Blogs

From “I can’t believe I’m here” to “I can’t believe I’m leaving!” Soon, I’ll have to part with D.C. and fly back to good ol’ Texas. It’s not often that I reflect on my goals and overall life, but this internship has opened my eyes to so much. The fire in my heart has been lit, and I can’t wait to see how it goes!

My summer in Washington, DC, was guided by the three Cs—Courage, Competence, and Connection. I formed strong bonds with diverse fellow interns, gained valuable skills at the United Farm Workers (UFW), and faced challenges with courage and support. This experience enriched my personal growth and taught me the importance of authenticity and utilizing available resources.

I am grateful for the opportunity to learn from Lionor Galindo Cardenas. She has set a positive example that emphasizes the importance of honoring commitments and being accountable. She has inspired me to maintain the same level of consistency and communication within my organization.

Alejandra is a great example of “Si Se Puede” and continues to open doors for other Latinos. The more we spoke, the more we noticed we had a lot of related experiences. Her advice has always been beneficial especially because of her lived experience.

Everyone needs a mentor. Adjusting in my placement would have been hard without the proper guidance and push from my coworkers and supervisors.