Week 9 - Advocating for HEP and CAMP funding.

Tuesday

Feeling Inspired

Today, I was on the hill advocating for the release of HEP/CAMP funds to republican offices. I was nervous going into the meetings because I did not know how to approach it. However, I came out of the meetings feeling prepared and confident that I did my best. I enjoyed my first meeting because the staffer, Olivia, kept asking me questions. I enjoyed her inquisitive energy to get to know my story and CAMP.

I feel like I made a difference speaking in today's meetings. My last meeting was with my Representative Jim Costa. I was going to do a photo shoot with him. He led me to his office and gave me a run down of all his portraits and his family. It made me feel great and more connected with my representative. He truly is amazing and I appreciate him taking the time to meet one of his constituents.

After work, we had CHCI graduation. The CHCI graduation was amazing as they brought some representatives to speak. I was also happy because Patrick and many HEP/CAMP staff were there. I felt even more celebrated when the interns from NVG brought me flowers and cards. Flowers and cards are my favorite things. They just know me that well. I don't know if I can read the card because I feel like I will start crying. They all are so great to me. I am truly grateful and blessed for this. I am so happy to be in DC. It feels like a home away from home. What almost brought me into tears is Katherine, who was giving a speech for all of the interns mentioned me. She mentioned how I inspire her, and hearing that, from her, made me almost break a tear. She is so amazing. I appreciate and look up to her so much. She truly is one of the best people I have ever met.

---

Thursday

Advocating

I had the opportunity to share my HEP/CAMP experience at a resource fair. Many staffers were interested in learning about my story and the importance of this program. I emphasized how HEP/CAMP helped me and all of the things I learned from participating in the program. I felt like I made a difference by sharing my experiences. I even caught some of my friends from CHCI there. It was also funny because Carlos from CHCI was there advocating for the program. I thought about how amazing it was to be there advocating for the programs.