I've been at HomeBase for six weeks now, and it's been awesome. Having been an intern, it was easy for me to jump right into the work and start taking on responsibility. It's a bit frustrating to have to study for the bar exam while gearing up in my new job, because I'd love to be able to pour 100% of my energy into work. But, in another six weeks, the bar exam will be over, and things will really start to fall into place.
The nature of my work is very fast-paced and eclectic, which I love. In a single day, I might research pending legislation, draft a grant proposal, write a memo on some best practices, or facilitate a meeting with clients to brainstorm how to improve their system.
While most of our work is in the Bay Area, we also have some national technical assistance work for HUD, which takes us all over the country. Indeed, I will be going to Phoenix for a couple of days next week for some meetings. I am excited by how quickly I've begun to feel like a valuable team member with things to contribute.
Last week, I gave a presentation at our regional steering committee on Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act. It felt a bit like a "fake it 'til you make it" moment, because I'm by no means an expert on heath care reform, but I think it went well. I, like most folks in the policy world, am awaiting the Supreme Court's opinion on the ACA with baited breath. My hope is that they'll leave the entire law in effect, but my prediction is that they'll sever the individual mandate.
Today was lovely, because it was the annual intern hike, which is like our version of a company picnic. We all carpooled out to the Marin Headlands for some hiking, followed by a BBQ picnic near the beach. What a fantastic way to spend a Wednesday.
