By Camille Chu
“What characteristics define a typical politician?” Assemblymember Evan Low of District CA-26 called out to the dozens of high schoolers who sat wide-eyed on the chairs of our school library. People shouted out stereotypical traits describing socioeconomic status, gender, and age. Yet, one stood out in particular: ethnicity. As the youngest Asian American legislator ever elected to the Assembly, Low has set a precedent for Asian American politicians. However, what became clear in a matter of minutes was the fact that getting to where he is today was not at all easy. Sharing personal lived experiences, Low described how his childhood was overcome with societal stigma. As part of several minority communities myself, I could attest to the subtle, yet ever-present discrimination engrained in modern society that Low faced.
One fact about Low that resonated in particular with me was his background—surprisingly not in politics or governmental affairs entirely. He was born into a working-class family and his father was an optometrist. As an introverted child, Low had never given thought to being a politician, not to say becoming a trailblazer for other Asian American legislators to succeed. Still, growing up, Low realized that he needed to step up if no one else was going to stand out against the marriage, voting, gender, and health inequities that engulfed his community.
In a world of constant political strife and societal injustice, Low has emerged as a devoted leader and has personally inspired me to create positive change. I have had the honor to learn more about his legislative and government efforts through my own policy work. However, the message I want to leave with all readers today is: step up now—there’s no better time to act. Don’t spend your entire life waiting for change. Be the change.