2009 Internship Blog- Entry 2

Edgar A. Nunez - Entry 2

Posted June 29, 2009

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

Realizing that there is always work to be done in the office. There is always some task that needs to be completed or a memo to write.

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

The other 23 interns are absolutely fantastic and wonderful people. Any time with them, or a few of them, is cool.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

Witnessing the presence of Latino staff on the Hill because it gives me hope that I can be their colleague at some point in my future.

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

Change has come to Washington, D.C

Armando J. Santiago - Entry 2

Posted June 29, 2009

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

I quickly realized that the level of professionalism required of government officials and staff is much greater than I anticipated. Regardless of warning and training prior to working with our Congressional offices, my professional demeanor was still somewhat rough around the edges. However, it is still a work in progress.

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

Seeing, meeting, and interacting with international dignitaries; running into the men and women leading the legislative branch of this government; all of which took place in my first two days of work at Capitol Hill. Just recently, I also met and talked with prominent political figures from Puerto Rico.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

Recently, I have been somewhat uncertain as to the best path to take for achieving my life-long dreams. However, a recent conversation with a greatly admired Puerto Rican political figure, cast away all doubt. We spoke of his past experiences and my future plans: the similarities were both exhilarating and encouraging.

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

Work for it. Go for it. The time is now!

Cristobal Salinas, Jr. - Entry 2

Posted June 29, 2009

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

One of the most challenging moments during my first three weeks of my internship has been getting adapted to the political life, and how to use the public transportation-the metro (there is no public transportation in Nebraska).  In Senator Michael Bennet's (CO) office we have a variety of fun, interesting, and challenging projects.

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

During my first three weeks of my internship in D.C. I have had the most amazing experience to live with 23 other brilliant and intelligent Latino students from all over the U.S. Definitely they are the "best of the best" students. Another extraordinary experience has been the opportunity to work in the Senate, being able to explore every building on the Hill, ride the underground Capitol subway system, and ride the elevators with the Senators.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

CHCI has given me one of the most tremendous opportunities I had ever had in life: to live in Washington, D.C., meet some of the most politically powerful people, and work in the Senate.  Living in D.C. is a lot of fun; I never know who will I run into. Thursday, June 25, 2009, as I was walking out of the Capitol Hill I ran into John McCain. During orientation week I had to opportunity to hear the inspirational Cecilia Munoz, Director of Intergovernmental Affairs to President Obama.

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

CHCI is a buffet of new experiences, challenges, and opportunities.

Jael Hernandez Vasquez - Entry 2

Posted June 29, 2009

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

Boarding the metro here during rush hour is a challenge, in and of itself. My ˜most challenging moment" is a recurring one: realizing Caucasians have more legit positions in Congress than people like me.  There's a saddening lack of cultural/ethnic representation running our government.  Talk about taxation without representation!

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

The sight of the capitol gets me every morning. I look at it and think about the history of this place, its greatness and intimidating power, its potential, our future in it!  I smirk knowing that I had a chance to stare it all in the face at least this once.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

Being around our group is what's most inspiring. When the 24 of us look at each other it's like looking at ourselves in the mirror. We are very different personally but are striving for a change we all need.  It's refreshing to have that similar energy around me.

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

Whites 1763 = "Taxation Without Representation" = 2009 Latinos

Priscilla Esquivel Weninger - Entry 2

Posted June 29, 2009

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

The most challenging moment during my first three weeks was responding to angry Texan constituents who were opposed to the so-called "Cap and Trade" bill. Since this particular bill was voted on last Friday, the phones were ringing off the hooks! Meanwhile, I had to keep my cool and listen to many irate Texans.

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

There are too many "cool" moments to choose from, but one of the coolest was getting to meet one of the civil rights litigators from MALDEF (Mexican-American Legal Defense and Educational Fund) and hearing him speak about the injustices of hate crimes against Latinos in the U.S. and ways that our community can stand up for our rights.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

There is a long hallway in the underground sub-basement of Congress that is decorated with award-winning art by constituents from different districts. Each time I walk by this wall, I am absolutely awe-struck by the tremendous talent found in these works of art. The works of art reflect the diversity found in our country, showing beautiful children blowing bubbles in the city to lassos and cowboy boots (from the Texas districts, of course!) It definitely inspires me to serve the American people.

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

Keep your head up!

Anthony Martinez - Entry 2

Posted June 29, 2009

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

Well, besides waking up and getting there by nine after late nights up with the interns, I think just trying to turn in consistently good work and not goof up in front of my congressman or the other members of the Democratic Caucus during our weekly meetings is my biggest challenge.

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

Most definitely being able to stand in (no sitting down allowed for staff) during the weekly Democratic Caucus meetings where I'm able to listen to Nancy Pelosi, James Clyburn, and Steny Hoyer hear the concerns of other Democratic congresspersons and try and rally everyone to support specific legislation.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

Actually, simply working in my office has been a great source of inspiration in that the staff is made up almost entirely of minorities and the environment is very conducive to the notion that regardless of where you come from or what you look like you can reach great heights if we support one another.

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

Lend volume to the voice of those struggling amongst the noise.

Veronica Gordon - Entry 2

Posted June 29, 2009

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

This past Friday as part of a ropes course organized by CHCI, I faced my fear. One activity, the zip-line, consisting of a pulley suspended on a cable that swings in midair across a beautiful landscape, made me push myself to new heights, literally and figuratively.

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

Last week I was able to go to the Supreme Court for the first time to hear some of their final decisions on various cases. Arriving at 7 a.m. to be one of the first people in and seeing the justices in action, while hearing their verdicts, was an unforgettable experience.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

It is hard to just pick one moment. Every moment in D.C., whether it is in the office, walking around the sights or with my fellow interns, has taught me so much.

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

Seize every opportunity.

Noel Mendoza - Entry 2

Posted June 30, 2009

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

Capitol Hill is composed of underground tunnels and numerous doors that lead to unknown places. My biggest challenge has been trying to get adjusted and finding my sense of direction in an underground world similar to an ant farm.

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

Having Angelina Jolie visit my congresswoman has been my coolest moment so far. Angelina, who works closely with refugees, visited my office to thank my Congresswoman Lucille Roybal-Allard for her support for humanitarian causes. Another memorable moment was seeing the floor in action, which is a great and rare opportunity for anyone.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

One experience in which I accidently stumbled upon was the Congressional hearing of Chairman Ben Bernanke of the Federal Reserve. Although I was not aware of what room I entered, I found myself in the midst of an intense questioning and testimonial that struck me-I couldn't believe I was 10 feet away from what many consider to be the 4th most powerful person in the world.

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

Careful, behind this door you may experience history.

Melissa Graham - Entry 2

Posted June 30, 2009

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

It was very hard for me to adjust to life here without seeing my friends and family every day. While I may be a little homesick, I find that their huge amount of faith in me also gives me the strength to accomplish anything.

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

Getting to know my congresswoman has been amazing -- we actually ate chili-dogs together at the Congressional baseball game! She is such a sweet person who works very hard and I'm pretty proud to be in her office.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

I'm most inspired by the various Latino organizations that we've met.  It's great to see Latinos who not only become successful, but also remember to give back to the community. I am very thankful for the opportunities they've given me and I would love to follow in their footsteps.

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

Build your country. Build your community. Build yourself.

David Justiniano - Entry 2

Posted June 30, 2009

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

The most challenging moment during my first three weeks was certainly trying to get my assigned work and cumulated memos from hearings done on time. I also had the challenge of not getting lost on the Hill while I was going to meetings and briefings.

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

As the coolest moment during my first three week, I can say the opportunity to meet amazing people at Capitol Hill. I never thought I could meet so many interesting people in the program, my place of work, hallways, cafeteria, etc.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

The experiences that inspired me the most were when I had the opportunity to meet and learn more about Cecilia Munoz and Maria Otero, two outstanding leaders from our community from my same place of origin who have achieved so much and currently hold high level positions at the Federal Government.

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

"El Que Persevera Alcanza." Don't ever lose the faith. Don't ever doubt about your dream. Do your best, give all you have and you will achieve all your objectives!

Melessa C. Rodriguez - Entry 2

Posted June 30, 2009

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

I would have to say the most challenging moment thus far includes altering my lifestyle to keep up with the fast pace hustle and bustle of D.C. Anything you do here, whether it's figuring out your route on the metro to summarizing a briefing for your office, calls for you to be a step ahead and to be constantly thinking on your feet.

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

Simply being in D.C. gives you the opportunity to have a cool moment at any point of your day.  I was able to attend a meeting with my congressman and a member of the Italian Parliament and later that same week I sat in another meeting with the Governor of Tamaulipas. To know that I am in the same city where top leaders are meeting and making important decisions that will be impacting not only the U.S. but also the rest of the world qualifies in my book as being cool.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

Every bit of my experience in D.C. has inspired me in one way or another. Above all, I think being surrounded by my fellow CHCI interns, who are all ambitious and driven to make a positive impact on our community and our nation, has left me feeling both inspired and hopeful for the future.

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

Always challenge yourself to be better and to do better.

Cynthia N. Cortez - Entry 2

Posted June 30, 2009

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

The most challenging part of the internship is learning how the congressional office functions. The trust that the congressperson has in their team exemplifies just how important it is to have faith in people working for a common goal-even if the route they are taking appears to be different.

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

The coolest moment I've had was with Latinas Learning to Lead. I couldn't help but smile meeting down to earth Latinas radiating genuine passion to help disenfranchised friends and family.  It's empowering to know we come from challenging socioeconomic backgrounds and yet are investing time in D.C. to help our communities.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

Talking with people on what they want out of life. Meeting Latino individuals with impressively complex minds blended with a strong sense of ethics provides me with the energy I need to continue fighting for Latino empowerment. The more people I meet, the more positive I feel about being successful.

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

CHCI: Reconstructing the way you perceive the world.

Daisa Guilarte - Entry 2

Posted June 30, 2009

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

The most challenging moment was definitely my first day at the office. I joined the group of interns late and had a huge learning curve to adjust to.

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

Taking a class on how to give a tour on Capitol Hill.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

A conversation I had with a fellow intern about the role of politics in our lives. This conversation opened my eyes to a brand new understanding of politics.

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

You cannot know where you are headed, until you know truly where you come from.

Adriana Cortes - Entry 2

Posted June 30, 2009

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

My most challenging moment has been to be with a group of young Latina/os who do not all share the same progressive vision of justice and equality for all people. It has been disheartening trying to argue with some fellow colleagues about why European centrism is not acceptable. It has been a challenge to come to an understanding and an acceptance that we live under a hegemonic culture which teaches self hate as much as it teaches hatred of others, and that some of my colleagues, which are also some of the leaders of tomorrow, are also victims of that marginalization and ideology.

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

The coolest moment throughout my first three weeks has been when we went to Virginia and did a ropes course together. I felt that our group learned a lot about working as a team. I also saw individuals grow and learn more about themselves. It was really fun to run around, laugh and get dirty, not to mention how beautiful and peaceful the landscape in Virginia was.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

The experience that has most inspired me thus far was rallying on for the federal DREAM Act and I met a couple of students that had traveled from Texas. They had fundraised money back home so they could rent two vans and drive to D.C. and join the rally. They drove non-stop for 26 hours. Their group consisted of college and high school students, it reminded me of how we have to be fierce and fight for what our community needs. It reminded me that college students should not live in a bubble and that we should be cultivating the next generation of leaders alongside us.

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

A experience that is surreal, a human tossed in the middle of the political machine.

Maritza Perez - Entry 2

Posted 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.

Kelly Murguia - Entry 2

Posted June 30, 2009

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

If you asked five weeks ago if I were living, a "Yes, absolutely!" would have quickly followed. After sharing meaningful conversations with others, challenging both myself and my work, and realizing that you cannot please everyone, has been a wake up call. "Good morning, D.C.!" I have never felt more "alive."

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

I went out for a jog my first week. Nerves raced through my body, concepts clouded my mind and BAM, the Washington Monument, with a slight glimpse of the historical Mall and Lincoln Memorial. And all of a sudden it all seemed so clear; I am here for a reason.
 
What experience has most inspired you thus far and why?

"Good morning, Congressman Lujan's office." I never know who is going to be on the other end of that line. Constituents never cease to amaze me. Young and old, liberal and conservative, these individuals are ready to speak their mind. They inspire me to never stop learning and never stop questioning.

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

Time passes quickly, don't get left behind.

Jose L. Cervantes, Jr. - Entry 2

Posted June 30, 2009

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

The most challenging moment I faced came from placing so much effort into a bill, but knowing that out of every 100 bills introduced, only 5 will be passed by the House.

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

The coolest moment I have experienced was when I went to go watch the Congressional Baseball game between the Democrats and the Republicans. I got to see Nancy Pelosi up close and many other leading figures outside of their environment and I saw them not as these law makers but as regular individuals just like you and I.

What experience has most inspired you thus far and why? 

I can hear the voices of rising leaders in all fields not when I walk into the white house but when I walk outside my hall. I have been inspired mostly from the members that participate here in CHCI. I feel privileged when I speak to individuals no older than I not only talking but taking political actions and partaking in the democratic processes motivates me to excel ahead.

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

Arrive a dry sponge and leave soaked with knowledge.