杏吧原创

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杏吧原创

Graduate student Jos茅 Rodrigo Uresti stepped onto the South Lawn, and was greeted by interpreter Jennisey Basart, ’05, signing, “Welcome to the White House.”

It was a stunning view that he got accustomed to over the past semester, when Uresti, a second-year student in the International Development Masters Program (IDMA) interned at the White House. He was stationed in the Office of Presidential Correspondence (OPC), a unit within the Executive Office of the President. Responsible for processing and categorizing high volumes of correspondence, he also supported White House staff with presidential events. He was provided with an ASL interpreter on a daily basis during his three-month stint, offering him a unique opportunity to engage with administration and the broader public.

Uresti tests his skills in the Truman bowling alley

鈥淚 worked to amplify the voices of the American people directly to the President of the United States. It鈥檚 a role that allowed me to see how constituent concerns and stories shape policy and governance. It was an incredibly rewarding experience that provided me with invaluable insights and opportunities to serve the American people.鈥 Uresti says.

According to its website, the OPC 鈥渞esponds to letters, emails, and gifts, and also works across digital channels and with White House speechwriting, policy, and communications teams to help tell the story of the Administration鈥檚 impact on the lives of people across the nation.鈥 In practical terms, Uresti tracked topics of correspondence and used a specialized platform to filter 37,598 emails during his 14 weeks to clear out a backlog of correspondence.

As an intern, he also scored an invite to a Halloween event, went on tours of the East and West Wings, and even had a chance to bowl in the Truman Bowling Alley. Uresti experienced the Secret Service鈥檚 efficiency when they rushed to his aid after a minor accident on his scooter. Meeting President Biden and Vice President Harris was an 鈥渦nforgettable moment,鈥 along with seeing White House Chief of Staff Jeff Zients and National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan. Uresti attended events featuring the Secretaries of Education and the Interior, and the Second Gentleman of the United States. 

Uresti鈥檚 colleagues learned a few signs to communicate with him; he recalls, 鈥淚 joked that if someone accidentally signed 鈥楪oodnight鈥 instead of 鈥楪ood Morning,鈥 I鈥檇 say, 鈥楥ool, peace, I鈥檓 out!鈥 The room erupted in laughter.鈥

Uresti enjoyed holiday festivities at the White House.

Born and raised in the border town of McAllen, Texas, Uresti attended mainstream school, learning ASL and speech therapy, enabling him to communicate in both English and Spanish. 鈥淢y family primarily speaks Spanish, which has been integral to my upbringing and identity. As a proud member of the Deaf community and culture, I deeply value the role that ASL plays in my life,鈥 says Uresti.

Active in leadership from an early age, Uresti was a representative for the Texas Association of the Deaf from 2021 to 2023, a volunteer for events in the Rio Grande Valley, served as president for Deaf students in his high school, and engaged in political campaigns. He says these experiences 鈥渞eflect my deep passion for community service and taught me that service is not just about helping others but about inspiring them to see their potential.鈥

Graduating summa cum laude from Stephen F. Austin State University, his focus in IDMA is on creating equitable opportunities for marginalized communities, particularly immigrants, refugees, and those in the deaf community. Through Gallaudet鈥檚 participation in the Consortium of Universities of the Washington Metropolitan Area, Uresti took a course at Georgetown University last year. He was involved with its GradGov organization, working with its president on opportunities to develop partnerships with Gallaudet鈥檚 Graduate Student Association (GSA). He is President of the GSA this year, a role he finds particularly meaningful, saying, 鈥淚鈥檝e had the privilege of working with fellow graduate students to address their concerns, advocate for their needs, and strengthen our campus community. This role taught me the importance of fostering inclusivity and supporting initiatives that empower others.鈥 

The White House Internship Program (WHIP) is highly competitive, requiring a barrage of application materials, including a letter of recommendation from Uresti鈥檚 congressman and thorough background checks. Uresti had already interned with the U.S. Congress in fall 2021, which he says inspired him to further serve the American people. His persistence paid off: 鈥淚鈥檝e always aspired to intern at the White House, and after applying five times, I was thrilled to be accepted in the fall of 2024,鈥 he says. 鈥淭his internship allowed me to learn, grow, and contribute to public service at the highest level. It reinforced my belief in the power of leadership, collaboration, and service in creating meaningful change.鈥

IDMA Program Director, Dr. Audrey Cooper shared, 鈥淲ith his long record of civic engagement and community advocacy, we felt that Rod鈥檚 application would be of great interest to the WHIP selection committee. Rod鈥檚 careful drafting of his personal statement, tenacity, and positive spirit ensured that his application stood out at each stage of the process – and we have no doubt that he excelled in bringing these qualities to all of his internship activities.鈥

For his last semester at Gallaudet, Uresti hopes to do an internship in Spain. Redirecting that persistence, he鈥檚 applied to around 20 organizations and will choose one that aligns with his passion for advocacy and international development. Post-graduation, Uresti says, 鈥淚 aspire to serve as a diplomat or public servant, both in Spain and the United States, focusing on international development, youth empowerment, and advocating for the deaf community. Whether through diplomacy or community service, I aim to inspire and empower individuals to reach their full potential while fostering meaningful change on both global and local levels.鈥

He has a special message for parents and deaf children: 鈥淢aking a difference is possible with grit, passion, resilience, and determination. Failure is a natural part of the learning and growth process, ultimately strengthening us. Whatever challenges or obstacles you face, know that you鈥檙e not alone.鈥

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