Human Resources

Jeremi and Luca write about various people who made their summers memorable

Welcome back to Jeremi and Luca’s Newsletter, a weekly update from two friends connected by a relentless desire to learn.

Enjoy a closer look at what we’re reading, working on, and thinking about—from the small learnings to the large perspective shifts.

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Luca: People of Washington

One of the highlights of my summer in D.C. has been the people I’ve had the opportunity to meet—the Secretary of Commerce, four ambassadors, two governors, fellow interns, and so many more.

However, as I’m wrapping up my internship with only three days left before I fly back to California, I realize that I have failed to mention the full spectrum of people who have helped make this summer memorable.

Work officially starts at 9 a.m., but near the beginning of my internship, I arrived a bit earlier one day and met Omar, a Department of Commerce (DOC) custodian who changes our trash bags around 8:30 a.m. each morning. We exchanged an energetic fist bump, and he hyped me up for the day to come.

Since then, as I’ve arrived earlier and earlier to get ahead of my work, that fist bump and check-in have turned into somewhat of a daily ritual. Omar is a great guy who has served as a consistent and positive presence throughout my summer.

Then, when I often catch Felix, a DOC security guard, on my way out of work, we joke about the secret intern party we’re planning to host in the building. It’s a small, lighthearted moment that adds a bit of humor to my day.

And during my weekly Panera Bread runs, I always look forward to chatting with Davida, one of their fantastic cashiers. She not only remembers what’s happening in my life each week but also knows my order by heart—a “Grilled Chicken & Avo BLT,” no cheese or pickle.

Leading a busy and fast-paced life, it’s all too easy to take a call while placing an order, barely acknowledge a custodian, or swipe into a building without making eye contact with the security guards at its door.

But as I prepare to head home, I realize that the lessons I’m taking with me are as diverse as the people I’ve encountered. I’ve gained insights from meetings with high-profile leaders and attending interesting events, yet some of the most meaningful lessons came only when I slowed down to look around at my surroundings.

In a city that often emphasizes titles and status, I’ve seen firsthand that connection can be found in the simplest of interactions: a smile from Davida, a joke with Felix, or a daily fist bump from Omar.

These everyday interactions, to name just a few, have grounded my time in D.C. and made it all the more memorable. There’s a lot to learn from the people around us, often in the most unexpected ways.

This week’s intern roundtable with Secretary of Commerce Gina Raimondo

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Jeremi: People of Livermore

It was a melancholy final farewell.

A group of interns from Lawrence Livermore gathered for a final celebratory dinner on Friday. The internship was officially over. We laughed, relaxed, and reminisced, in a way only close friends can do.

Some of us were headed to Texas, others to Washington, and in my case, just a few hours north. We knew this would probably be the last time we’d ever see each other.

At some point, my friend Alicia came up to me and gave me a drawing, with a handwritten note she had made for each of us.

Challenge for the readers: can you figure out which one is me?

This is one of the most meaningful, heartfelt presents I’ve ever gotten. It encapsulates the energy of the team.

We came into this internship as novices in High Performance Computing. Day in, and day out, we worked together. We learned, questioned, and grew. By the end of the journey, we had each others backs.

So it’s no surprise that, as I look back over my internship, it’s the people that stand out to me as the defining aspect of this experience.

There was Alicia, constantly curious, asking as many questions as it takes to understand something, always wanting to go deeper on a topic. In my opinion, that is the most telling sign of humility.

Lucian, one of the smartest people I know, pushed me to be more substantive, made our project possible, and schooled me on the “Vim versus VS Code” battle while putting a smile on my face.

Kendall was the glue that brought us together. I don’t think any of us would’ve gotten as close without her outgoing personality, and if she hadn’t (graciously) hosted these dinners.

In other words: be humble, be substantive, and connect people.

There are so many others that made my summer here in Livermore, too many to individually call out.

At times, I felt lonely in Livermore. My family was on vacation, my friends were scattered to the winds, and I was essentially living alone for the first time ever. But every morning, I looked forward to walking into the office and seeing all these friendly faces.

Livermore is a quiet and unassuming place. There aren’t complicated politics at the lab. There are genuinely curious people, who care about including others. Now, I have the perfect drawing to remember and appreciate these people by.

More reflection on the summer to come.