I often reflect on the “butterfly effect" moments that have occurred in my life; the seemingly small choices or coincidences that have led to profound changes. This internship is a prime example. Had I not checked my email that fateful day in December, or disregarded the CAUSE “Apply now!” newsletter as spam, I wouldn’t have moved to LA this summer or participated in this incredible program. From the inspiring guest speakers, the supportive staff, the opportunity to work at a Senator’s office, and the thirteen amazing friends I’ve made, I can hardly imagine what my summer would have been like without it all. No words can accurately express how eternally grateful I am for the growth, knowledge, experiences, and people I engaged with over these past 9 weeks.
Coming into this internship with no experience in civic engagement, I hesitantly walked into this program with one goal: to grow as much as possible. I can confidently attest that CAUSE has fostered this growth and undoubtedly deepened my understanding of the vital role that unity and advocacy play within the AAPI community to cultivate meaningful change. The program has been transformative, from navigating tough conversations about finding my voice in spaces where I feel underrepresented to understanding the importance of data disaggregation, learning the complexities of running a successful campaign, and gaining insight into my identity in the workplace. The experience has underscored the power of collective action toward a common mission. Every day, I was inspired by individuals who are deeply committed to causes greater than themselves. At CAUSE, everything is done with purpose and sincerity, reinforcing my motivation to pursue a career where I can serve and uplift voices within my community.
In my host office, I saw how the lessons from CAUSE applied to real-world scenarios, particularly regarding meaningful representation. Observing Senator Lena Gonzalez use her seat at the table and advocate for her community in Long Beach—such as her efforts to make street vending accessible for those struggling to enter the workforce—was eye-opening. Additionally, learned invaluable lessons from my team in the office, especially how patience, empathy, and active listening skills are key when interacting with constituents. I know that the lessons I have learned from fostering relationships with the amazing team in Long Beach will help inform me to provide compassionate care for patients in the medical field.
While farewells are never easy for me, parting from this program felt more like a “see you later” than a goodbye. To my thirteen wonderful peers who I now have the honor of calling my close friends, thank you for the inside jokes, your vulnerability, the inspiration you’ve provided, and your kindness. I will cherish my CAUSE family forever!