"I'm witnessing history and wouldn't trade it for the world"

Karen Quintana is a Delta Chapter sister (Alpha Eta Class) who's in Washington DC interning with the Congressional Hispanic Caucus Institute (CHCI) intern in the officers of Congressman Ciro Rodriguez (D-TX). She's majoring in Political Science with minors in Psychology & Spanish. There's so much on her to do list, but she's keeping an open mind about where she'll be in the future. She's originally from Sinaloa, Mexico and plans to graduate in the Spring 2011. Sisters, let the spotlight shine on Ms. Karen Quintana.

Dream job?
To be involved in international politics and more specifically international development. 

Why you applied to CHCI?
Because of the experiences I would gain from working on Capitol Hill. However, now that I'm here the experiences have far exceeded my expectations.

Tell us about this first-time internship program?
This is the first-time CHCI hosts an internship program during the Spring semester. Usually it is only offered in the Summer. It is for 12 weeks and we are required to work in the office for 4 days and attend programming once a week (where we receive training and network with top-tier organizations). The program completely covers travel, housing, and provides a stipend.

What have you learned so far?
Where to start, we're being constantly taught about networking. On the Hill everyone is so willing to give their business card and even help you meet other people, which has given me great exposure to many people in different fields that may interest me in the near future.

Best experience in DC so far?
Being in DC. Life here is so fast-paced and exciting. Also, knowing that I'm working in the nation's capitol, a place filled with history and epic stories makes those 9-hour work days worth it.

Most challenging experience so far?
Snowmaggedon. The winter blast that covered streets and shut down the city. The day before I left Arizona I was wearing flip-flops. I arrived to DC in the middle of a blizzard. It was my first time in the snow so at first I loved it! After I couldn't leave my apartment for a week, I hated it.

Tell me about how supported you feel so far away from home?
I feel extremely supported. Although my family and friends aren't here, I have already built a support network with my fellow interns, co-workers, and KDChi sisters in the area. I reached out on the KDChi Facebook page and was able to meet so many sisters! They are all doing amazing things and are definitely upholding KDChi values.

How was the adjustment from college to working in an office?
Completely different! In college, I was constantly on the move, from class to work to meetings to study hours, etc. Now, I wake up, go to work, go to receptions, come home, do some research, etc. I am still constantly busy, but in a different aspect, I love it!

You'd like to fill your passport with travel right?
I traveled to Germany in High School, it was great to practice a foreign language in their country and learn about their history and this fall I'll be travelling to the Ukraine to study Post-Soviet politics, Russian, and to conduct my independent study on Ukraine's current development state.

What do you miss most being away from home?
Mexican food! (there is no such thing as good, cheap, Mexican food here)
My bike!
My friends and family.

Will you miss DC when you leave?
Definitely, but I know I'll be back.

Describe CHCI for those who may not be familiar with it:
CHCI is an organization which brings in young Latinos to the Hill. The program exposes you to the legislative process, other Latinos on the Hill, and expands on your leadership skills. Their main goal is to increase the number of Latinos involved in the legislature. If you are interested in legislation and politicy CHCI is the best opportunity because you'll get to work and live at the center of it all and meet so many people!

What have you learned about yourself through the internship so far?
I've learned that I am more independent than I thought. Although I have been on my own since 17, moving to the other side of the country really showed me how ready I am to take on the "real world".

Anything else you'd like to share?
I'd like to share the importance of reaching out to other sisters! Don't be shy! If you are ever traveling outside of your home or moving, make sure to contact other KDChi's, they will make you feel right at home!