Parting Is Such Sweet Sorrow
Time flies when you’re having fun.
I still cannot believe it’s been six weeks since I first stepped foot in our nation’s capital. Washington D.C. welcomed me with open arms, and I can’t believe it’s already over. Words cannot express the love and gratitude that I now feel towards this city, but I know that one day I’ll be back!
NMSHSA has helped and guided me through so much during my experience. I’ll never forget the Public Policy Forum that everyone worked so hard to put together. I think fondly during the lunch break where I ate lunch with my cohort and other staff of NMSHSA where we just talked about everything under the sun (that Jimmy John’s Italian sandwich was also very good, thanks Rob for catering)! It was right before we were to give our elevator speeches and talk about our story in front of many parents and affiliates. The sheer pride I felt towards myself in being able to face these parents that were much like my parents was unimaginable.
UnidosUS has given me an amazing hands-on experience in the world of policy and advocacy! I am so thankful that I was able to work on preparing for their big conference in Chicago. Much of my tasks required research in the early childhood education world, and I am happy to say that I am leaving much more knowledgeable. I have been able to apply my NMSHSA experience within my projects and I am so much more passionate about advocating for the programs and seeing it through so that children and parents can continue to put their trust and love in NMSHSA.
D.C. has made me a fan of summer. There was so much to do in this city, and I’m happy that I was able to experience it with my cohort. I’ll never forget the festivals, lunches, failed fancy dinners (at least we looked cute) and the laughs that we gave each other. My treasured memories will always lie in the solo trips I’ve taken to all the museums. Smithsonians, how I will miss you! I am grateful that I was able to enrich myself in the amazing art and history of other cultures. This summer, I could only think of one thing: happiness looks good on me.