Since December 2011, three San Diego Job Corps students have served as interns in Congressman Bob Filner’s 51st District Office in Chula Vista, California.  The students are part of the Young Legislators Internship Program which was established in 2009 by SIATech, a charter high school on Job Corps’ Imperial Beach Center.

In February the students had an opportunity to meet with Congressman Filner and talk about their experience in his office and their plans for the future.  Jenna Walsh shared that she earned her GED and high school diploma at Job Corps, completed the center’s Nursing Assistant Career Technical Training program, and plans on entering the California Conservation Corps when she graduates.  Fellow intern Janette Aguilar also completed the Nursing Assistant program, is currently enrolled at Southwestern College, and plans on pursuing a career as an anesthesiologist.  Justin Vanderbeke advised Congressman Filner that he has obtained his GED, completed the Carpentry trade, and will be entering the U.S. Marine Corps after he completes the requirements for his high school diploma.

“Several of our students applied for internships with Congressman Filner,” advised SIATech instructor Luke Sponsler, who coordinates the Young Legislators Internship Program at Job Corps.  “They appreciate the opportunity to serve as interns and gain valuable insight into the government as a result of their experience.”

While meeting with Congressman Filner, the interns asked what he enjoyed most about his job.  “I was very impressed with his answers,” Jenna Walsh advised.  “He said he entered public service to help people and improve their lives”. Besides his long-time support of education, and programs like Job Corps, Congressman Filner also expressed satisfaction with helping veterans, and people with social security and immigration problems.  Echoing the sentiments of her fellow interns, Jenna stated that “It was exciting to meet and talk with him today.  Congressman Filner was genuinely interested in our lives.”