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.
