Veronica Gordon - Entry 1
Please describe your first week in Washington, D.C.
The last time I was in D.C. I was on a school trip with my 6th grade class. I arrived in pigtails (the Spice Girls were famous at the time, Baby Spice anyone?) and a smile on my face.
This time, I arrived with a different set of experiences and excitement for what D.C. had to offer. Though I still enjoy the Spice Girls, I am here with a different perspective and purpose.
Orientation week kicked off with an inspirational speech from Cecilia Munoz, Deputy Assistant for Intergovernmental Affairs to President Obama and ended with an informative meeting at NCLR. In between, we learned how to network and write for our offices, and discussed issues facing the Latino community.
Then, it was time to go to work. CHCI assigned me to Congressman Raul Grijalva (AZ-7), someone who's extremely connected to my two main policy interests, the environment and education. I have been assigned to work on education issues, which I have always been very passionate about.
Everyone in my office is really great and I feel really lucky to be working in his office. My first week I attended a hearing on the role of new technology in schools, met the person who first introduced Title IX legislation, met an Olympic gymnast, acquired new skills, and saw the inside of the Capitol.
If you can't tell by this post, things have been awesome. I have officially started my love affair with Washington D.C., and I hope you will join me for the rest of the ride!
