20 Questions with Intern Deborah Velez
By Christopher Edwards on 07/19/2010 @ 11:01 AM
Each season Immigration Equality offices welcome interns, legal fellows, and volunteers. Beginning this week, we will be introducing you to some of them with 20 questions. Want to work with us? Find out more here.
If you missed last week's 20 Questions with Lorenz Haselberger, it was posted to our legal services-focused blog.
Deborah on the Capitol steps
Name: Deborah Velez
Age: 24
School/Major/Year: Hofstra University School of Law
Position: Public Policy Intern
Office: Washington, DC Policy Office
In one sentence, what do you do all day?
My work depends on what needs to be done for the week, so it could range from answering emails and updating salesforce.com to preparing and attending meetings.
How is that going?
Great. I've learn a lot.
What are you hoping to accomplish while here?
I hope to get a better understanding about immigration law and LGBT issues. I know that by the end of my internship I will have a better understanding of all the work that needs to be done and what I could do about it.
Where are you from?
I was born and raised in Puerto Rico, and recently moved to NY to attend Law School.
Who did you root for in the World Cup?
Spain and Argentina
What do you like most about DC?
I've been in DC for one month, and I just love the city. There is just so much to do and so much to learn. In one day you can have a great discussion about politics, have a quite night at the museum and at night just hang out with people talking about a movie you just saw.
The least?
The weather is not what I expected in DC, but you can live with it.
What neighborhood are you living in?
Dupont Circle (International Student House)
Any suggestions for interns trying to live in Washington?
I'm living at the International Student House. I've had an amazing time and I've met people from all over the world.
What do you do in your free time?
Explore DC and/or nearby cities.
What are you currently reading?
Isabel Allende's Paula
Favorite TV show?
Bones and Big Bang Theory
If you had one superpower what would it be?
Either flying or being able to read minds.
What's the most surprising part of your internship?
I didn't think I would have the opportunity to meet as many people as I've had. In just one month I've met lots of immigration lawyers, Congress members, and even saw Secretary Clinton speaking.
What's the hardest part?
I had no experience at all working with anything related to Congress, so I'm still learning about the whole process, and learning all the districts, etc.
What's your interest in immigration rights?
As a Latina, I want to give back to my community. I want to work in immigration/human rights law. I think I want to focus on asylum/refugee, but I'm still not sure.
How did you learn about Immigration Equality?
Career Service at Hofstra Law School
Are you at immigration Equality just for the summer?
Yes
To whom would you recommend an Immigration Equality internship?
To anyone who has a real passion about Immigration and Human Rights and really wants to learn how to affect people's lives.
What are you planning next after your time with us?
I will be going back to law school, and when I'm done I will be looking for a job in something related to immigration/human rights.
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