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Civic Engagement and Community Service

This past Wednesday my group got the opportunity to volunteer our time to build a house for an underprivileged family. During this time I took into consideration the privileged we are given to have a shelter over our heads, a place we can call home. Many citizens around the country are not so fortunate, and have to live in the streets where they are seen as the “homeless”. While interning in D.C I have noticed the lack of attention, and numerous amount of individuals living on the streets. Washington D.C is the Capitol of the United States, the strongest and greatest country in the world, this should not be happening. Having the opportunity to work together with my CHCI family on such a promising project was unbelievable. Even though we were divided into a morning shift, and afternoon shift I could feel the progress we all made in building the house for a struggling family that will benefit from it. After volunteering I realized the importance of coming together with a positive leading group and projecting all of our dedication to a project. In this case it was the house we helped Habitat for Humanity build. I feel that I can talk for the group and say that we all benefited from this project tremendously, by learning how to be a leading group that works together. We young Latinos have made our way to the world’s leading nations Capitol to work hard, and provide a strong professional appearance on behalf the Latin community. I have learned a valuable lesson, the importance of community service, and never forgetting to give back. Even though I am still a young adult, after this amazing experience I feel the strength in going back to my community to make a positive impact on my fellow Latinos. I have always known the strength we Latinos have, but know we lack one important factor, having mentors. I will give my promise to CHCI, and my new CHCI intern Familia that I will provide my experience while in D.C to young Latinos. I will go back to my community to be the bridge that will connect many young low incomes, struggling, and smart Latinos to a brighter attainable future. Being a Latino is an honor, but being a progressive Latino Leader that helps build our community is a job in the making.

Civic Engagement and Community Service

Last Wednesday, we spent the day volunteering with Habitat for Humanity. Building this house for Habitat for Humanity really made me reflect on all the blessings that I have and how important it is to give back. This family is finally going to have a house. That’s life-changing. If it wasn’t for the groups of volunteers that come week after week, this family would not be able to afford a home. It was really great being part of this process with my peers. As Latinos, it is especially important to give back to our communities. Many of us are first or second generation immigrants. How could we not give back to the communities that have given so much to us? How could we not give our time to the country that has given us an education and the chance to have a successful future? Although many Latinos have been living in this country for generations, it is still imperative that we give as much as we can to show that our population cares and wants to influence this nation in a positive way. If we want to have a voice, we must start change in our communities by offering our time to service. And although it is important that we help our own Hispanic community, it is also essential that we give back and serve our community as a whole. I believe one of the largest problems with the Hispanic voice being heard is that it is reduced to certain issues--- immigration, for example. The fact is that the issues that concern us also concern the rest of the country. Education, job opportunities, and equality are just as important as comprehensive immigration reform. The way we stop others from limiting our voice is by serving all facets of our individual communities and striving to make our city, state, and country a better place for everyone.

Experiences on the Hill

Entering Longworth House office building on my first day, I expected nothing but pompous politicians and all too serious interns who thought they were saving the world. These past five weeks have proved me wrong. SO WRONG. Not only have I learned that your Representative really cares about what you have to say, but that they work really hard to shape legislation that will benefit you. One of my duties as an intern is to respond to constituent letters. We have hundreds, and guess what? We answer all of them. That was amazing to me. I had no idea my politician cared. Learning this has encouraged me to be more politically active and tell the people back home to be active as well. Furthermore, being on the Hill has allowed me to meet incredible people. One meeting that stands out is a former member of Teach for America. He told me about his experience with TFA and specifically the work he did in uniting poor schools with institutions of faith. His experiences have inspired me to do something similar in my city of Jackson, TN, where one of the largest high schools is also a “drop out factory” and where the largest church has a few thousand members who are willing to help. Finally, the most personally rewarding part of these past five weeks has been the friendships I’ve made with my fellow interns. I think we fell in love with each other from week one. It’s a little ridiculous. Growing up in Tennessee, I was often the only Latina in my classes or even in my school. To be surrounded by thirty other incredibly smart people who share my same background, passions, and dreams has been so rewarding. The fact that we can laugh about our funny abuelitas and our Latin American stereotypes, or how much we love Mana, or how tight our Mamis braided our hair when we were little is…amazing. I’ve never experienced it before. The things that I’ve learned, the people that I’ve met, the opportunities I now have can never be replaced. I have so much hope for my future! I thank God every day for this opportunity. This summer was an answer to prayer. It changed my life.

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

As my internship experience on Capitol Hill comes to an end, I can’t help but appreciate how much I have grown professionally. One of many impactful highlights while on the Hill has to be the day I attended the DREAM ACT hearing. Before having the privilege in becoming a U.S Citizen, I too followed many of the Dreamers footsteps and struggles. Having the chance to sit in on the DREAM ACT hearing has put so much more into prospective regarding the immigration dilemma in the U.S. I remember seeing many young Latinos were wearing their cap and gowns. As I looked around the room, I truly started to feel a strong connection with these Dreamers. These young Latinos present the strength the next Latino generation holds. Willing to come to the U.S Capitol, and present themselves to congress officials knowing they are undocumented shows the commitment they hold. During the hearing, as corny as this may sound, all of my life flashed before me up to where I stood. I remember packing all my clothes, and being told I was going to finally see my parents, since I had not seen them for some time, while not knowing I would have to start a whole new life in a foreign country. Then I looked around as I stood in the Senate building, where I am interning, to realize how much I have achieved in the country I now call my home. To conclude, the DREAM Act hearing was by far a moment that stood out the most.

My most challenging moment would have to be combined with gratitude, in having the privilege of meeting such great summer internship classmates. The reason I see this being a challenge, is in knowing how close many of us got to each other, and realizing we are soon going to depart to our homes. Everyone in my program has helped me understand the meaning of being a Latino in the U.S. We all come from different parts of the U.S, but come together under one title, of being a “Latino”. I can go back home to say I have learned not only how the U.S congress system works, but also how united Latinos are growing in the country. I am proud to be a Latino that has been given the chance to better my life, family’s lives, and Latino community in my home, the U.S.

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.

Social Responsibility & "Accidents"

Meeting with Congressman Grijalva on Friday was an amazing end to a great week. I really enjoyed listening to his story on how he got involved in politics and how he is where he is today. He stated that it all happened by accident. That concept of “accident” is truly foreign to me. My philosophy has always been that everything always needs to be planned. There was no way to succeed unless there was a step by step plan which would direct me to my goal. He was in Tucson, Arizona and he wanted to conduct an “experiment” to make a point. So, he ran for Tucson School District School district board trying to see that even though things were executed exactly the way an election was supposed to be conducted, a Hispanic would never win a seat on the board. To his surprise he won the seat and that is where his political life began. Even though the actual position on the board was an “accident” per say, his intentions were good. He felt that he had a social responsibility to reveal the flaws in the system, which I believe is something all leaders should do at some point or another. His story ignited a little fire in me. Before this week, if someone were to have asked me what my plan for my life was, I would be able to tell you every detail that I had been planning for years. After hearing Rep. Grijalva speak and other events which occurred this week, I just don’t know anymore. Everything happens for a reason, right? That’s what I have always thought. Even though you think you know what you are doing, maybe an “accident” will happen that will guide you in a completely different direction that will ultimately lead you to an amazing life you never thought of before. Rep. Grijalva did not plan his political life. Because of the “accident” however, he has been involved with the process that affects everyone in this country and all over the world. He took his social responsibility to the Latino community and transformed it into something great. I can only hope that something like that happens to me. I recently learned that things do not always go as planned, but that’s okay. “Accidents” happen. It is not a bad thing.

On a somewhat side note (which kinda relates to what I’ve been ranting about), I went to Chinatown this week. We had planned to go to a restaurant, but we ended up going to this other random one. We had dinner and at the end, the waiter brought us our fortune cookies and I picked one up. For some reason though, I didn’t want that one, so I put it back and got another one. When I opened it up, my fortune read “Perceived failure is oftentimes success trying to be born in a bigger way”. The magnitude of that little paper tucked into that delicious cookie did not hit me until last night and now, I cannot stop thinking about it. To be a leader, I believe once must embrace their social responsibly to make change, reveal flaws, or speak out against things going on in the community. A leader must have a plan in mind, but also go with the flow with “accidents” happen. As a leader, I think I grew stronger this week. I am more determined than ever to go back to my community and become actively involved in embracing my social responsibility and encouraging others to do the same. Though I may not have a step by step plan anymore, I have a goal in mind. I will welcome the hurdles I have yet to face, and the inevitable “accidents” that I know will lead me to where I need to be.

Pillars of Leadership

It's been two weeks since my last post, and I can't believe how quickly time flies! My first week at the office on Capitol Hill came and went. I have adapted to a serious working environment, and networked at receptions with fellow interns. Weekends have been filled visiting memorials, museums, and mentoring events, as well as further developing relationships with my CHCI familia. This past Friday in particular, we met with two Members of Congress who shared their stories to how they got to where they are today. Throughout these discussions, the CHCI pillar of leadership of Coalition Building seemed to resonate deeply with me. First, we met with Congresswoman Judy Chu who discussed the importance of building coalition and finding mentors. One story  she shared with us was about supporting a former opponent who asked to work with her on a campaign. Her decision to accept the offer opened up the opportunity for her to be appointed one of the highest chairs in a council, and eventually lead her to become the first Chinese-American woman to ever be elected to the U.S. Congress. Later that day, we met with Congressman Raul Grijalva, who told us that we are in a transient time of defining ourselves as a nation. Grijalva’s talk made me think about the study of international relations. The constructivist approach to states that a state is defined in terms of other states. Relatively stable role-specific understandings and expectations about one’s self are gained by interacting with social relationships, rules, norms, and practices. He stated to us that it is easy for our communities to get caught up in repetition, and strongly advised us to balance our self-interests with our communities’ interests. There are time where see no capabilities in ourselves. We don't know if or what we can contribute to the bigger picture and to others. It is in these times where we are called to bring forth our whole selves and seek others to help acknowledge what we cannot see to help us feel for ourselves our greatness. In his time, Grijalva stated, differences were either/or policies. Now, he refutes, our differences-whether they be gender, ability, racial, class, sexual, religious –should fuel and contribute to the whole, rather than deter from it. In balanced leadership, we must recognize our strengths and weaknesses. We must acknowledge and utilize what privileges we do have to work so that others can share in that same light. There is strength in numbers. A leader must be ready to spring into action, to network, but most importantly, to build relationships.

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.

Week One: First Week in Washington, DC

First week at CHCI headquarters and meeting the rest of the interns was unreal. Although I have only known these great individuals for a week, I feel as though it has been much longer. It has been great to share common past experiences amongst each other, which I feel has brought us much closer. Some highlights of orientation week were when the group got to zip-line through the woods in Maryland, had discussions with Women’s Bureau Director Sara Manzano-Diaz, and Dan Restrepo the Director of Western Hemisphere Relations (influential discussions).  The one moment that stood out to me the most was the second day when we spent it on the Hill. The day on the Hill consisted of the CHCI photo shoot and we were also able to meet former alumni of the program. The alumni of CHCI provided us with great insight of what to expect while interning on the Hill for our respected offices. Upon meeting them, I was able to talk to Josie who was part of the Public Policy Fellowship program, and I thanked her for sharing a small part of her personal early childhood that I could assimilate with. Orientation was a great experience, where I can say I have met influential individuals that I know I will create a strong friendship with for the rest of my life.