Hannah Hsieh is a rising senior at the University of California, Los Angeles pursuing a major in Philosophy, with a minor in Public Affairs. While her majors reflect her interest in public policy, she is particularly interested in APIA leadership, APIA civic engagement, and law. This summer, Hannah is excited to be broadening her perspective in law and public policy by working with the Federal Judicial Center as an intern on the Judicial and Legal Education Team.
What are some things that you did not expect coming into the internship? 
Honestly, going into this internship, I did not know what to expect. I had never really heard of the Federal Judicial Center (FJC), and I did not know how large of a role they played in the Judiciary Branch of government. After being at the FJC for only a week, however, I have already solidified and confirmed my interest in pursuing law school. Not only did the FJC expose me to the judicial appointee process and the role of judges in court (a perspective that was previously unknown to me), but it has also taught me just how unpredictable one’s career path can be. The director of my program, a federal judge, and the supervising attorney of my division, a former U.S. Attorney, both did not expect to be in the positions they hold now when they entered law school. While the members at FJC are some of the busiest and most prestigious judges and attorneys in the nation, they have taken the time to develop a supportive and nurturing environment. They go out above and beyond to offer career advice and connect with interns on a personal level. They have also provided me with unforgettable opportunities such as sitting in on Supreme Court opinions and meeting some of the most prestigious judges and attorneys in Washington D.C. FJC has also allowed me to connect and build professional relationships with some of the kindest and most successful professionals in the legal field. Nonetheless, I think the most unexpected thing about this internship is that I wake up every day excited to go to work.
Why did you decide to spend your summer with CAPAL?
I decided to spend my summer with CAPAL because I wanted to learn more about my own community. Coming from a predominantly white neighborhood, my parents never talked much about their Asian American identity or their past. They did not share their experiences of immigrating as teens. Instead, they worked tirelessly to build a new life and provide the best opportunities for my brother and me. Even now, I only know vague details of the struggles they faced while immigrating. However, I do know that my mother graduated as valedictorian of UCLA School of Nursing while supporting her sister and herself. I know that my father assisted my grandparents around the motel so that his siblings could pursue an education. And, I know that my parents are two of the most selfless and compassionate people I have ever had the privilege of knowing. As such, when I learned about CAPAL, it seemed like the perfect opportunity. Not only would it further my interest in law and public policy, but it would also sharpen the skills I needed to advocate for and represent my community. Through CAPAL, I have finally found a community of like-minded individuals who are willing to challenge the status quo and work towards greater representation for the generations after us.
Why is public service important to you?
As my first quarter of university passed by, I was given the opportunity to intern at the Pat Brown Institute of Public Affairs, an organization dedicated to public service and civic engagement. This internship was not only the beginning of my newfound interest in public service, but it was also a pivotal moment for me as it allowed me to recognize the issues that were plaguing my own community. One project that left a lasting impression on me was the Asian American Poll, a poll that surveyed 1,608 Asian American registered voters in Los Angeles County. It revealed a serious lack of public involvement among Asian Americans and a deep aversion to politics. The dearth of representation and inability to effectively vocalize their concerns has led to a shared belief that political change is impossible. As a second generation Chinese-Taiwanese-American, these findings only fueled my desire to engage in public service and better the minority experience. Becoming an attorney has been my dream since I began policy debate in fourth grade. Though my career choice has not changed, seeing the suffering in disadvantaged communities first-hand has opened my eyes to injustices that my fourth-grade self would not have understood. I no longer want to be just an attorney, I want to be an attorney that improves society through public service and social justice
What is something that people usually don’t expect or know about you?
I have never been to a graduation, and I do not have a high school diploma!
What do you do in your free time?
Hike (*explore the city in DC)
Visit cafes, farmer markets, and bookstores
Cook vegan food and bake vegan desserts
Meet all of our CAPAL Scholars & Interns here.
Sharon Le is a rising third-year student at the University of Virginia, double majoring in Psychology and Spanish, on the Pre-Law track. Sharon served as the External Vice President for the Vietnamese Student Association (VSA@UVA) the past year, and is also involved in Phi Alpha Delta – the International Pre-Law Fraternity, and the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Prevention Team at the University. She was greatly exposed to the Asian Pacific American representation not only through her involvement with the Vietnamese community in Northern Virginia with VSA but also through her background – having grown up in Vietnam and moving to America in high school. Sharon hopes to promote Asian Pacific American leadership with her commitments and to give the community a bigger voice in the country.