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.
For the third week of the Leadership Academy program, I had the opportunity to visit Sacramento for the first time with my cohort. I had a great time taking obligatory tourist photos in front of the Capitol building and bonding with my cohort through our plane ride and strolls in Capitol park. But most importantly, I felt so inspired after seeing so many Asian Americans in elected positions and legislative staff, giving hope that maybe one day I can also work in politics.
“Do things with intention.” This is a saying that I’ve always assumed that I’ve instinctively lived by in my work. It’s natural to believe that everyone thinks of themselves as intentional actors. Nevertheless, this first week as a CAUSE intern has challenged me to re-examine my actions with a new critical lens.
Without any context, the idea of spending three whole days with a group of strangers that you’ve just met at a giant AirBnB house in Indio might not sound like an ideal getaway. For me, even just the intense 110F+ degree heat is enough of a reason to not to go on such a trip. However, if it’s for the CAUSE Leadership Academy, it all becomes worth it.
Alhambra, CA – On December 4th, 2017, CAUSE held “Make Civics Real,” a civic engagement workshop for high school students, at the Alhambra High Civic Center Library. The event was organized and facilitated by the 2017 Voter Outreach & Immigrant Community Engagement (VOICE) Fellows Angelina Finau and Jina Kim as the culmination of their efforts to support the self-empowerment and civic engagement of youth and immigrant communities in the San Gabriel Valley.
Sign Up for Our Newsletter: Receive updates on elections, leadership, and advocacy.
Explore Programs & Events: Find leadership programs, voting initiatives, and ways to participate.
