Eeeeek...Halfway

So, last week was officially my half way mark. I have grown, changed and most of all learned so much during my stay here in DC. I think what's changed about me most is becoming more politically conscious. For example, before I came I used to think of undocumented immigrants only being a Latino community issue. Now I know it is a huge issue in the AA&PI communities. Also, I knew what the dream act was about, but I underestimated the power & impact it can have on so many lives.

With my partner in crime at my side, we are slowly but surely expanding our network out here in our nation's capitol. I am so thankful for her, miss Amaris (: She pushes me to be more active, go to more meetings/workshops. My fearless leader - who I am both proud & honored to follow. She's constantly on conference calls & working on projects that benefit the AA&PI communities. My favorite thing about her, I think, is that she isn't scared to speak out. She speaks out against unrighteous authorities, and sometimes even elders. However, she does this in a respectable manner. I hope one day to be as brave as her.

We both just returned home today from our retreat with our OCA intern class. It brought us closer as a group, and as an individuals. As we stayed up until 5 AM both nights, we talked story and shared experiences. I must say, I am so glad to surrounded by such intelligent and passionate minds. The retreat made a lot of us realize why certain people are so passionate about certain issues. It also assures me that our future is in great hands! Even though I've only known them for 5 weeks, I feel like I've known them my whole life, especially my partner in crime. We (Amaris&I) constantly get asked if we had known each other before the internship, and people are always in disbelief that we didn't.

This week Kutturan Chamoru will be coming out to DC to perform for the Guam Liberation. Can't wait to see them, especially Uncle Joey aka my Fahja. It's like they're bringing a little piece of home to me, which I really miss. My mom sent me a letter, and Jojo wrote me one too. It kinda made me tear up a little, I miss them so much - especially Jojo. I hate every day that I don't spend with him. It's ohkay, I'll see him soon enough, 3 weeks to be exact.

Well, I know this post is kind of all over the place, but there's a lot that has happened (: Tune in next time!