In mid-January 2005, Ms. Yazmin Gonzalez-Nazario joined the [Food Safety Inspection Service] FSIS Field Operation's District 60 via an internship provided by the Hispanic Association of Colleges and Universities (HACU). Moreover, she brings with her a major in computer science / information resource management.  During her internship though April 2005, Ms. Gonzalez will work closely with Dr. Muhammad Riaz, DVMS, Susan Scarcia, DA, and William Stewart, CO, ICS, and Jane Smith, RMA. The primary focus of her work will involve reviewing agency information systems. This will entail assisting in improving the systems data entry, data filing, retrieval methods, database linkages, data analysis, as well as further recommendations regarding information management based on data analysis. In addition, Yazmin is available for computer training to DO Office Personnel.

The following was provided by Yazmin in an informal office interview. Again, thanks Yazmin!

1. When did you arrive in the US?

I arrived in the United States January 13 and stayed in Washington, DC through January 16 to participate in the HACU orientation. Students of HACU stayed at the Saint Gregory Hotel and met with HACU staff and

other students. Then on January 16th, I traveled to Philadelphia.

2. Have you ever been in the US before?

Yes. I have been in the United States three times, Miami Beach, Fort Lauderdale and once to Florida to enjoy Disney's parks.

3. What have you found the most interesting while here in Philadelphia?

In Philadelphia, I found some interesting things. The most interesting are the good people. I found that here everybody helps you.  The other thing that called my attention was the snow. I see the snow for the first time in Philadelphia and that is important!

4. What is your most favorite food?

In Puerto Rico we have many different types of foods, but what I like the most is "Mofongo with chicken". This is a smashed plantain and inside it there is chicken.

5. What is your most favorite food from the USA?

Absolutely, my favorite USA food is Pizza.

6. Is there anything you would like to do while you are here in the U.S.?

Yes. There are so many things that I would like to do in the US. The first is to know the important sites at Philadelphia. I know that Philadelphia is a historic city and I want to visit those places. Also, I would like to visit New York.                          

7. How did you apply for this opportunity?

It is easy to apply for a HACU Internship.  I completed the online application and sent my student          

transcripts and certifications to the HACU office in Washington DC. Then HACU let me know that I was selected for internship with the USDA.

8. What made you decide to apply for this opportunity?

I apply for this internship because is a great opportunity for Hispanic students to work with a government agency. This brings with it many other interesting things, like living in a new city that I have no knowledge

of and meeting many people. I always wanted to work in the United States and what better way than to work with the Food Safety and Inspection Service! I know that this internship will help me in a future and also will open doors in the professional world.  Also for me, this is a challenge and an exciting opportunity because I had to I hope to learn as much as I can about the manner of work of the FSIS and how their different procedures, systems, and programs work. Also, I want to know how the work out in the fields is like in the plants.

9. What do you hope to gain/learn while you are a HACU Intern?

I hope to learn as much as I can about the manner of work of the FSIS and how their different procedures, systems, and programs work. Also, I want to know how the work out in the fields is like in the plants.

10. What do you hope to accomplish while you are interning for Philadelphia District 60?

The first thing that I want to accomplish is to perform all the work that my supervisors expect that I do.

Also I want to learn and understand the different duties of work in the FSIS and find a permanent job within the government.

11. What are your long-term goals?

My goals at long-term include obtaining my Master's Degree and buying a house.

12. We know you haven't interned with us that long, however, would you suggest the HACU internship

program to others?

Definitely, I suggest this program for Hispanic students with an opportunity to apply. This internship has helped me with two aspects of my life, both professionally as well as personally. This is an opportunity that changes lives!