Jul 16, 20244 min read

The 7th mark...

Updated: Oct 21, 2024

Tuesday 7/09:

Rep. Luis Correa (D-46-CA)

Today while lobbying I had the opportunity to meet Rep. Luis Correa from the 46th district of CA. After constant lobbying, he was the first Rep. I had actually ever met. It felt so cool to be in front of a powerful individual. Prior to this photo, we had been in his office and I remember waiting in his lobby and he comes in and asks "have you been helped?" I responded yes without realizing it was him. When I realized who it was I got super excited and was determined to get a photo. I thanked Rep. Correa for taking the time to take a photo as I'm sure he was really busy dealing with other things.

On another note, through the lobbying experience I have been able to gain many valuable skills like: organization, event planning, determination, and passion. In context, lobbying is an act that requires constant emailing, researching, and determination. Before securing meetings with congressional staff there are a series of steps needed. For example, this week we have 4 meetings set up. However, in order to secure those meetings we've had to constantly email certain individuals, follow up if they haven't answered, and when we show up, we have to be prepared to share our story. The current bill we are lobbying for is the Asuncion Valdivia Heat Illness and Fatality Prevention Act of 2023. Very long I apologize but behind that long title is a very impactful story. Asuncion Valdivia was a 53 year old man who died from a preventable heat stroke in 2004 after working 10 hours straight in 105 degree weather with limited shade, water, and breaks. As a result, this legislation was created in 2023 and in his honor we have been fighting to get it passed. That's my job this summer. I schedule meetings, share my personal experiences, and hope that the congress will use their power to help millions of agricultural families across the nation.

Instagram takeover:

Today along with holding congressional meetings I had the opportunity of doing an Instagram takeover. Let me just say I was so nervous!! I had never recorded myself throughout the day and shared it with anyone. However, as the day went on I got over it and actually felt like I was doing good. It felt nice sharing what an actual day looks like for me and even though all days are different I felt like it was important to show the reality of things for individuals who don't have the opportunity of being in DC during such a political time. I started my day by attending an "Obesity in Hispanic adults" roundtable directed by the National Hispanic Council on Aging, then headed to the Capitol Hill to conduct a meeting on the bill I'm pushing. Lastly, I ended my day with a tri-caucus intern reception.

Afternoon- Tri-Caucus Intern Reception

Rep. Judy Chu, Nicole Austin-Hillery

After having a successful morning, I headed over to the Madison Hall Library of Congress building where I was welcomed by interns from the Congressional Black Caucus, Asian Pacific American Caucus, and the Hispanic Caucus. The event was very rewarding as I had the opportunity of meeting Rep. Judy Chu, who actually is the individual who introduced the bill I'm currently lobbying for. It was such a cool experience as well as being able to meet other pivotal members from the CBC and APAC. The reception consisted of meeting other interns that are currently in D.C. doing similar things as us. The purpose of events like this is being able to network and create professional and possible long-lasting relationships. Being a part of the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) has been an amazing experience and events like this is why.

Wednesday 7/10: Mom's Birthday

Even though this isn't about me I felt like sharing this. Today is my mom's birthday!! As the only daughter in my family, a female figure was always missing, however over the past three years we've been going strong. She's a powerhouse, she's determined, hardworking, loving, and a role model to me. Through all her suffering and experiences, I've been able to learn what it's like to work hard and be determined. When I first got invited to D.C. I was hesitant because I would leave her and fly across the country. However, since being here, she's been nothing but supportive. She deserves the world and today it's about her. My other half..

Saturday 7/13: New York City!!!!!

Today I had the opportunity of visiting New York City. A couple of friends and I boarded the New York bus at 2:30am this morning and headed towards NY. We arrived at 7:15am and although it was raining, the day became beautiful. Before coming to D.C. I made a bucket list and NY was on the top of it. I knew that I had never been this close, so I needed to visit it. We boarded the bus and traveled 5 hours north east and the first thing we did was get a bagel. As the day went by we visited the 9/11 Memorial, China Town, Empire State Building, The Summit, the Brooklyn Bridge, the Statue of Liberty and lastly, Times Square. Fun fact: I had never tried dumplings before and today I did and they were amazing!! In very short words, I can say that New York City was beautiful "...these streets will make you feel brand new, big lights will inspire you" - Alicia Keys

SUMMIT One Vanderbilt:

This experience was a once in a lifetime experience and I'm so happy we chose to visit the SUMMIT. Here where the pictures were taken we were on the 93rd floor of this building and had an amazing view of the city and the Empire State Building.