WASHINGTON, D.C. - Downey High School graduate Vanessa Chavez recently completed an internship in the Washington, D.C. office of Rep. Lucille Roybal-Allard.Chavez, an upcoming junior at UC Irvine, performed a wide variety of tasks during her 3-month internship, including drafting letters, conducting legislative research, attending legislative briefings and press conferences, as well as other administrative duties. Chavez, 20, is majoring in International Studies with a minor in Conflict Resolution. She plans to attend graduate school. "Internships in congressional offices provide a unique opportunity for young people to learn first-hand about public service and how our government operates," Roybal-Allard said in a statement. "I am very proud of Vanessa. She is among the many bright students with leadership potential from our community and state who will hopefully take what they've learned as part of this program and return home more knowledgeable about the process and better prepared to one day serve their communities and make a difference." "I am grateful that the congresswoman and her staff gave me the opportunity to intern for them," Chavez said. "My experience in Washington, D.C. was eye-opening and very educational about the daily workings of a congressional office." Students who are interested in internship opportunities in Roybal-Allard's district or Washington, D.C. offices should call the district office at (213) 628-9230.

********** Published: June 4, 2010 - Volume 9 - Issue 7