November 10, 2006

by Alexandra Lopez

La Sierra University junior Delfino Urbina, President of the Pre-Law club, interned twice a week for Congressman Joseph Crowley of the 7th Congressional district located in New York City from June 19, 2006 through September 15, 2006. Congressman Crowley is the highest-ranking New York Democrat in the House of Representatives and operates as Chief Deputy Whip. He also serves on the Financial Services and International Relations committee, and is a part of the New Democrat Coalition.

Urbina obtained this internship by application and making a phone call to the district office to show his interest in working for the congressman. He also set up an appointment to turn in his résumé and have an interview with the congressional aid during his spring break in 2006.

“I was extremely nervous, but the congressional aids quickly made me feel at ease. They were very open minded and tried to make you feel at home,” says Urbina on his first day of internship.

As an intern, Urbina found Spanish news articles relating either to district and the congressman for the district archives, scheduled appointments, and handled cases. Along with performing clerical work, he also worked with District Representative, Angelita Madrid. “Delfino provided invaluable assistance to her in addressing housing complaints and coordinating community meetings with tenants, elected officials, housing advocates and management officials. He drafted official correspondence, constructed meeting agendas and performed a great deal of logistical coordination and follow-up with the specific parties involved,” says Annette Juriaco, Director of Constituent Services, in a letter to Dr. Jeffrey N. Dupee, LSU Chair of History in the Politics & Society Department. “Delfino also worked with our immigration specialist and quickly became adept in basic immigration casework procedures. He assisted with constituent intake and the processing of naturalization, adjustment of status and visa petitions. This often required that he communicate with liaisons within the Department of Homeland Security and various embassies when needed.”

Urbina had the opportunity of attending a political event for Hispanic Heritage Month, where Congressman Crowley honored Assemblyman Rivera, one of the first Hispanics elected to city government. There were many who attended the event including state and city elected officials from the Bronx such as Councilman James Vacca, Assemblyman Michael Benedetto, and State Senator Jeff Klein.

Urbina’s plans after graduating from La Sierra University include returning to the east coast and attending law school either in New York City or Washington D.C. Although he does not know in particular what type of lawyer he wants to be, he has decided he wants a position that will allow him to share his Christian experience with others.

“Working as an intern was a great experience that gave me a lot of exposure to how our federal and local governments function. This internship gave me an opportunity to meet other elected officials and become more in tuned to many of the problems that the people of New York City face. One of the most important benefits that I got from the internship was that I was able to share my faith to those around me,” says Urbina on his summer internship.

Next summer, Urbina plans to intern for a second time in Congressman Joseph Crowley’s office and if plans work out, he will also intern for Senator Chuck Schumer.