Team member Spotlight: Alberto Wray

Alberto Wray

What makes Do the Write Thing successful is the strong community behind us. Our team members are super passionate about this program and put in so much hard work into every single day, so we want to highlight who they are for all of you. We will be launching a Community Member series, one which will spotlight our big DtWT family, team members, volunteers, and beyond. This week, we’re kicking off our first of the series with team member, Alberto Wray. 

Why were you interested in working with DtWT?

The opportunity to work with a non profit in DC, was definitely the initial reason. I wanted to see what non profit work was like and an internship provides the perfect opportunity to do just that.

What do you do?

I help in whatever way I can. It's quite simple, but that is the essence of my job. I've done so many different things from designing stickers and magnets to researching and creating reports on school safety. On a more week by week basis, I attend staff meetings where we all strive to make the program better and share updates on our assignments. 

What did you think after your first day?

My first day was pretty unique because DC had flooded, resulting in a ton of road closures. I ended up being 30 minutes late because the metro station I was supposed to go to actually flooded as well. Definitely not the first impression I wanted to make. The embarrassment wore off and on the metro back home I remember just trying to take it all in. It was my first experience working in DC. On the train, I was just looking forward to the next day so I could get to work. I was also extremely excited to get to work. I left the office with a sense of pride and hope about the future, along with some nerves.

What’s one thing that you’ve learned while working here that was maybe also a little unexpected?

I've become more comfortable taking risks, in the sense that the group is such a supportive group that trying something new doesn't seem as intimidating as it used to. As a result, I'm learning more from doing new things than I would have if I hadn't tried the mat all.

Has there been a favorite moment from working here so far? Or moments? If so, can you tell me about it/them? 

There have been a ton!  

Meeting the student ambassadors and talking with teachers and coordinators is definitely one. I've always enjoyed hearing stories and meeting people with different backgrounds than my own because it lets me get a glimpse into how other people view the world around them. I always like to look for the similarities between two worlds. I was on the teacher bus on the first day and had a conversation with a teacher from Montana, and hearing her perspective was extremely interesting, particularly because while there are a ton of differences between Montana and Maryland, the goals for a more peaceful and safer society were shared. 

Another moment that sticks out was a conversation I had with a group of students from Texas about the US political system and how battleground states flip elections while we were on Capitol Hill on our way to meet their senators. It was a bit surreal. I've lived in the DMV for more than 15 years, yet I had never been to the Capitol, so this experience was a first for many of the students, but also for me.

Any advice you would give to a future team member or intern?

Be ready to work hard, but always keep in mind why it is you're working hard. It's to make the country a safer place by amplifying the voices of brilliant students who have unique solutions to the problems youth violence has caused.

Fun fact about yourself?

I really enjoy road trips and have 5 currently planned. (Hopefully I'll be able to do them soon!)