Nearing The End

Monday

Monday’s programming was really interesting. We talked about reproductive rights and what the current climate is when it comes to surrounding that topic. It was a really in depth discussion that allowed us to not only question some of our leadership decisions but to see clearly that enough is not being done and we are actually going backwards instead of going forward. One thing I can really appreciate about programming is that although it does not give us any solutions to these issues, it really gets the wheels spinning and allows for others who aren't as informed to be up to date.

After our amazing GW seminar, we went on to have a networking lunch where we were able to meet CHCI staff and alumni, learning about the various positions within the government, and especially within DC. It is always so great to have those kinds of conversations because not only does it open you up to possible opportunities, but it also shows how invested Latinos are in giving back and ensuring that the future generations have that support. To end off our session, we went over moving out from GW housing and protocol for travel day. It was crazy, I thought to myself  “10 weeks is going to feel so slow”, but truly when you enjoy your work and the people you surround yourself with it really makes time fly by. 

Tuesday

One of the really great things about being a part of the CHCI in DC is that a lot of people , if not everyone knows of CHCI so there are always possibilities to spark up conversations. Especially when there's events like the TRI-Caucus social, which consisted of the Congressional Black Caucus Foundation (CBCF), Asian Pacific American Institute for Congressional Studies (APAICS), and CHCI. This event is a planned event that happens, I believe every year, if not every new cohort and it is a great opportunity to meet and possibly collaborate with other young aspiring leaders. I had the great opportunity to meet many, many people. Coming from the Pacific Northwest you don't really meet many people from the south. Luckily, I was able to meet perhaps the most inspiring young leaders from all across the south and be able to exchange information. One of the many tips often repeated is “It’s not about what you know, but rather WHO you know” which inspired me to not leave the room until meeting at least 20 people. One of them was Sri Vellakkat, a fellow intern with APAICS and a good friend of the LULAC staff. He broadened my perspective on why it's important to be looking for opportunities outside of Oregon, as he himself was far from home but was developing, learning, and connecting in a way that was not possible back home. 

Wednesday

Wednesday was a very special day for the HEP CAMP cohort/ Agricultural community because we had the honor to witness and support Yaisy Villalobos in a press briefing at the Capitol. She spoke alongside Senator Alex Padilla and Representative Judy Chu, who introduced new legislation that would protect farmworkers from extreme heat and ensure farmworkers have the ability to cool down at work. Yaisy was selected to speak, where she shared her testimony of working the fields and the struggles many deal with. Her story was truly compelling and really made the audience envision what it is like to work in that temperature for long periods of time. That same day I also taught Angel and Jaquelin how to roll and make their own sushi rolls, which were super duper yummy!

Friday

To celebrate Yaisy's amazing accomplishment I, alongside many others from the CAMP and CHCI cohort, went out to a BBQ restaurant. It was an area that I wasn't all that familiar with, but it was a very diverse area with all sorts of food spots around. There was also this amazing mural of “Mother Nature: which I really appreciated because I could just tell it took a long time to finish. Another thing about Oregon is that, although we have a really diverse restaurant/food scene, I have never heard anyone say they had immaculate BBQ food. Now, when we arrived at our destination, I could smell right away that I was in for a treat…And I was right! And before you judge, let me give some context-This restaurant closed at 8 PM, and we arrived around 6:50 PM. In no way shape or form is this an exaggeration, but we quite literally sold the place out. Our big group and our hunger really ran the place dry; there was not a single slice of brisket, ribs, or macaroni & cheese that made it through the night. After our glutinous venture, we decided to head back home and prepare for the week that was closely approaching.