New Beginnings & Many First

This week was the week of firsts! Although we arrived two weeks ago and did a whole week of programming, everything is going down in week two. All the way from Mock Hearings, to actual hearings, and committees, I got to experience what it’s like to be in DC during these interesting times. Let me break it down for you:

Monday: We were with Cristian and Arianna as part of our CHCI programming, where we conducted a Mock hearing committee for gun violence. Our building was in front of the venue where The Beatles first performed in the States, which was super interesting to see. Back on track, I was a ‘representative’ from the interest group Everytown, an organization built of veterans, community members, and others against gun violence. I got to testify in front of “representatives” of various states, and I learned why legislation is always so long and bills don’t get passed so easily. We spent a good hour and a half just discussing our different viewpoints and got nowhere.  After programming, the other HEP CAMP interns and I walked to Union Station, where we got to eat and bond over our excitement of starting at our placements the following day.

Tuesday: It was my first day in the amazing office of LULAC. I got to meet most of the spring cohort fellows and got some tips and tricks for what to expect. Everyone was so nice and so welcoming. It really helped me settle in and feel like I belonged in the office. After all our orientation paperwork, my amazing boss, Dr. Ray Serrano asked Angel and I if we wanted to join him for coffee. Of course, we said yes, but did not expect to go to Dunkin Donuts! For context: In the PNW, there is no such thing as Dunkin; Starbucks runs the show over there, so it was a first. After coffee, the conversation led to us walking to the White House and standing right outside the gates. It was actually really small, which surprised me. For how big it looks on camera, I really expected more. Afterwards, he took us to Old Ebbitt Grill, the famous restaurant decorated in President Roosevelt's Hunted Game, and the restaurant with endless stories. Dr. Ray Serrano really knows how to make you feel like family, and I really appreciate that, especially being so far from home. Mind you, this was DAY 1!

Wednesday: This day was possibly one of my favorite days of the week. I, alongside the other LULAC fellows, went to two hearings. The First one was the Committee on Education and Workforce, where Linda McMahon, the Secretary of Education, testified. It was so nice to see my Local Representative, Suzanne Bonamici, hold her ground and be the voice of so many back home. She was AMAZING. Second Hearing was, The Committee of Oversight and Government Reform. Personally, Rep. Greg Cassar (TX, 35th District) and Rep. Jasmine Crockett (TX, 30th District) were the stars of the show. It was the first time I personally witnessed tweets being presented in a hearing, and saw such intriguing visuals as well. I really enjoyed attending these hearings because they really gave me insight into what happens away from the screen. 

Thursday: Packed with information, tasks, and future responsibilities, Thursday was the true ‘first day’. I got assigned all the committees I was going to be a part of and got familiarized with all the material and resources LULAC has to offer. 

Friday: Another personal favorite of mine, I actually felt so productive and like a reporter this day. I reviewed many articles and gathered with my teams to discuss actions moving forward. I honestly love how we dived right into the action in the first week. During my lunch, I kept thinking about how grateful I am to have such an amazing support system around me and doing work that has effects beyond me. I’ve never felt such motivation that genuinely makes time fly by, I feel like I really understand the quote “do something you love for work and all of a sudden it doesn't feel like work”. I remember arriving back at my dorm and having the biggest smile on my face. I couldn't believe that for the next couple of weeks, this was going to be my life. 

Weekend: Saturday Morning, the other HEP CAMP interns and I had the honor to visit the Holocaust museum. It was such a moving experience, I don't think I spoke the whole 2+ hours we were there. I was so moved by all the displays and the number of people who, to this day, still tell their stories. I think it was a very fitting experience given the political climate; it really struck close to home. Sunday was my reset day, I cleaned the dorm, did my laundry, completed my homework… and attended WORLD PRIDE;) I think the one thing I can appreciate about DC is the strong sense of community, wherever you go.