By Esther Lian, 2025 CLA Intern
Nine weeks at CAUSE flew by in a blur — and yet, each moment felt rich with meaning. It seems like only yesterday we were shyly introducing ourselves, laughing over marshmallow towers that swayed on brittle spaghetti sticks, and imagining the kind of leaders we might become.
This summer has given me more than I can fully put into words, but here are three lessons I’ll carry with me:
Friendship and coalition building are the foundation of success — in politics and beyond. The victories I’ve celebrated, the growth I’ve experienced, the opportunities I’ve earned — almost all of them came from working alongside others. Change doesn’t happen in isolation; it’s built hand-in-hand, shoulder-to-shoulder.
There’s no single manual for navigating politics. Every mentor, peer, and community member I’ve met has offered a different story, a different vision, and a different path. There’s wisdom in listening, but ultimately, leadership means trusting your own compass and daring to walk the road only you can see.
Whenever possible, choose conversation, care, and love. In a political climate that grows more polarized and combative by the day, I believe we have a responsibility to reach across the aisle, to listen without fear, to disagree without hate, and to fight — together — for a more just and compassionate America.
Nine weeks ago, I came in eager to take my first step into politics. I leave with friendships, connections, and the knowledge that politics, at its best, is about people — the connections we build, the trust we earn, and the courage to work toward something bigger than ourselves.
I’m so thankful for the doors CAUSE has opened for me and my peers, and I’m excited for all the ways we’ll continue to learn, grow, and make change side by side.