When I received my bachelor's degree from UCLA in June, the only thing I knew was that I would be joining CAUSE for the next nine weeks. I didn’t know what to expect, however what I gained was a new sense of confidence, a community of amazing individuals, and a greater understanding of our AANHPI community and my place within it. I truly believe that CLA is where I was meant to be this summer, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Every field trip, discussion, activity, guest speaker, and my host office placement at Senator Padilla’s Office taught me what it means to build pipelines and that advocacy for ourselves and our communities never stops. One of the biggest lessons I learned this summer is to always add value to every space you find yourself in and to take advantage of every opportunity and conversation. There are many who have come before us and worked to create spaces and provide opportunities for us. It is our responsibility to recognize this and be brave enough to say yes.
Saying yes is only the beginning but sustained activation requires us to look beyond ourselves and emphasizes the lasting relationships we choose to build. In order to think bigger and larger, we need to choose to cultivate relationships in a way that centers mutual care, respect, and above all trust. Our passions can take us far, but it is the strength in believing in one another that will take us to the finish line. The relationships I have developed within CAUSE and my host office has exemplified what can happen when we prioritize our shared values.
I want to take space to thank my host office at Senator Padilla’s Office for the amazing experience and support I have received from them, especially my supervisor Sandra Galvez. She has shown me what it means to be a champion and reminded me to never forget where you started, where you come from, and your foundations. There is a power we hold in reminding ourselves of these things, and it’s something that can never be taken away from us. On my last day, Sandra told me to always leave the door open for those who come after, to always leave the ladder down so that we always bring others up with us. We are here to build bridges that last for our communities, which is exactly what she and CAUSE did for me.
Once a part of CAUSE I found myself amongst an incredible group of peers who never ceased to amaze me each week with their intelligence, passion, power, and grace in the face of very real and difficult conversations. To my cohort and the CAUSE staff, you have all taught me about how to be a better advocate, professional, and friend. You all, and this program, has taught me the true meaning behind community and how powerful we are once we find it.