My Memorable Moments
One memorable moment during my internship with the Child Labor Coalition is the partnership with Unchained at Last. I recently was able to attend City Council meetings to push for local legislative action, raise awareness and mobilize community in support to End Child Marriage. During my time here I also had the opportunity to understand the legislative process within bills surrounding child labor and engaged in outreach to get cosponsors to support. In addition, working alongside Reid Maki and the National Consumers League, I also had the chance to share my story through blogs, and in person about consumer protection, and child marriage. Overall, this experience has allowed me to share my story and deepen my interest in policy work.
From the beginning of my internship Ilda, Cleo, Rob, Itzia, and the entire NMSHSA team welcomed me with open arms. Coming to DC I met the entire NMSHSA team, Board of Directors, parents, community leaders. Especially emotional was seeing the children in the classrooms and receiving an art gift from them, but it also filled me with so much gratitude. Being here has made me realize how much the Migrant and Seasonal Head Start programs impacted me and how much they continue working in helping migrant families and their children, just like me. My time here has been such a growing and learning experience, thanks to the NMSHSA and all their support I have been able to build my network, create new mentorships, and it has motivated me even more to continue my advocacy work and interest in working in policies affecting my community.
Being an intern at the Nation’s Capital alongside my cohort Isaac and Berenice during the summer has been memorable. Although my summer here in DC was very busy, the laughs and smiles we shared are memories I will never forget. As I come to an end of my summer internship here in DC, this marks the beginning of not only my, but my cohorts’ careers. Experiencing a new environment, work setting and following our goals together has been such a bonding experience. In all, I am thankful that I met some wonderful friends, leaders, professionals and mentors who have all made my experience very special.