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.