I was incredibly nervous for CLA Graduation. For one, I am not great at handling change. Though we were together for nine weeks, I felt that the graduation snuck up on me. It was so fast — exits always are. But, more immediately, I felt quite nervous for the campaign presentation that I helped pull together.
For one thing, my participation in the presentation was entirely unplanned. I had started helping with it because I had finished all my assignments and wanted to support the group. After that, it sort of just happened that I was going to help lead the presentation. I was mainly in charge of the policy slides. Although I was comfortable presenting about my particular policy issue of housing (which which I had concentrated on for more than a month at that point), and I felt like I had a good grasp of the other policy areas (mental healthcare, public safety and education), I really did not want to misrepresent my policy team’s positions. So, the day before, I extensively practiced what I was going to say.
Day of, my brain went on hyperdrive. I had printed a piece of paper with talking points, but I was so antsy that I started talking about everything from a very instinctual place. I think my practice paid off though, I felt happy about mostly everything I decided to talk about. CAUSE Board Chair Charlie Woo even came up to me after and complimented the policy team, which was a huge success for me. I also loved seeing my parents join their event. This is the second time they’ve seen me present at a politically-oriented event and it’s always interesting seeing their (lack of) reaction.
During the Soirée, seeing the number of elected officials was somehow surprising to me. It was also very interesting watching the politicos converse. It made our entire campaign experience come to light. When I talked to a state senator who worked with the community organization I’m a part of, I noticed how the staff offered to take my photo and let the senator move on to speak to another person — just like the fundraiser tips we had received! I also noticed how every politician seemed very intentional and interested in talking with as many other people as they could.
I also appreciated the new connections I made! I loved talking to the cohort’s guests, and I was surprisingly connected to some of them. I had seen one of the guests previously speak at a Pasifika women in higher education conference, and one of our guests goes to the same schools as me.
Overall, it was a really enjoyable occasion, and I also appreciated how many local vendors were there to give us incredibly delicious food.
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 Kenny Lê, 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.