited a couple monuments, the Newseum, the Zoo, and the National Cathedral, all for free. Orientation week began and it was inspiring, informative and fun. Our first keynote speaker Sara Mazano-Diaz, Director of the Women's Bureau at the Department of Labor, was such an incredible woman. Our heritage brought us here and being the best we can be honors that heritage. Meeting the CHCI Alumni quieted my fears about starting my placement. Everyone wants us to succeed, even if that means stapling forms because it will lead to so much more. Finally, we got to do the rope course. I was very nervous because some of the activities were high up, but with my new CHCI family I did all of the activities and opened a new level of confidence in myself.

First Week in Washington, DC

June 12, 2011

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.

Week Seven: Reflect on CHCI Experience

August 10, 2010

In a kayak, I learned how to live life. Maybe I should take a few steps back first; a few days ago, I decided to go kayaking for the first time in my life. The Potomac River was a soft greenish blue running between the trees of wilderness and the urban centennials with a majestic gothic bridge connecting the two worlds; perfect weather. I was amongst the trees when it began to rain; I pushed off the shore with my kayak and headed for civilization when the drizzle of rain transforms into a torrential downpour. Within moments, I was fighting for my life to keep my kayak afloat as the waves in the river gathered strength, the water kept pouring in, and the rain restricted my vision; I can't swim. In what I thought would be my last moments of life, my life flashed before my eyes, the images of my family and friends were the last thoughts I would have; I looked up to the sky, looked down into the murky water and thought "Well Jose Ricardo, we are not going down that easily." I gripped my oar with all my strength and miraculously made it to a water barrier near the shore. I jumped out of the kayak into the water barrier, pulled my kayak full of water over the water barrier and found myself in a closed construction site. I walked through the flooded site to an eight-foot fence and threw my kayak over then jumped over, leaving minor cuts running the length of my legs. I walked about the length of a football field with my kayak back to the kayak shed; I'm not a strong guy yet with each movement I channeled all my strength in order to survive. My friends, distraught from my extended absence, hugged me; I could feel the love. Life is comprised of people and love; I would do whatever possible to have both and I'm lucky that I have both. While learning congressional rules and procedure is educational, the real experience is made with people; the hustle and bustle with the members and running around the city with the interns, trying to make our own marks; my office has grown on me and I will miss them dearly.

Week Seven: Reflect on CHCI Experience

July 26, 2010

I have only traveled to few places throughout my life, such as California, Texas, and Mexico, but I had never really stepped out of that comfort zone of my Mexican American community. Back home, I could only imagine what it would be like to live in another part of the country. I wanted to step out of Arizona and gain a new perspective – and that’s exactly what has happened. I can barely describe it, but I feel as if my mind has been opened. Next, I had never had a job before this summer, so I had no idea what to expect and I was very nervous. However, everything went smoothly from day one, and the people in my office were very welcoming. Aside from learning how the Hill works, I have also grown as a person. I don’t feel locked in or isolated from world – I feel like I am a part of it, and I have met people from different backgrounds that I have so much respect for. For the new interns, I recommend for you take advantage of every opportunity here in DC. Get to know your fellow interns, for you all have the potential to create special bonds. I want to congratulate the next interns on their selection, and I am here for anyone that needs me.

Week Seven: Reflect on CHCI Experience

July 23, 2010

Before coming here, I thought that I would get the opportunity to meet President Obama. The reason was that in the media they made it seem that he was all over DC. That gave me the impression that I would run into him. I was a little disappointed, but it did not take always from me having fun. Even though I did not meet President Obama, I did make strong connections with the follow interns. The advice I will share with the incoming interns will be enjoy yourself and work hard. At the end of the day you make the best out of this experience. Also I will like to remind them that there are many people that will love to be in their position, and take advantage of it.