Blog 1: Lucky
I've been in DC for almost two weeks now. Going into this program, I wasn't really sure what to expect. I knew I would be working at a non-profit and I knew I would be with other people of color. I knew the program was faith-based and that I would learn a lot while I was here. I had no idea how many other interns were in the program, what the living situation would look like, how everyone would get along, or what it would be like to work at a non-profit. I definitely didn't expect to feel so comfortable right away.
Right now, I feel lucky. At my placement, Children's Defense Fund, there are interns who go to Harvard, Cornell, Duke, and some other impressive schools. While not everyone there goes to such schools, it makes me feel lucky that I've been given this opportunity. I'm living across the street from the Supreme Court and I see the Capitol Building everyday on my walk to work (which only takes 10 minutes). I've already attended a House hearing, I've been to the National Mall and I've seen the Washington Monument. My supervisor at the CDF is amazing. She's a young woman of color in an important position at the CDF. She's extremely busy, but still has a lot of energy and she's really nice. It looks like she is really on top of everything and since I can easily get behind on things, she makes me want to get better at time management and organization. I attended a policy meeting on Monday and it was pretty intimidating. Everyone in the room had been researching different bills that have been introduced in Congress. When explaining their research and making recommendations, everyone was articulate and had deep knowledge of what they were talking about. Even more intimidating was the fact that Marian Wright Edelman was on conference call during the meeting. Everyone at the CDF is doing amazing work and I'm grateful that I was placed here.
All of the EYA interns have been getting along really well. We went to the Pride parade over the weekend and the free concert that was associated with it. Both experiences were inspiring. I was seeing members of the LGBTQIA+ community celebrating and expressing themselves freely. The people I was with made it even more inspiring. We've only known each other a short time, but we're already comfortable with each other. After bible study on Wednesday we just hung out and talked for a couple hours. At one point, I was laughing so hard I cried. I've only done that before with friends that I've known since I was a kid. Between the amazing opportunity to work at the CDF and the strong sense of community I already feel with the other EYA interns, I feel like this is where God wanted me to be.
-Jared
Right now, I feel lucky. At my placement, Children's Defense Fund, there are interns who go to Harvard, Cornell, Duke, and some other impressive schools. While not everyone there goes to such schools, it makes me feel lucky that I've been given this opportunity. I'm living across the street from the Supreme Court and I see the Capitol Building everyday on my walk to work (which only takes 10 minutes). I've already attended a House hearing, I've been to the National Mall and I've seen the Washington Monument. My supervisor at the CDF is amazing. She's a young woman of color in an important position at the CDF. She's extremely busy, but still has a lot of energy and she's really nice. It looks like she is really on top of everything and since I can easily get behind on things, she makes me want to get better at time management and organization. I attended a policy meeting on Monday and it was pretty intimidating. Everyone in the room had been researching different bills that have been introduced in Congress. When explaining their research and making recommendations, everyone was articulate and had deep knowledge of what they were talking about. Even more intimidating was the fact that Marian Wright Edelman was on conference call during the meeting. Everyone at the CDF is doing amazing work and I'm grateful that I was placed here.
All of the EYA interns have been getting along really well. We went to the Pride parade over the weekend and the free concert that was associated with it. Both experiences were inspiring. I was seeing members of the LGBTQIA+ community celebrating and expressing themselves freely. The people I was with made it even more inspiring. We've only known each other a short time, but we're already comfortable with each other. After bible study on Wednesday we just hung out and talked for a couple hours. At one point, I was laughing so hard I cried. I've only done that before with friends that I've known since I was a kid. Between the amazing opportunity to work at the CDF and the strong sense of community I already feel with the other EYA interns, I feel like this is where God wanted me to be.
-Jared
I am so glad you are being pushed to grow in some of the skills your supervisor at CDF has. We can learn so much from good leaders who invite us into their work!
ReplyDeleteContinue to be inspired by the energy and spirit of others! Hold tight community and laughter.
Katie