Gracias!

Hey John Wayne,

I entered as an intern, but I feel more like a colleague. Thank you for taking the time to answer the mundane questions, and various points of inquiry. Thank you for introducing me to so many important people and making sure I had time to share my opinion. Also, thank you for allowing me to be me.

As this internship is on paper ending, I know that I have an open space at the City of Phoenix to help and volunteer my skills as needed. We did great work this legislative session and I know that our paths will continue to cross.

If I can end this note, I would like to thank you for being brutally honest, always. Many people sugar coat things and you just let it out. I appreciate that because criticism is one of the main tools to change in behavior and growth.

Warmly,

Jessica

Adieu

At 7:55 AM I walked into the Phoenix City Hall building. In my normal routine I approached the Starbucks counter, ordered a venti ice coffee and a grande Blonde Roast, for the boss. I traditionally buy John Wayne Gonzales a drink. Both avid coffee drinkers, there is nothing like sharing a cup o' joe in the morning. As the 51st legislation has come to an end, now it is time to assign all the new enacted pieces of legislation to the departments that they will affect. That is what I worked on.

Typing the names, I found it profound how much something that takes a single vote, can impact someone's job. I wondered how they felt when they received this announcement. How they reacted to the legislation, if they briefly grieved, swallowed their thoughts and then went back to work, or celebrated on a victory on something that can actually make some positive change.

I guess this is probably the most important thing I learned. Reading, digesting and meeting on the various bills that would affect the City of Phoenix, I grew an immense appreciation to pay a bit more attention to the legislative practice. It is important to weigh in on issues, and use my voice to document that voice. This documentation takes my personal vote, during election season, a step further in being a member of our society.

From the beginning of my internship, I wanted to learn more about this process and understand how to digest it. I did just that and more. The amount of exposure and connections I have made I can take with me for a lifetime. Now I can identify the leadership in the City of Phoenix and understand their work and importance in managing and overseeing the vitality of the city. Being in the building during the intense budget debate has been interesting. The city employees are dedicated and strong group. They are loyal to the ship and will sacrifice to keep it running strong. I am proud to experience and contributing to this work.

Meet Moe & Saw

 Moe, the black and white Boston Terrier, and Saw the brindle pup are my two little "terribles". Moe was rescued from the Human Society in Tacoma, WA and Saw was purchased here locally.

If you're familiar with the breed, my is a little bit bigger than the average Boston Terrier. I like to call him my "Little big boy". We named Moe after the Simpson's character 'Moe' the bartender. Not a tremendous Simpson's fan, but I felt it was befitting because of his gentleman stature.

Saw is terribly smart and inquisitive. He's constantly trying to be the dominant pup and outsmart you. He definitely has enough energy for the hole household. We named Saw after my partner's military rifle, the Squad Automatic Weapon, that he carried while he served in the U.S. Army in Afghanistan.

Despite their constant fighting, they do take time to be brotherly and kind to one another. Those are the hardest moments to capture, but when I do, it makes me smile.

When I'm having a bad day, or feel overwhelmed, I look at pictures of my dogs and it makes it all better. They are so much of unconditional happiness and love.

I hope these pictures help to brighten your day as they do mine!

Helpings Cafe Now Open!

 Last week I had the amazing opportunity to visit UMOM New Day Centers new social enterprise called Helpings Cafe. The cafe was built to support those who are served through the shelter and provide hands-on job-training to those who need additional work skills.

The environment is laid out in a wide welcoming hues that make you think of an old-time cafe with your "helping" of various muffins, sandwiches and salads. They even freshly serve Starbucks coffee!

A sign has been hung that helps customers identify where their funds are going to support the services provided by UMOM, and it even encouraged me to buy an muffin with my coffee!

I highly recommend anyone who is passionate about the nonprofit services provided in Phoenix to check it out!

Career Services

Working in the area of workforce development there are a variety of tips that I offer the jobseekers that come into my organization Dress for Success Phoenix.

Here is our LinkedIn tip of the week:

When you want to connect on LinkedIn with someone you just met in real life, or if you're brave to make that connection with out a formal meeting, my suggestion is:

1. Go to the person's profile and review it. What commonalities can you find with yourself, or what interesting fact might you reference?

2. Click "connect"
3. Indicate how you know the person. If in doubt, a good fall-back is the "We've done business together" button.
4. Erase the awful LinkedIn standard invite message and type your own. Always assume they don't remember you, at many networking functions, if done right, you may have exchange contact information with over 30 people, too many to remember. It is good to tell them where you met , or why you want to connect -- what value you hope to get, and what value you can add to them. You might reference something from their profile.

You won't get 100% follow-through, but you will greatly increase the likelihood of a positive response as you begin growing your network with people who can be important to your career development.


Now for a book reference that will change how you interact with others.

I recently purchased "Give and Take" by Adam Grant, the youngest tenure professor at the Wharton School, who highlights how being a giver may yield some unforeseen, never been accepted, results in career growth. In my second chapter and it has already solidified my standing on being a someone who can still do good and succeed. 

 

Strengths of the City of Phoenix

Ed Zuercher, City Manager of Phoenix

Ed Zuercher, newly appointed City of Manager at the City of Phoenix, has entered his new role with no little task ahead of him. The city's budget has been presented to the community, hearings being held throughout local communities in the various districts, and has been received with some strong emotions.

Above, Zuercher, is presenting to the Greater Phoenix Chamber of Commerce, during their policy committee hearing, in which they engaged the members to ask open questions about their concerns with the budget. With all 13 community centers, some senior centers and public pools proposed to be closed down, Mr. Zuercher is facing some heart wrenching testimony. This crowd had different concerns than the average constituent plea on the importance of community centers. Rather, the chamber members focused on the union negotiations, any cutbacks on key staff members that would help impact economic development in the areas in the Finance Department, and if any tremendous tax proposals would shape up in the next weeks of final budget negotiations.

When it comes to leadership, Ed Zuercher's ability to remain diligent in his message and service to Phoenix, allowed for the members to embrace the conversation and have real inputs that may help frame the fiscal vitality of the budget. In my role at the City of Phoenix I have learned that the leadership that is at the city of Phoenix is a true testimony of their strength. Although having to deal with such a massive issue, when stepping up to the plate, Ed Zuercher embodied this strength and showcased it at this meeting and continuously throughout the time I have spent in the City Manager's office.

Momma Motivates!

This is my mom, she had me when she was sixteen years old, and has worked every day of her life to be the best person for her children, and honestly most importantly for herself. I cannot imagine what she experienced, migrating from Puerto Rico to New Jersey, with a baby Jessica being high maintenance and whiny while she tries to understand how to be a teen mom. 

Now, she has raised three awesome kids, each of us pursuing our own passions, and reserved having children for a later time. I know she is proud of me, but honestly I am proud of her. 

She has now graduated from a Personal Training program and pursuing her own business, motivating women to be their best selves. 

Via Instagram, doesn't hurt to have a young mom, she inspires people through motivational posts on workouts and healthy living. Below is one of her posts on a healthy "Energy Ball" snack. 

1cup of raw oats . 2/3 coconut flakes . 1/2 wheat germ 1/2 PB . 1/2 choc chips . 1/2 teasp vanilla . 1/2 organic honey mix and cool in frig for 30mins then make balls

To be honest who wouldn't be proud of a mom who doesn't let society define her. She has everything from tattoos, owns a pit bull and still stays fabulous!

This post is to my momma, never would trade her in, and will always aspire to be as strong and awesome as she is. No college degree can account for that.

"Politics"

John Wayne in the beginning of his career.

I'm not going to lie, the people in the Office of Government Relations are pretty awesome.

But, like these pictures represent, there are some pretty tough days where you just have to slam your head on the desk and say, politics. In this game you know whatever you hear or see, you should never speak.

Discretion is everything.

The amount of resources and access is incredible, but it is not for everyone. You have to gain everyone's respect and they have to know that you are there to work for the greater goal. That changes sometimes and you have to change with it.

Sometimes what keeps the fuel running is the Starbucks in the main lobby. And honestly, the best Starbucks ever! The team behind the small counter are super friendly, and usually remember your name and order. Every morning I arrive 20 minutes early, pick up two Blonde Roasts, one for the boss and myself. I know he appreciates it, and no thank yous are needed.

These little touches have helped me to foster deeper, stronger relationships. After this experience who knows where I'll be, but I do know who has my back when I need it!

The OGR team "Hear, See, Speak...No Evil"!

Human Resource Forum by Equifax

   

Blaze the Trail Forum 2014

Dress for Success HR Forum

Sometimes my jobs have some perks. One of those perks is to work with big, recognizable companies like Equifax to coordinate a fun and engaging event for women in the community at really, really nice hotels! The Blaze the Trail Forum was held in the Camelback Inn Scottsdale Resort. The forum is a yearly conference that Equifax hosts around the nation to engage HR professionals in top Fortune 500 companies on current trends in human resources.

Since Equifax is a national sponsor of Dress for Success they engaged our affiliate to coordinate an engaging event for our women to attend and get one-one-one advice with hiring professionals on what they seek in a candidate. The women who attended had an amazing time connecting with these professionals and learning more about how they can be ahead of the game by learning new tricks.

Equifax also collected gently used items to donate to our organization, roughly eight boxes, that will help us suit these women and ensure they are professionally dressed.

Overall, it was a great event! And, you can't beat the weather!

Women receiving one-on-one HR advice

Public Service and Urban Governance

Source: Patricia Scarborough

The City of Phoenix is a marvel example of growth through urban governance, and the commitment to providing stellar public service to it's residents. Mayor Greg Stanton, in his 2013 State of the City Speech, makes his beginning remarks to those he shares the governing responsibilities with, "Each day with great teammates in City Council...occasional disagreements...we challenge one another to be better...[creating] solid public policy for the people of Phoenix (azcentral.org)." In the 2014 State of the City Speech, Mayor Stanton brings on a new City Manager, Ed Zuercher, stating, "You've hit the ground running. You're a fresh of breath air, a consummate professional, and I know we're going to do great things together (Phoenix.gov)".

When thinking of public managers, and the public servants who work under them, it is important to know that there is cohesion in the work that is being done in Phoenix. Everyone is at the table to solve issues and serve the people. Each day I arrive to my internship I feel the camaraderie on the 12th floor, where the City Manager's office is, and equally on the 11th floor, the Mayor's office. It is no surprise that these two floors are joined by a centered open staircase that unites these areas together.

In my current experiences, there are great workers at the city, and they make it a point to work on behalf of the people. Currently, the city's budget has been released. With a major amount of cuts to services to the community, it has caused quite an uproar for residents in various areas of town. In order for constituents voices to be heard, the city has piloted various budget hearings for people to voice their concerns. These hearings are to engage the community and ensure that no final decisions are made on the budget without their public input. Budget hearings are scheduled by district and typically have council members representing those districts to listen to concerns and answer questions.

Public service and urban governance is a critical role for Phoenix, and any major city. As the year progresses, and preparations for the Super Bowl, and other major conferences that will be hosted come to town, the governance will continue to provide public safety, economic development and cultural vitalization to the city.

Person of Interest

.........


In the spirit of busyness, my person of interest was unavailable for an interview until tomorrow at 3:30 p.m. It was last week that I had to be "penciled" into his schedule so I may have the opportunity to get to know a little more about his role.

Tom Remis, Director of Government Relations, has been in and out of meetings since the start of my internship. His role in the Office of Government Relations is the leader who holds the team together, and supports those who report to him. The role of the OGR is a representative organ of the city that ensures a strong relationship with the federal government, the state of Arizona, other cities, tribal communities, regional agencies and Maricopa County. These relationships are crucial to establishing strong community bonds and partnerships.

It is at my meeting that I hope to find more about Mr. Remis, his role at the city and what got him to his current role.

Take the Lead

On February 19th, 2014 I attended an event at the ASU Gammage. This event was brought to my attention early in January and I immediately jumped onto the opportunity to receive two FREE tickets to attend as an ASU student.

The event was Take the Lead, a night that celebrated women, and their ability to move ahead in their word without the concerns and pressures of society deciding what and who they should be.

My main drive to attend the event was to see Sheryl Sandberg, COO of Facebook and writer of Lean In. Recently, reading the book I was fascinated by some of her concepts of supporting women. In fact, after taking a course with Dr. Carol Poore called Women, Politics & Public Policy, I was bought in further to the Sandberg's teachings and ideologies. 

What I didn't expect to happen, was to be introduced to a series of other amazing women, trail blazers. One of those women were Carla Harris, and her teachings she likes to call Carla's Pearls. In fact, her presentation was so dynamic I bought her book two days later!

Now that I am post event I must say, it wasn't really Sheryl Sandberg that really spun me to action. I  mean she was great! Who hasn't seen her infamous TED Talk that has inspired Lean In Circles worldwide!

But, really, what was the true inspiration was the room, jammed pack, of amazing, powerful women. All in their business best, ready to take the challenge! Who knows when I can be in such a presence again, but I must say I'm still basking in the joy.

Follow the....TEAM!

Source: rapportleadership.org

Leadership. The idea of leadership is forces the mind to stray to one-person, one-idea. Yet, what is really in play is multiple players, with multiple skills. Hence, at the City of Phoenix what I see is a transition from a centered leadership to a team that consists of fluid arrangements of cross-collaborators.

The 12th floor of city hall is one staircase above what houses the city's council offices, and the big chief, Mayor Stanton. The Office of Government Relations is a small crew that takes up less than 10 fingers, adding me doesn't even touch the 10th finger. Therefore, the use of a static team, with top-bottom workflow just doesn't work.

All the work that is done by staff is to serve the collective goal: To serve the better good of the people. No matter the task, it is crucial that we ask each other how this benefits, or does not benefit, the good of the livelioods of the residents of the Phoenix. When the question is framed in such a way, there is no one leader that decides that, well we do serve under the City Manager, but for the purposes of our group, we make collective decisions.

In the work that I am tasked to do, I have the flexibility to format my work and structure my policy briefs to how I feel best communicates the most important points. Thus, in this capacity, I feel very self-empowered and a leader of the issues that the group is working on.

Source: Gaping Void

So, in this experience, I feel that we are all empowered to lead. There is no better way to ensure that the diversity of the group is tapped, and the good of the people have been served.

All hands are on deck, bases are loaded and the team is ready to play ball!

Budapest, Hungary & The Open Access Button!

Students have the privilege, and respectfully pay for that privilege, to access the necessary research needed to explore their work they are working on. In the case of the general population, tax paying individuals, much of this research is hidden behind pay walls. Government agencies support researchers by providing grant opportunities to follow and track the latest trends in various topics. The Right to Research Coalition is an advocacy group that supports legislation that encourages the use of having access to federally funded research openly available to the public. 


 I had the honor of attending the 2nd General Assembly during August 2013 in order to convene with students globally on the status of the movement and where the next steps are for us to inspire change. A team of British medical students created an amazing tool that helps to bridge the access called the Open Access Button. If you ever witnessed this issue, or work for an organization that lacks access, please use this tool as a means to bridge yourself to the access, and help track the lack of.

During this time I had the chance to explore Budapest, Hungary and live the day in a Hungarian lifestyle. From breakfast to lunch, there was a mountain of fresh ingredients and the best instant coffee a girl can have!


At night, the city lights up, highlighting its government buildings and making it a spectacle for all to see. The beautiful, historic structures captured me with nostalgia and books I read as child, highlighting the European architecture and lifestyle.

I highly recommend all to travel and visit this beautiful country, and the amazing diversity it has.




-J

Intrapreneurship, Innovation and how StartingBloc got me there.

 Last February I had the honor of being selected to participate in the StartingBloc LA Institute. Being a year later, I thought it warming to reflect back on my days in the warm sun of Santa Monica and the new family I had the pleasure to adopt.

Now being a group of 2,000 fellows, I have the access of amazing change makers throughout the world. These individuals help to inspire global change and are the do-gooders needed for impact in a grand scale. We all made a commitment to think of embracing change that inspires innovative and cross collaboration between the nonprofit, for-profit and government sectors.

One of the fellows that I share this amazing opportunity with is founder of GoldieBlox, Debbie Sterling. Although not a graduate of my institute, this amazing innovator has proven that girls do not need to be conformed to play with pink toys and baby dolls; girls want to build!

The video to the right is something I captured during the institute of members being taught Tai Chi by a senior citizen we were interviewing for ideas on how to build access to healthy, fresh ingredients to seniors living in Los Angeles.

The picture to the left is my amazing think tank group, ranging from individuals traveling from Denmark, North Carolina and New York City to attend our institute and think collaboratively on our mobile food idea!

Overall, this was an amazing experience that broaden my mind to how to change through entrepreneurship, and also as an intrapreneur. I hope I can inspire any of you to take the leap to be a StartingBloc fellow!

Career Services: Dress for Success Style!

Having the opportunity to work for a worldwide nonprofit affords me the opportunity to work with many leading Fortune 500 companies in developing fun and unique events. One of these events came upon me just last week, in which, Equifax is hosting a human resources conference, and is allow Dress for Success to host a forum during their conference!

This conference is open to women who are seeking insider information in handling the human resource department and how to make it to the next step of the interview. It is going to be a unique experience and I hope that many of you can attend!

-J

Day at the State Legislature

Happy President's Day! I had the opportunity to spend this holiday at the State Legislature. A day off at the work that I do at Dress for Success Phoenix allowed me to see a session, network with lobbyist and sit on a committee hearing. 

One of the most purposeful parts of that afternoon was the committee hearing. Testifying that morning was the rights afforded to a Native American family who were forced out of their homes in Wutpaki National Park. The testimony was deep and sorrowful. The legislatures voted unanimously in support of this family, with the only opposition coming from the Sierra Club. 

Being from New Jersey it is rare to see the human rights issues that arise from Native American populations. This is mainly not apparent because of the diversity that lives in the state, many issues become what is famously known as a "melting pot". 

This day will forever be remembered for me as a day that brought me closer to the human-ness of the citizens of the United States. 

-Jessica

Rally the troops!

So, I'm super excited to for tomorrow. I will be attending a meeting at the Arizona League of Cities & Towns, who will be hosting Arizona Mayors. Phoenix will have city council members in attendance and I will be there to represent the Office of Government Relations.

What I am learning at my Friday meetings at the Arizona League of Cities & Towns is that they provide a pretty powerful voice to legislatures as it comes to the governmental relations of various cities and towns. Their guidance and support on various pieces of proposed legislation can be quite beneficial when it comes to small, rural communities.

I don't know why I feel like a giddy school kid, but I can't wait. I'll probably be there just to observe and take notes. It has been quite a hectic month, full of sickness and injuries, so this event will be quite fulfilling compared to my life this year.

John Wayne has promised me to provide me with my very own photo with the Mayor! If I'm lucky I can grab Councilman Valenzuela, my representative, for a quick photo-op!

Okay my methods course is starting now....I'll update you soon on my fun day tomorrow!

-J

Leading women to self-sufficiency!

Boutique Layout

My time at Dress for Success Phoenix has allowed me to see how my work at a nonprofit can change lives! It has been such a journey, since my start in August 2011, in building relationships with community agencies to ensure that service is delivered to all women in the valley. My position as Program Manager has transitioned from a variety of levels, but I can never take back a moment when I get to sit one-on-one with a woman and just hear her story.

Bobbi Brown Makeup Station

The Dress for Success organization started in 1997 in New York City. The vision sprouted by our founder Nancy Lublin, a lawyer by trade, who wanted to start an organization that transformed women and equip them with the essentials to land employment. Since then, there are over 130 affiliates in 15 different countries! 

The Phoenix affiliate was founded by Lisa Doromal, a stay at home who was captured by the mission of the organization on the Oprah Winfrey show and started her organization in November 2009. The organization in Phoenix has served over 3,600 since it's inception. 

Above is an example of a transformation I get to witness every day when I come to work! It is women, like the one above, who proves that change can happen. The suit empowers her outwardly, but it is through the delivery of our other supporting programs, the Going Places Network and the Professional Women's Group, that transforms the woman within. 

The mission of Dress for Success Phoenix is to promote the economic independence of disadvantaged women by providing professional attire, a network of support and the career development tools to help women thrive in work and in life. 

________________________________________________

If you are ever interested in volunteering or supporting Dress for Success Phoenix please feel free to reach out to me! 

Jessica Gonzalez

Program Manager

Jessica@dressforsuccessphoenix.org

www.dressforsuccess.org/phoenix

1024 East Buckeye Road, Suite 165

Phoenix, AZ 85034

                                                             

City of Phoenix

Meet John Wayne Gonzales, Intergovernmental Affairs Liaison at the City of Phoenix, and also my direct report at the Office of Government Relations. Since the start of my internship, he has taken to me on journey of policy evaluation, support building and collaborations.

Two weeks ago he requested my assistance in drafting an analysis of a current bill that has been presented at the AZ State Legislature. Being the first time I digested legal jargon in a bill, it was a task I didn't want to screw up. Thus, I found it delightful news last week that most of my analysis was used to be presented to the Phoenix City Council today! Although it was no more than two short paragraphs long, it really made my day to see that my internship is doing live, and in action, work!

Phoenix staff, prior to working on policy issues, must receive the approval of the city council to move forward on taking representation on bills at the State Legislature. These public meetings are shared with the public through the PHX11 City TV channel. Once direction is given to the staff, off to work we go!

It has been quite an interesting experience that ranges from intergovernmental meetings with the Arizona League of Cities & Towns to internal meetings with staff. The hands on experience that John Wayne has provided thus far is as bravado as his picture above. Although he has been sick since early January, his live candor, and welcoming smile, ensures that there are more adventures to come.

-J

OGRE!!!!

Welcome to the City of Phoenix, and the Office of Government Relations (a.k.a. OGR, pronounced ogre) and I am their new intern. My position consists of some pretty cool elements that basically rely on A LOT of meetings. The main objective of OGR is to monitor bills that are at the Arizona State Legislature, and ensure that the city's best interests are either being met, or not intruded on. 

My position allows me to accommodate my full-time position at my nonprofit, so I only have an opportunity to be in office on Fridays. In the time that I am there, I work with city lawyers, lobbyist, elected officials and staff to work for the residents of Phoenix's best interest. 

The photo I share with you today is the organizational structure of Phoenix. This may seem like just a document, but it means more to me than just a hierarchy of people. During the Summer of 2013, I had taken a public finance course which gave this document words, and how a city operates. As I continue to review bills, and learn about their impacts, this chart helps describe who we may need to bring in to give testimony on what the impact means to Phoenicians, and how their work can prove if that policy is good or bad for them. 

Overall, I think my internship is giving me exactly what I need right now, a dance with the big dogs. 

-J

New Jersey meets Arizona

Yes I am a New Jersey native, no I do not know anyone from the Jersey Shore, the Sopranos or have "Jersey girl" accent. Now that I have that out of the way, hello! 

I was born in Arecibo, Puerto Rico, and came to the United States when I was a little less than a year old. I had the amazing opportunity to return in 2005 to visit, and I always dream about going back. 

I pursued my undergraduate degree at Rutgers University, majoring in American Studies and minoring in Sociology.
Now being the millennial that I am, I also started my college career at Johnson & Wales University, where I received a two year Marketing degree. Lets just say I love education! 

I moved to Arizona in May 2011, after a change of scenery from NJ to Tacoma, WA to be with my beau who was stationed in Fort Lewis while serving in the United States Army. It took some time to embrace the Arizona heat, but eventually I left the house and began volunteering at local organizations like the Arizona Students' Association and Dress for Success Phoenix to get a better feel of the Phoenician culture. 

Getting accepted to Arizona State University, into the Masters in Public Administration program, became a huge milestone for me.  Being the first person to graduate from college was such an amazing accomplishment in my life, but it was not the end to my journey. So this experience has helped me explore my true passions, and experience college life as a professional. 

I have worked for the ASU Graduate & Professional Students' Association (GPSA) as the Director of Legislative Affairs. Serving through GPSA has afforded me to travel to Washington D.C. on three separate occasions to advocate on behalf of graduate students; and traveling to Budapest, Hungary to attend the Right to Research Coalition's 2nd General Assembly to advocate on Open Access.

In the meantime, I serve at a local nonprofit called Dress for Success Phoenix
 

where I serve as a Program Manager. This position was offered to me during my volunteer service. I'm going to say doing all of this while being a SPA student has been difficult, but I have triumphed to manage my time and be successful. I pride myself in the work that I do and being a public servant.

In my downtime I enjoy finding new "foodie" spots in Phoenix, occasional knitting, reading Game of Thrones and playing with my two Boston Terriers. 

Through the networking opportunities that I managed to do while serving at GPSA, allowed for connecting with many Government Affairs professionals. Through these connections I landed an opportunity to intern with the City of Phoenix's Office of Government Relations for the Spring 2014 semester. 

I'm not going to lie, this is a bit new for me. Being on other side of lobbying is going to really test my professionalism in dissecting bills, managing relationships and bridging networks without attesting to my own personal beliefs. Student organizing is all about sharing your personal story, which does not work in this role. 

In the interim of discovering my silent voice, I would also love to see the hands-on application of my degree. This internship falls on the last leg of my graduate program, so seeing the plethora of knowledge I just absorbed in action would be pretty awesome. 

If all else fails, and I am completely thrown off on my other two accomplishments, then my highlights will be to just do some good work for Phoenix, all while being in my four wall cubicle. 

Interns Rock, 


Jessica