2009 Internship Blog - Entry 4

Edgar A. Nunez - Entry 4

Posted July 15, 2009

As a young Latino, interning in Washington, D.C., how do you feel watching the confirmation hearing for the first possible Hispanic on the United States Supreme Court?

I feel as if the marginalization within the justice system is slowly but surely turning its head to face Latin America. The Statue of Freedom on top of the Capitol will turn its head to face the home of the new Supreme Court Justice.

Armando J. Santiago Pintado - Entry 4

Posted July 15, 2009

As a young Latino, interning in Washington, D.C., how do you feel watching the confirmation hearing for the first possible Hispanic on the United States Supreme Court?

Proud! In my mind, there is not the slightest doubt that Judge Sonia Sotomayor will be approved by the Senate Judiciary Committee, and go on to be the first Hispanic to sit on the Supreme Court.

I'm reminded of a slogan used by the Puerto Rico Tourism Company during the 1990's, "Puerto Rico lo hace mejor." What better way to prove that slogan right than by having the first Hispanic sitting on the Bench be of Puerto Rican descent! I also feel fortunate. I will have the privilege to tell my children, and my children's children, that I was there. I was working on the Hill at the time when the Senate was drilling Judge Sonia Sotomayor in the historic confirmation hearings that will soon lead her and the Supreme Court on to a period as historic as that of Justice Thurgood Marshall's years on the Bench. ¡Vamos Sonia! ¡Hasta la victoria siempre!

David Justiniano - Entry 4

Posted July 15, 2009

As a young Latino, interning in Washington, D.C., how do you feel watching the confirmation hearing for the first possible Hispanic on the United States Supreme Court?

I feel very proud as an individual, citizen, and especially Latino to see the first Hispanic to be nominated and confirmed as one of the nine United States Supreme Court Justices. I am very excited and happy for Judge Sonia Sotomayor and her family. Sotomayor's long and remarkable background reflects her capacity to exercise this type of work and I am confident she will bring a positive atmosphere to the Supreme Court. Being able to experience the hearings while interning at Capitol Hill is certainly a unique and unforgettable moment.

Daisa Guilarte - Entry 4

Posted July 20, 2009

As a young Latino, interning in Washington, D.C., how do you feel watching the confirmation hearing for the first possible Hispanic on the United States Supreme Court?

It feels amazing to be on the Hill during this incredible time in our history. I was lucky enough to have been able to attend the hearing and although we were only allowed to sit in for 30 minutes, I felt very fortunate to be there. Sonia Sotomayor is a true example of the results of hard work and an incredible judge. I greatly admire her and will never forget the moment I walked into the room and awe I felt at being able to share in this piece of history. She is a true inspiration for us all and I'm sure will make an incredible Supreme Court Justice.

Kelly J. Murguia - Entry 4

Posted July 20, 2009

As a young Latino, interning in Washington, D.C., how do you feel watching the confirmation hearing for the first possible Hispanic on the United States Supreme Court?

I feel blessed, honored and proud to be working on Capitol Hill during such an exciting time. History is being made right before my very own eyes and I am truly appreciative of the experiences and opportunities I have had thus far.

The weekend before the Sotomayor Confirmation Hearings, I traveled to New York with my family. During our visit, we witnessed the architectural and symbolic greatness of the Statue of Liberty. I was reminded of our nation's struggles of the past and promises of the future. It was such a surreal experience waking up early the next day to anxiously wait in line for the golden ticket to sit in on the hearings for the 1st Hispanic US Justice nominee. What an experience!
Being in the same room as the Hon. Sotomayor, I felt empowered. Her presence, her intellect and honesty are qualities I admire and respect. I strive to practice them on a daily basis. Her credentials speak a great deal to the scope and breath of a highly accomplished individual.

I hope she will be seen and judged in the light of truth and justice as promised by our country.