October 12, 2024
When I first stepped out into the moist air of Washington DC, I was bleary-eyed from a chaotic redeye flight. It didn’t take long for me to snap out of it; the excitement was quick to replace the exhaustion.
Going into my first experience as an AAPI Youth Rising Chapter Leader, I was nervous and slightly unsure of myself. That feeling was barely able to touch me before it vanished. Walking through the wide halls of the Hart Senate Building and the US Capitol, surrounded by my fellow AYR members, brought an exciting yet comfortable feeling, a realization that I was now part of this powerful, inspirational yet youthful community. The tour held many memorable experiences. Intricate statues and models. The Senate Subway, an exhilarating privilege. The old Supreme Court, surrounded with a quiet, sacred feeling. The current Supreme Court, giving off the aura of strength and leadership, thrilling me with every breath. But to me, the heart of this entire visit was our meeting with Senator Mazie Hirono.
We sat down at a table in the back of her origami-decorated office, and that jittery feeling began to return. I didn’t know what I would say, what we would talk about, how I would contribute to the discussion. But almost as soon as we started talking, I realized how natural the flow of the conversation was. We talked thoughtfully about AYR itself, mental health, gun control, and the 2024 election. Senator Hirono told us about the improvement schools need in terms of mental health and bullying, the fact that the Second Amendment would stay unchanged but regulation was essential, and her hard work and stress toward the election along with the pure necessity of voting. For almost every subject we discussed, Senator Hirono would explain bills she had yet to get approved. I found it so intriguing to hear from a senator’s point of view, to have the privilege to discuss politics with someone deeply involved in the government. One of the many things that stood out to me was both the beginning and end of the discussion, when Senator Hirono told us that it was people like us who kept her going. When she first said that, I realized that we were not only eating pizza in the office of a US Senator, but we were having a heartfelt conversation with a persistent woman who has been fighting with all of her strength and passion for young Asian Americans like us.
Thank you so much to AYR, especially Mina, for these incredible opportunities. I feel so fortunate to be part of this phenomenal organization!