My internship at the office of California Assemblymember Dr. Ed Hernandez ended on August 7, 2009, but I realized that I’ll be committed to everyone at the office for the duration of my life.  I’ve made some incredible friends, and I accomplished my goal of networking (set on May 14, 2009)!  I’m glad that I was given the opportunity to participate in such an exclusive program, especially because I learned a TON of information about the political realm.  I’ve mastered LCMS, the Legislative Constituent Management System, which is a program used for inputting the complaints and concerns of particular voting members of society.  I was proud that I was efficiently and effectively able to answer the constituents’ calls about current budget resolutions and an update on the governor’s plan of action.  I gained knowledge in the field of bills and bill readings in the Assembly, using Inquiry System to view existing and proposed bills that would be read on the Assembly Floor in the future.  I also discovered, in light of the information I’ve gained from this experience, that I would like to switch my expected major in college.  I now intend to major in English, with a minor in Political Science, because it will be more beneficial to my career plan to hold a public office.  On the last day, Dr. Ed took us to the Elephant Bar for lunch to reward all of his interns for their work.  It was absolutely delicious, and a great culminating activity for the summer’s work.  I now realize that I’ll need more experience in a district office, most likely working for another member of the government, in order to fully understand the process and gain the trust of the constituents in my district.  During my time as an intern, I witnessed the election of Congresswoman Judy Chu, who serves as an inspiration for my future career.   All of her hard work and dedication, driven by the hard work of the volunteers running her campaign, led to success.  I’m excited to see what’s in store for the future, and I’m glad that I’ve learned quickly this summer.  This was a valuable experience, and I hope to do another internship this coming summer!

June 15 - August 7; 9:30 - 4:00, Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays

18 days x 7.5 hours

Total service hours:  135

So, we painted the senior quad yesterday.  Now, if you’ve ever attempted to paint in 96 degree weather at 11 in the morning, I’m sure you’d feel my pain.  Wearing a large white shirt, I felt like a marshmallow roasting in a bonfire.  But, as a service to Charter Oak’s seniors and the Senior Class Council, painting was definitely worth the three hours in extreme heat.  WE HAD TO LISTEN TO MUSIC FROM THE SEVENTIES/EIGHTIES WHILE PAINTING, in part because Ms. Boggs (person in the ASB office) doesn’t have any other type of music in her iTunes.  The music wasn’t too bad, but it was a bit irritating the third loop around.  However, on the same note, listening to “I Will Survive” by Gloria Gayner was definitely motivational considering the heat outside.  Painting the quad was a memorable experience because it taught me that, no matter the circumstances, everyone appreciates a bit of tough labor once the job is complete.  The event marks the beginning of my journey as a senior this year, but it’s also one thing that I’ll never get to do again.  I can now cross this experience off of my list as one of the top things a senior gets to do, and reality has set in because I’ve realized that this year is going to go by more quickly than I thought it would.