On Monday, we had the fantastic opportunity to virtually host Cerity Partners, delving into the realm of financial literacy. As a first-generation low-income student, I found this session to be an eye-opener, shedding light on the significance of understanding finances and their potential to pave the way for intergenerational wealth. This experience left me feeling empowered, and ready to take control of my current spending habits and financial strategies in order to secure a prosperous future for myself. This newfound knowledge was particularly invigorating considering my role as an intern within the financial team for the mock campaign. Exploring the intricacies of finances and grasping their potential benefits when managed wisely filled me with enthusiasm! During the session, Cerity Partners helped me challenge and dispel common misconceptions about money. I often found myself thinking, "There's always time" when contemplating investments or savings plans. However, the session enlightened me, revealing how essential it is to take action sooner rather than later. The insights gained from this experience were truly invaluable.
Monday was a whirlwind of excitement with our endorsement panel, a blend of stress and exhilaration. Serving as the emcee, I aimed to seamlessly integrate the important task of fundraising throughout the event. It was a true test of courage, as our goal was to consistently ask for money! Guided by this objective, I wholeheartedly embraced my role, even incorporating some dance moves. Our finance team set a target of $11,000, and I am thrilled to report that we not only met but surpassed this goal! Some folks drew a comparison between Mike Eng and me. Perhaps a dance-off is in our future to determine the ultimate emcee champion!
The highlight of my week arrived on Friday with an incredibly enriching networking session. Engaging in conversations with various individuals left me enlightened and inspired. Notably, interactions with Bao Nhia, Connie Oh, Travis Kaya, and Susan Har were particularly impactful. Discovering our shared backgrounds and interests was a delightful surprise. For instance, Bao Nhia's work at the intersection of Asian American Studies and Feminist and Gender Studies closely aligns with my passions. Our discussions have opened the door for further exploration into Asian women's resistance efforts against sexual violence. We even got to share friendship bracelets, as we both attended Taylor Swift's Eras Tour! Similarly, my conversation with Connie Oh, an upcoming Asian American Studies professor, provided a fresh perspective on the field and a glimpse into her unique approach. This networking experience was incredible, and I'm excited to nurture these connections for personal and academic growth.
After an exciting networking session, our crew quickly switched gears and jumped right into gear for the upcoming endorsement panel. The mission was clear: get our incredible candidate, Meghna, all set up for a total win. Since the endorsers were all about questioning the feasibility of our campaign, we went all in on digging into the nitty-gritty details. This was where all that serious research we did paid off big time – we were like data wizards, confidently tackling even the trickiest numbers. I was super proud of my partner, Naya, for all her support with finances for the campaign!
In a nutshell, this week has been a whirlwind of learning, connecting, and celebrating accomplishments. The journey towards financial literacy has ignited a newfound passion within me, while networking opportunities have expanded my horizons. The endorsement panel showcased our determination and culminated in a victory that left us all beaming with pride. As we move forward, I am excited to embrace these experiences and continue growing both as a student and an individual. Here's to more learning, more connecting, and more dancing!
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.
Written by Phong Nguyen, Leadership Academy 2023 Intern.
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.