By Esther Lian, 2025 CLA Intern
The CLA Mock Campaign and Soiree was an experience that defies simple description. Over the past eight weeks, my teammates and I have walked the neighborhoods of AD-49, spoken with residents in their living rooms and at their local businesses, and listened to their stories. We heard about the dreams they hold for their families, and the gaps in representation that leave those dreams just out of reach. The soiree felt like the crescendo of it all — the culmination of hundreds of hours of conversation, planning, and heart.
Large-scale lobbying events like the soiree are the ultimate test of teamwork — and I couldn’t have asked for a better team by my side. The night before, we mapped out a game plan, stationing ourselves in different corners of the space. Once the event began, we fanned out into the crowd, each of us armed with pamphlets, business cards, fans, keychains, and, most importantly, a shared sense of energy and purpose. Whenever we crossed paths, we didn’t just exchange quick updates — we checked in on each other, making sure everyone was eating, drinking, and taking moments to rest. It was lobbying, yes, but it was also care in action.
When I stepped onto the stage, the nerves melted away because I knew my teammates were right there with me. I glanced to my right and saw them beaming, their smiles wide and eyes shining, cheering me on with every word I spoke. When it was over, they didn’t just congratulate me; they wrapped me in hugs so big they felt like victory itself.
This mock campaign and soiree taught me more than I could have imagined — not just about what it takes to serve politically, but about the power of true teamwork. Any success I had was built on the unwavering support, grit, and heart of my six teammates. Every late-night planning session, every strategy tweak, every word of encouragement brought us here. I am so deeply, indescribably proud of what we accomplished together.