In my life, I find that I rarely achieve a sense of closure unless I take time to reflect on an experience. I’m almost certain this tendency stems from the project-based curriculum I grew up with, where reflection was integrated into everything we did. Despite hating its repetition at the time, I’ll admit that it has cultivated a worthwhile habit. Reflecting on the past 8 weeks I’ve spent with my host office, led by Senate Majority Leader Lena Gonzalez, I’ve gained four main takeaways that have deepened my understanding of working on a senator’s team, and will guide me in future endeavors.
Takeaway #1: Coffee cultivates connection
My “coffee chats” at the office aren’t your typical networking session. Yet, the almost daily trips to the Philz coffee shop around the corner with my desk buddy are often a highlight of my day. As we waited for our drinks or walked back to the office with our lattes in hand, we got to know each other beyond the office. These small pockets of time away from our desks allowed us to talk like friends, rather than co-workers. Coffee chats don’t always have to be for conventional networking purposes, but an effective (and tasty) way to build a relationship outside of the workplace!
Intern Malia Ferrer speaking at the mock endorsement panel
Takeaway #2: Small actions have a meaningful impact
A large part of my work at my host office consisted of creating certificates for various events that local community organizations host or grand openings of new businesses. Although a simple task, and sometimes a monotonous one, I’ve come to realize how important they are to the community. The golden embossed paper has the ability to uplift and recognize an individual, to make them feel seen, and bring an extra dose of happiness to their celebration. Such small actions can have a meaningful impact on the community, reminding me that even the simplest tasks can make a big difference.
Takeaway #3: Communication is key
Policy making has always been such a distant concept to me, and one that I’ve had many questions about. I was fascinated to discover that each district has a team of field representatives in their location and a legislation team in Sacramento. After discovering that the legislation members have only been in Long Beach less than a handful of times, I wondered how they were able to advocate and create policies for a community they aren’t having lived experiences in. The answer lies in the critical role of field representatives who relay accurate, on-the-ground information during weekly team Zoom meetings. This ensures that policies are truly reflective of community needs.
CLA interns posing for a photo after the report launch
Takeaway #4: Listening matters!
One of the most vital roles of a field representative is to listen to constituents. Whether it’s a phone ringing every ten minutes or someone ringing the office doorbell, the concerns of community members range from trash issues to unemployment, legislative ideas, and insurance help. Often, constituents just need a space to voice their concerns. I observed how field representatives’ attentive listening, diligent note-taking, and empathetic responses helped constituents feel heard and hopeful. Acknowledgment and reassurance can significantly impact how supported people feel.
As the end of these nine weeks approaches, I’m overwhelmed with a whirlwind of emotions that I can’t quite put into words. I feel a sense of looming doom when thinking about the moment I have to part ways and say, “See you later” to the 13 friends I have gained this summer. I feel immense gratitude for the opportunities I’ve had to grow, whether that be taking phone calls with constituents at my host office or working with my team to win our mock campaign. Most importantly, I take pride in the person I was on the first day of CLA, who I am now, and who I will continue to evolve into once my summer with CAUSE comes to an end.
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 Malia Ferrer, 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.