In the months of anticipation before the program, I had read up on everyone’s intern bios, learned more about CAUSE, and familiarized myself with the staff members I would be working with. But the evening before the first day of CLA, I had two main concerns: How am I going to present myself? And, am I going to be alienated as someone not from California?
Intern Haley Ku presents on her DISC personality type.
Walking into the first day, I was nervous, reserved, and trying my best to emulate what I thought in my head was the “perfect intern.” My quiet timidness lasted about five minutes before I met Ryan Horio, an intern in the cohort, who brought a contagious enthusiasm and helped put me at ease. At that moment, I thought to myself, “If the rest of the cohort is like this, I think I have nothing to worry about.”
Intern Haley Ku sharing her hashtags from Senior Communications Manager Farrah Su’s workshop activity
From building spaghetti towers to test teamwork and strategy to sharing our milestones in our lives, I realized that I was not the only one who had their walls up, and I also realized that I didn’t have to pretend to be a pristine example of an intern. Working personality into professionalism with your peers is one thing, but being able to sit and chat with other staff members with more seniority was no longer a daunting task due to the kindness and openness of those around me. As an introduction into the workplace, CAUSE has showcased what an exemplary office looks like and how compassion and dedication strengthen the workplace.
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 Haley Ku, Leadership Academy 2024 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.