A local college student has been selected to serve as an intern in Washington D.C.

Jacqueline Espino, a sophomore at Southwest Texas Junior College, was selected by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU) to participate in an internship for the upcoming fall semester.

Espino will be working with the Substance Abuse and Mental Heath Services Agency through the offices of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment. According to Espino, her job will consist of learning about drug awareness treatment and prevention.

The costs associated with the internship will be covered by HACU, with the exception of her transportation costs and the cost of her food while she is in Washington D.C.

The opportunity to travel to and work in Washington D.C. while still in college is something that drew Espino to apply for the internship earlier this year. She had wanted to take part in the Spring semester’s internship, but she was not one of the 200 students chosen to take part in the program.

Then, she received a phone call.

“They called me on a Friday and asked me if I wanted to take part in the program for the fall. The only gave me 48 hours to decide. I took all 48 of those hours to decide,” said Espino.

Espino said she had forgotten about the program after she wasn’t selected for the Spring program. She had even applied for and had begun a new job. After discussing things with her family and her new employer, Espino decided to take part in the Fall program.

“I had to give them my two weeks notice at my new job, and it was kind of sad, but I feel that this internship is a once in a lifetime opportunity,” said Espino.

Venturing to Washington will be a new experience for Espino. She said the farthest away from home she has ever traveled was visiting Houston. But she understands that there is a little apprehension with every new experience.

“My mom is kind of scared, especially with the whole terrorist thing, and my dad just wants me to do whatever is in my best interest. He told me, ‘Whatever’s best for you’,” said Espino. “As for me, I’m not scared.”

Espino’s internship will run from Aug. 22 through Dec. 14.

© 2002 Del Rio News-Herald. All rights reserved.

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