Vacation or Life Expirences?

Hey I'm Cintia Ventura from Los Angeles, California. Before I start telling my stories, I'd like to thank all the people that were willing to sponsor us, from L.A. to D.C.

Washington, D.C. was an amazing place to be at, specially because it is a place that is composed and is still in the making of history. I thank all the sponsors for giving me, and the girls, the opportunity to not only get to experience history first hand by letting us be a part of history and letting us get to know history. Though many people thought and still think that we came here on vacation and I want to say that even though we did walk around, it was only for a few hours.

NEM POC Youth came to D.C. with a mission, to stand up for the LGBT Community, to have new life experiences and adjust them to and use them in other times of reflection. Having the opportunity to visit the very places that the country's founding fathers stood, talked, and made the nation's decisions was the most amazing experience I can think of.

One of the most amazing moments that I recall was when the girls and I attended the Arlington Cemetery and visited the Tomb of the Unknown Soldiers. The day that we went, there was a huge event and Lt. Dan Choi attended. I was really impacted by Lt. Dan Choi's story. Having been told the story by Laura Kanter, I was amazed to know that the U.S. was willing to lose an amazing person in times of need, just because of their sexuality.

I think that a moment that was very emotional was when we attended Camp Courage. At Camp Courage, we were able to find the story of ourselves. We were able to hear many people say their stories and were impacted by many. I think what got to me was mainly the fact that we all have our stories, yet it all comes down to finding the people that are willing to accept you for who you are and won't judge you. At Camp Courage, I found my heroes, my models. Knowing that these people have had to stand up for themselves, and have had the courage to go out and shout to the world who they are.

Once again, I'd like to thank all the people who sponsored us and made it possible for us to experience these life changing moments.

Love ,
       Cintia Ventura