When I received my bachelor's degree from UCLA in June, the only thing I knew was that I would be joining CAUSE for the next nine weeks. I didn’t know what to expect, however what I gained was a new sense of confidence, a community of amazing individuals, and a greater understanding of our AANHPI community and my place within it.
I often reflect on the “butterfly effect" moments that have occurred in my life; the seemingly small choices or coincidences that have led to profound changes. This internship is a prime example.
As each of the nine weeks of our internship passed, I felt myself developing skills and knowledge through my placement office at LA County First District Supervisor Hilda Solis’ Office and through CAUSE’s cohort sessions.
I often face difficulties coming up with answers for this icebreaker because my facial expressions always reveal my true feelings. So when I released the waterworks in front of the CAUSE board members during graduation, it was clear that I was not ready to say goodbye and close this chapter in my life.
As my time at CAUSE comes to a close, I reflect on the lessons I've learned about family, trust, and the collective power of API communities. CAUSE has not only deepened my understanding of civic engagement but also has reinforced the importance of prioritizing being rooted in community and centering our hearts in the work we do.
Last week, I had the privilege of attending a brown bag* with Senator Cory Booker (D-NJ) at the Senate. The event was sponsored by the Congressional Asian Pacific American Staff Association (CAPASA) and co-hosted with Congressional Muslim Staff Association, Congressional South Asian American Staff Association, and the Senate Black Legislative Staff Caucus, to list a few.
One of the most striking ways you can tell that you are in the District of Columbia is when you are riding the metro and all you see are red and blue ties, shiny black leather shoes, A-line skirts, and a bunch of sleepy faces buried in spread-out sheets of that morning’s Politico or The Washington Post.
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