United States Representative Jose Luis “Lou” Correa (D – CA46) conducted a meet and greet at Oxford Academy on Aug. 30, to promote his Young Congressional Leaders program and share his insights and advice with students. He spoke to an intimate audience of about 30 students in the MPR.
Rep. Correa’s Young Congressional Leaders Program provides students within California’s 46th district the unique chance to learn about the federal government, meet with local leaders, and develop leadership skills.
“[The Program’s goal is to] help you become a better citizen, explore opportunities and careers and concepts that maybe you didn’t delve into at Oxford Academy,” rep. Correa said. One of the opportunities Rep. Correa highlighted in his visit includes the yearly Congressional App Challenge, a district-divided competition where students create an app and showcase its functionality.
During his visit, Rep. Correa inspired students to seize opportunities and fight for their passions, as well as expressing his hopes to see them do so through the Young Congressional Leaders Program.
“The blessing of America is, you can do anything you want to do,” said Rep. Correa. “You all have something you want to do, but that might change over time.”
When providing advice to students, Rep. Correa detailed his entry to politics, beginning with his education at UCLA, in hopes to further expand his opportunities. There, he became a foreign investment banker, but after volunteering for a political campaign in the 1990s, Rep. Correa discovered a passion for politics and has dedicated his career to it ever since.
“I found that I fed myself off the energy. I enjoyed it. When you do something you love, you’re gonna do it well, and you’re gonna live longer and healthier.”
Rep. Correa encourages students to keep an open mind as he did, and not to be tied to a singular path.
“One lesson that I’ve learned is always looking to the stars, being prepared to get there. Being prepared to take advantage of the opportunities as they come at you,” said Rep. Correa. “I’ve tried in my life to plan everything to the exact– but you find out life isn’t like that…Life throws curves that seem like they’d hurt you, but they’re blessings.”
Drawing from his personal experiences, Rep. Correa emphasizes the importance of following one’s passions and taking advantage of what America has to offer. As an Anaheim High alumni and California State University, Fullerton graduate, where he received a Bachelor’s degree in economics, Rep. Correa remains dedicated to boosting his lifetime community and opening doors for youth.
Following the congressman’s presentation, students were moved by the fresh perspective.
“I feel inspired to be as active as I possibly can in the voting process,” said senior Hiranmayee Subramanyan, “So that I can make sure that my Congressional representatives actually represent the interests of me, and not the interests of corporations.”
Other students carried Correa’s words with them throughout the day.
“I appreciated his down to earth manner,” said senior Vanessa Giles. “The entirety of the next period I had this newfound ambition.”
Registration for the Young Congressional Leaders Program is open to all high school students.
“My goal is to help you achieve your dreams to help you become productive members of our society; to reach your goals and be a great American in this great society,” Rep. Correa said.
Students are able to apply for the Young Congressional Leaders Program through the following link: https://correa.house.gov/services/students/yclp
