Board of Education Vice President M. Janet Chin,
Garvey School District, CA

"Why I became an elected official"

When I first ran for the school board seat, I was starting my second business, just had my third son, and had moved back into the neighborhood in which I grew up.

My main opponent was the incumbent, a Harvard and Berkeley graduate, former staffer for a state representative, and a buddy of the senior analyst for the sheriff. However, some questioned his ethics, which caused members of the community to see politics as “ugly.”

In his arrogance, the incumbent thought that the community wouldn't care about the allegations against him which were undermining the integrity of the political process.  I couldn't stop thinking that if I didn't do something about this, we would have another four years of the same thing. This guy was going to create policies for my school-aged children!  I just couldn't stand around and wait for someone to make the rules for me. 

I knew I could be really good at this. I was the ideal home-grown candidate who beat the odds – served my country at home and abroad as an Army soldier, and paid my own way through college.  I was a parent of children attending schools where I served as PTA president, School Site Council chairperson, and English Language Learners Council chairperson. There was a point before I even filed as a candidate, where I looked at the guy and thought to myself, "You are in my seat."

With a great campaign team, my children in full support and running their own campaigns, dozens of interviews, endorsement meetings, and $20,000 later, I won the seat. 

Since then, my life and the relationships of all those around me began to evolve in a positive way. I realized that all my life, I had been preparing for what I am doing today.  I am grateful to always be on the giving end of things.

John F. Kennedy said, “One person can make a difference, but everyone should try…”

"Why I am a part of the YEO Network"

What I most appreciate about the YEO Network members is not the political seats or titles that we occupy, but the wealth of experiences and progressiveness that each of us brings to that seat.  It is an honor to be part of this group of young leaders – the quality of the selfless service and sacrifice for our constituents so that all Americans may enjoy so much.

I feel lucky to be able to be a representative of my constituents.  I am motivated by the success of others and the lifelong learning that is part of the educational language today. We have to celebrate everyone’s families, cultures, and experiences. We honor all that is good and learn from our mistakes through second chances. It’s energizing to be able to work with other people, even if I don’t care for their personal agendas. I find the entire process from election to serving in office to re-election invigorating.

Though we sometimes find ourselves on a lonely path, even if surrounded by pats on the back, smiles, and boxes full of awards and recognition, the one thing that will always hold true is, in the words of former Garvey School Board Member and current 32nd District Congresswoman, Judy Chu, “There are no permanent friends and no permanent enemies.”

In the end, we need each other to survive.  I thank all the YEOs who have stayed in touch, those who I have yet to meet, and those who will come after me. I appreciate all that you do to make our country and the world a better place.

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