Week 1

May 24, 2025- Travel

No sleep!

I told myself that I didn't need sleep because I would then have an easier time falling asleep on the plane and avoid getting motion sickness. I spent the whole night packing and figuring out what to bring on the trip. I ended up bringing 10 pairs of jeans, 10 shirts, 5 professional outfits, hygiene items, and things to decorate my new dorm. The day prior to that was spent moving out of my dorm at OSU. So my home WAS MESSY. From clothes everywhere to random school notes on the floor, to food on the kitchen table that I have gotten from the food pantry.

May 23, 2025- Ivette's Last Day at Oregon State University Honors College Dorm. Room can be seen empty

I packed 3 full suitcases. At the beginning, I thought that 3 bags were too much for all my stuff that I was going to take. But I ended up with 2 large checked bags, my carry-on, and my large backpack. By the time my parents woke up, I was with my last items. We made our way to the airport early in the morning. No sun to be seen, no birds to be heard, and hardly any cars that drove by. I took a deep breath of the 3 a.m. breeze of Oregon fresh air into my lungs, and by the time I exhaled, I was at the airport. I checked my bags and I realized it was time to say my goodbyes to my mama y mi papa.

First time moving out far away without them visiting every two weeks or me going home twice a month, like I did during college. I hugged them, and I was scared to let go. At that moment in time, it hit me. I was leaving. Leaving thousands of miles away to go break down barriers for myself and the rest of my family, and my community.

Once we landed in DC, Lesly, Andres, and I went to the baggage claim area where our lovely leader, Virginia, was there with the other Intern from Michigan, Jaqueline. Once we got our luggage, we headed towards the rented limo van, where we started to stack our suitcases. We met with the mighty leader, Patrick, there, and the California Interns, William and Yaisy. We made our way to the Hotel we were staying at, and once we were all checked in, we went out to eat.

May 24, 2025- HEP/CAMP Interns are getting picked up from the airport with all their luggage in the back. Pictured- Front Row (left to right): William, Ivette, Lesley. Back Row (left to right): Yaisey, Andres, Jacqueline. Not Pictured: Angel

May 26, 2025- Tours

From Foggy Bottom, the Lincoln Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial, the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the MLK Memorial, the FDR Memorial, the WW II Memorial, the Washington Monument, to Lunch at the National Gallery of Art Museum, and to our final destination, the United States Capitol. We walked more than 23,000 steps, totaling up 10.5 miles.

May 29, 2025- Let's get to business

I started off up and early in the morning. Today was HEADSHOT day. So I had to look good for the photo that's going to go up on the internet. I picked something that was different, something that was professional but sweet. The day was looking good compared to yesterday, which was pouring rain. We headed to the Ulysses S. Grant Memorial, which gave us a great background of the United States Capitol. After that, we went to the Capitol building Conference room, where there were multiple Panels, including topics like CHCI Fellows, CHSA, and a Networking event at the end. I got multiple business cards, advice, and DC's must-visit places!

May 29, 2025- HEP/CAMP Interns posing in front of the United States Capitol. Pictured (left to right): William, Angel, Yaisy, Jacqueline, Andres. Front: Ivette

May 30, 2025- Office Visit

I was feeling all emotional to get the day started. Today was the day we were all going to visit the office where we were going to be for the next 10 weeks. I was so excited but nervous. We started off visiting the House side, William and I went first. When it was my turn, I took a photo in front of my MOC office and went inside. I introduced myself to the Intern at the front desk. A couple of minutes later, the group and I entered my MOC's office with my supervisor. We introduced ourselves and started asking questions. After we had to go to the Senate side of the Hill so my supervisor offered to take us via the underground train. We walked down underneath through the gallery and towards the train. Before I knew it we were at our destination. We were at the Senate House, where Jacqueline was going to be. Then we made our way to Yaisy's placement with UFW, where they provided us with food. We got a lot of leftovers, so we had the opportunity to take some back to our dorms. And finally, Andres and Angles' Placement with LULAC.

We ended our day with a dinner reservation at a local Italian restaurant where we surprised our mighty leaders, Virginia and Patrick, with 'Thank you' letters and a cake since it was their last day in DC.

May 30, 2025- Dinner

-Greetings From the United States Capitol: Washington, DC

~Con Mucho Amor,

Ivette Alonso Garcia