An intro to politics
I first met Mayor Michelle Wu on a rainy Wednesday afternoon in April, during a fundraising event that my father was helping to host. The event was stationed on the second floor of a restaurant, and my father and I arrived an hour early, introducing ourselves to other people joining us at the event and to members of her campaign. When Mayor Wu arrived, my father and I went down the back stairwell and out the back door to meet her outside. We watched as she got out of the car with her newborn baby in her arms, covered by a blanket. At this point, the rain started to intensify, but Mayor Wu couldn’t have cared less about the rain and made sure her baby was calm. We escorted her upstairs, and I introduced myself.
I still remember the interaction; even with her baby in her arms, it was as if I had her full attention, as if I were the most important person in the room. We talked briefly about her work in Boston, one example being her modified traffic light system, and my own interest in politics and helping with her campaign for the upcoming election in November. I had just served as my school’s Vice President, so working for the Mayor, I believed, was a great way to simply be a sponge and take in as much information as I could. She seemed appreciative of my desire to participate and suggested that I coordinate with her campaign manager, Julia.
Shortly after our conversation, Mayor Wu introduced herself at the event. As she walked in, everyone stopped what they were doing—it was as if a spotlight had been put on her. Her speech was even better. She showed how much she truly cared for every person in Boston by announcing a series of initiatives that would improve citizens’ lives, from the "futureBOS" Summer Youth Employment Program, which offers job opportunities to Boston youth and young adults ages 14-24, to reducing traffic by controlling how traffic lights work in the city. My favorite part was how modest she was, thanking almost everyone at the event, and her stage presence while she was speaking. She was so clear, so calm, and so persuasive: skills I hope I can master one day!