“Where do you see yourself in 5 years?”
For the longest time, this question has weighed heavily on me. It was a question that seemed to demand I have my entire life planned out beyond college, placing an overwhelming pressure on my shoulders. To me, it felt like a relentless clock, ticking away while I struggled to predict my future in a world that is in a constant state of change. 5 years from now? 1 year? I have no idea what I am going to eat for lunch tomorrow, so this question has always left me baffled in uncertainty.
However, after spending 9 transformative weeks with the CAUSE Leadership Academy, my perspective on this question has shifted. In fact, the question “Where do you see yourself in 5 years?” no longer daunts me. Our 2023 Summer Soirée provided me with invaluable opportunities to engage with influential AAPI community leaders like Assemblymember Phil Ting and Eric Chen, the Human Equity Access and Relations (HEAR) Commissioner for the city of San Gabriel. Through meaningful conversations, I found myself naturally discussing my post-CLA aspirations. Every individual that I spoke to carried an incredible wealth of knowledge. I delved into the issues close to my heart, contemplated the steps I could take to address them, and even sought guidance and mentorship from experienced individuals in the AAPI political sphere. Listening to the journeys of elected officials and CLA and CLI alumni filled me with hope and reinforced my belief that I too can thrive in this environment.
The culmination of CLA with our graduation followed by the Summer Soirée, was an exhilarating wrap up to our academy experience. Graduation allowed us to showcase the knowledge, research, and reflections we'd accumulated throughout the program. It was empowering to share this achievement with fellow cohort members, the CAUSE Staff, our host supervisors, family, and other supporters who contributed to our CLA journey. I felt an immense sense of pride for my cohort's achievements, the work we've accomplished, and the community we'd fostered and bought together that day. The Soirée extended the opportunity to broaden our outreach, not only sharing our stories but learning from the experiences of others as well.
The graduating CLA cohort of 2023 sharing a moment of celebration towards our completion of the program with CAUSE Staff and Board Members!
Envisioning my path in the next 5 years, I see myself attending another iconic CAUSE Summer Soirée. I aspire to actively contribute to the AAPI political landscape, driving positive change in our communities and following in the footsteps of the inspiring individuals I met at this year’s event. I aim to serve as a resource for the graduating CLA cohort of 2028, playing a role in furthering an AAPI pipeline engaged in civic engagement and advocacy. I hope to be a part of a bigger change and movement.
Me receiving my CLA certification of completion from Director of Programs, Steve Lin.
So, where do I see myself in 5 years? Right here: continuing to immerse myself, actively participate, and thrive within these transformative, change-making spaces.
What began as a hopeful journey into this academy, where I envisioned making a difference as an Asian American woman, has now transformed into a journey where I feel not only well-prepared but also supported to realize these aspirations. I am excited about the vast and diverse opportunities the future holds for each one of us. Although bittersweet, the end of our CLA program is where we embark on each of our unique journeys. This is only the beginning!
Our cohort ready to embark on our post-CLA journeys!
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 Andrea Mac, 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.