Networking: Smile and Wave

Nothing screams Washington D.C. like shaking hands with everyone in the room. Whether it is asking for a phone number, LinkedIn, or Facebook account, everything can be viewed as a form of networking. Whether it comes naturally or not, networking is a crucial skill that my internship class has had to learn. From reciting our elevator speeches to updating our LinkedIn profiles, we have strived to master this art form. 

Networking has flowed naturally to me. However, networking is not a one-sided conversation. The people I have met are passionate about their areas of study. Their passion allows the exchange to extend past general questions. These experiences have made networking enjoyable.

I have enjoyed meeting people, but nothing compares to meeting Delia Garcia. Charming, passionate, and dedicated, her work is admirable. However, what I enjoyed most was her humility. I did not see our conversation as a form of networking; instead, it was a mentorship.

Looking back, I see that networking has always been a part of my life. While working in agriculture, my mother introduced herself to other workers in hopes of finding better jobs, and it worked. Some days we worked in tobacco, and other days were spent planting sweet potatoes. Her words and laughter are ingrained into my memory, and I thank her for that. The social skills she taught me gave me these life-changing experiences. 

Networking has always been present in the Latino community. It is a skill that migrant families, like mine, have had to master to survive. Whether it was finding her next job, low-cost medical assistant, or soup kitchen, my mother learned the skill of networking, and now it is my turn.