This week, I had the opportunity to staff Congressman Lieu at a community program in Long Beach. The nonprofit organization, Ready to Succeed, received one million dollars in federal funding to support their mission of supporting foster care youth and first-generation college students in achieving higher education. Ready to Succeed supports students through mentorship, networking opportunities, and leadership development programming. In the past, students received a $1,000 scholarship. Congressman Lieu’s funding allows each student to now receive a $5,000 scholarship, supporting these students in accessing basic needs such as housing, food, and medical care.
When the congressman presented the check as a surprise to the organization, the students in the audience were beyond excited. I overheard students telling one another that they wanted to cry, that they appreciated Congressman Lieu’s efforts, and that they couldn’t believe they would get to receive a scholarship of $5,000. I felt inspired to be, even just temporarily, a part of a staff that was working on behalf of the congressman to support communities and students in need. Beyond political rhetoric and higher-level negotiations, this event was the direct impact and ultimate goal of the work of elected officials like Congressman Lieu and their staff.
This event was also the first time I got to meet the congressman in person. Throughout the event, Congressman Lieu made a clear effort to understand the specifics of the grant he had secured for this nonprofit like how many students would receive the scholarship, what remaining funding would go toward, and details about the leadership and development program he was supporting. He was focused on asking the right and important questions and sought to educate himself well about the organization. I left the event with an understanding of how intentional the congressman is about the work that he does and the people that he serves. To know that the congressman is as thoughtful about this work as he is was both assuring and inspiring. My perceptions of government and public service are constantly being deconstructed and re-built as I meet more and more elected officials and public servants and observe the ways in which they advocate and lead.
The views and opinions expressed in this publication are those of the author and do not reflect the views or positions of CAUSE or the CAUSE network.
Written by Emma Chen, Leadership Academy 2023 Intern.
The CAUSE Leadership Academy (CLA) for students is a nine-week, paid, internship program that prepares college undergraduates to lead and advocate for the Asian Pacific Islander community on their campuses and beyond.