By Natalie Glezen, 2025 CLA Intern
I started the CAUSE Leadership Academy the Monday after I graduated from the University of California, San Diego. After a jam-packed week of final exams and goodbyes, I was ecstatic to start this new chapter. The opportunity to learn about the rich history of civic engagement in Los Angeles' AA and NH/PI communities alongside my cohort quieted my first-day nerves.
Within the first few group activities and workshops, I knew I was in a very unique space. I was surprised by all the states and universities represented in the cohort. Moreover, we had a range of years represented. Being in a group with people at varied stages of their undergraduate careers was a pleasant surprise and reassured me that I wouldn’t be an outlier as a recent graduate. We all shared a common goal of serving our communities and exploring what type of advocacy work aligns with our personal and professional aspirations.
Much of the first week was us discovering our personalities at work and in a team, then navigating how to support each other's different personalities. Through these discussions, I was able to be authentic and introspective about how I show up in a team dynamic. We discussed how contrary to popular belief, there’s no one best leadership style. Instead of expecting us to show up as one type of leader, the CLA program encouraged us to explore how all our personality types contribute to a team.
One activity that I especially appreciated was the “Hills and Valleys” workshop in which I timelined my ten transformative life events. Analyzing these memories, I extracted personal values that were either present or absent and that made those moments significant. Creativity and transformation were my two recurring values–many of my life highlights involved self-expression or beginning a new chapter (for example: starting university in a new city after quarantine!).
My first day at my internship placement was far more nerve-wracking, particularly because I had aspired to work for this office since my junior year of university. Growing up in Los Angeles, I was excited to learn how district offices help people navigate state and federal resources. My biggest takeaway from the first week was how district staffers manage dozens of cases every day while still giving each constituent attention and care. Calling back to my CLA workshops, I saw how everyone’s work styles and personalities created an energetic, collaborative environment. I'm looking forward to learning more about my placement office, as well as my cohort, over the rest of the program!
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.
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.