Confidence is key

Wow, the last 2 days have been the longest of my life. But they were AMAZAZING!

Yesterday I went to the farewell address to Secretary Locke who will become an US Ambassador for China. I was really interes

ted in going because I heard that APIA Vote would be hosting it. The even went well, lots of speakers - all entertaining. As they started to wrap up I appreciated that Secretary Locke & his wife constantly used the terms "Asian American & Pacific Island communities." Even though it should be AA&NHPI, I was grateful to finally be recognized. Most of the speakers kept saying Asian, Asian, Asian, Asian...some did mention PIs though, but over all it was a very rare mention. Then afterwords, Amaris started to move closer to get a picture of him and I followed. Soon, I found the secretary reaching for my hand to meet me!!! He grabbed my hand as I

introduced myself and said "Thanks for coming. I really appreciate it." I felt so honored. (Even if he said that to everyone lol) A few of us OCA interns even got a picture with him, located at the beginning of this post. Soon after, I started to make my way toward his wife. Again I ended up meeting her and getting a picture with her! (The one below, to the right) This made my night.

I can proudly say that I no longer have a fear of meeting people of power. Ever since yesterday, I just gained more confidence I guess. Like tonight, I attended an NCAPA meeting and we had a chance to preview the Asian Pacific American Program and their new exhibit. I was listening to the head of the program talk on and on about Asians and Asian art. It made me think - what about PIs? Why call it Asia Pacific if there's only Asians being represented? So I worked up the courage to ask him if PI art/artists were ever part of the conversation. To my surprise, he said yes; of course. He explained that they are working on the PI

aspect for the future and encouraged me to email him.

I feel like I am armed with the voices & strength of my ancestors, and oh yes we will be heard.

Meet some of my fierce fellow community leaders aka the OCA Intern class of 2011, well some of us anyway (: