A New Beginning - Blog 1

                                                                                                                 Shannon Mendez                                                                                                                            6/13/2019

                                                      A New Beginning

For a moment, everything seemed unreal. My hands were sweating, and my mind kept going around in circles like a carousal. I could not wrap my mind around the fact that I had been able to obtain an internship in Washington, D.C. It was all a mystery walking into an unfamiliar path I never imagined myself taking. A path that could open doors and give you new experiences.

I traveled from Georgia all the way to D.C. and getting to have a roof over my head was what I was more thankful for with from this internship. It was a bright and sunny day when I arrived at my D.C and getting to meet all the EYA Interns was an amazing experience. It created a very diverse atmosphere because everyone came from a different background with a different story to tell. Being with a small group of minorities made us become closer as a cohort. Within the first day, I immediately started feeling homesick, but I realized that things always happen for a reason and that this internship would only be the beginning to a new road leading up to my career as a Social Worker.

After my first day in D.C., we had orientation for the first two days at the United Methodist Church which was very interesting because I got to learn more in depth about social injustice issues and the stance the church takes concerning these issues. The most interesting topic was getting to know how justice, mercy, equity, and equality all play a major role in our society. In addition, we also managed to discuss about our different placements and each of us was working with a different organization. I was working with RESULTS which helps to end poverty. One of the interns managed to get a placement with The NAACP while others worked with organizations dedicated to helping those with disabilities or others would focus on the issue about refugees and immigration. Some even got the chance to work with Child Defense Organizations. I was very excited and nervous about getting to know what it would be like to work with organization which seeks to address certain social injustice issues.

My first day at my field placement will always be something unforgettable. I decided to take the bus to the workplace only to discover that I would be thirty minutes late to work because I accidently took the wrong bus. I managed to get off at the next stop and got on the right bus, but due to the rush hour I arrived late to work. As I walked into the 12-story building, I started feeling more nervous about getting to meet my supervisor, but until this day she has been very nice and helpful in making sure I am on the right track in completing my projects and making sure I understand my task and the purpose of the organization. I can definitely say I am lucky to work with her.