California by jason

California by jason - January 2017 Scholarship Essay

My throat was dry, my hands were shaking. I held up my written speech as closely as I could to my face without it covering my eyes. I could hear my friends and mentors cheer me on from the back of the auditorium. What seemed to be a symphony of supportive voices reassured my purpose for attending the council meeting at the Oakland City Hall. I faced a council of seven members. All council members stared at me as I stepped up to the podium. As nervous as I was, the only thing on my mind was to convince the board to continue funding for the Asian Youth Promoting Advocacy and Leadership (AYPAL), a program that teaches leadership and activism.
I rewrote and practiced this speech for three months until it was approved by my English teacher. I often found myself up late at night writing different variants of my speech. Never satisfied, I continually revised my speech.
Standing on stage and in front of the podium, I performed like I practiced. On that day, I spoke louder and prouder than I ever had in my life. All those stressful hours of rehearsal became a reality. I could feel my hard work and effort form into something beautiful as everyone in the room listened to me. That day I became victorious in persuading the council members to support AYPAL’s and help sustain it.
AYPAL has been a sacred place for generations of Oakland low-income youth. It has provided many like me the space to build bonds as well as provide academic, emotional and financial support. Without the program, I would have resorted to gangs just like some of my childhood friends. I don’t know where I would stand today if it wasn’t for AYPAL.
The speech wasn’t just about me advocating AYPAL; I was defending my community. Not funding the program was the same as denying hundreds of kids access to opportunities. I am grateful for this experience as it allowed me to advocate for future generations who will need it.