Ginez is one of 15 interns who have worked in Washington, D.C., since early February. She was assigned to the office of U.S. Sen. Carl Levin, D-Mich., with two of the other interns.

Director of Programs for CHCI Rey Decerega believes the internship provides students a chance for personal growth.

“The internship program is an opportunity for young Latinos to come to Washington, D.C., and develop themselves professionally, and also in terms of their leadership abilities,” Decerega said.

Her day-to-day role in the office can vary greatly, she said. On Mondays, all of the interns meet at the CHCI headquarters and have different training sessions on public speaking and leadership, as well as the occasional guest speaker, Ginez said. On any other day of the work week, her responsibilities are dependant on the current situation in the office.

“I’m in a congressional office and every day is different,” Ginez said. “Depending on what the staff needs and what’s going on on the (Senate) floor, I may head off to do a briefing, run a few errands, write a memo (or) go through constituent mail.”

The work level tends to crank up when the Senate is in session, she said.

“Every day really varies depending on what’s going on on the floor,” she said. “When Senate is in session things are kind of hectic — you notice the atmosphere, it’s a lot busier (and) high stress.”

Decerega said Ginez’s initiative and vision help make her a good intern.

“I think she is incredibly mature and wants to do a lot with her life,” he said. “And this opportunity she’s been given through our organization is just an example of what she’s trying to do with her life, which is to try to make a difference.”

Ginez found out about the internship through her own research, she said. Last fall, she sent her application and before the end of the semester break she found out that she had been accepted.

Ginez’s time on Capitol Hill has given her a sense of reality regarding politicians and officials, she said.

“The most important thing I’ve learned is that government and different institutions are all run by people just like me,” she said. “I’ve had the opportunity to interact with a few senators and congressmen, and they all have this huge aura around them because you see them on the news doing important things and it’s kind of humbling to meet them.”

English senior Bryce Colquitt, Ginez’s boyfriend, believes the internship is a great opportunity for her, especially considering her interest in public policy.

“I’m really proud of her,” Colquitt said. “It’s a really awesome opportunity she got because not only is she working for Sen. Levin, she’s also getting leadership training and she’s getting paid.”