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.
