On May 17, 2011 four San Diego Job Corps students met with Congressman Bob Filner at the Congressman’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.  The program seeks to establish a connection between Job Corps students and local, state, and federal legislative offices, and afford students the opportunity to learn about government while learning workplace skills. In addition to Congressman Filner’s office, student interns have worked in the offices of Congresswoman Susan A. Davis, former California Assemblywoman Mary Salas, and former California State Senator Denise Ducheny.

The meeting with Congressman Filner was an opportunity for the students to share their thoughts about their work at his office.  “It was not as hectic as I expected,” stated one student. “The staff was patient and organized, and shared their work with us.  It really helps if you can multi-task and are flexible in your approach to office assignments.”

A male intern talked about being shy, but the experience in working the front desk and speaking with office visitors, helped him become more outgoing.  Another student stated, “I’ve always wanted to work for the government and help young people.  I loved being here and realized my passion is helping others”.  All four students thanked Congressman Filner and his staff for the internship opportunity, and said they would highly recommend the program to others at Job Corps.

“After seeing the Job Corps students hard at work interning in our office,” advised Congressman Filner, “it was nice to be able to sit down with them and have a chance to hear about their experience.  They all should know how much their hard work is appreciated.”