Eva's Musings

My friend John Trasvina is going back to Washington, D.C. . . . again. John and I first met in college in Cambridge, Massachusetts – very far away from home. I kept running into him at the Kennedy School’s Institute of Politics events. He was studious, thoughtful and tenacious and has remained a constant presence in my life as we pursued our careers.

After attending sister law schools in California, John and I both ended up in Washington D.C. – he in Senator Simon’s office, and I at the Department of Justice. We could each be found in our respective offices at 8 o’clock at night, as evidenced by the quick reply one would send to the other’s e-mail. When President Clinton came along, we both found ourselves at the Justice Department.

Latinos have a rich and varied culture and language. But we can embrace it, honor it, and still become a part of American culture. You may wonder why move away from our comfort zone at all? Together, as family, we have always looked out for each other, in good times and bad.

Consider the Obama Administration. President Obama is looking for the best, the brightest and the most accomplished in America. We can be the best and the brightest in our hometown, our school, or our own language, but unless we have moved away from our comfort zone at some time in our lives - we cannot know the values and morays of the majority culture. Governor Bill Richardson moved away from his comfort zone to become a Congressman from New Mexico, then a member of Clinton’s cabinet, and now represents the state as its Governor.