Nhi Nguyen: How a Little Goes a Long Way!
As I began my onboarding with the District 3 office, I gained a deeper understanding of the office’s role within the broader network of communities and cities across Santa Clara County. Through conversations with my supervisor, participation in team meetings, and attendance at community events, I saw firsthand how this office connects residents, local organizations, and government departments. These experiences gave me the opportunity to see collaboration in action and to better understand the shared challenges communities face.
One highlight was joining the team at Day on the Bay 2025, a community festival hosted by the office in Alviso that celebrates local culture and promotes environmental health through family activities, a resource fair, and showcases of public agencies. There I assisted staff members at Supervisor Lee’s booth handing out freebies, sharing event information, and talking with local community members. During this experience, I realized the importance of community engagement in building trust between community members and local government. This helped me appreciate how the office serves as both a bridge and an advocate, ensuring that local voices are not just heard, but are truly represented in county-level decisions.
What surprised me most about the organization was discovering its small but mighty team. I’ve been inspired by the shared passion and values that drive everyone, from the Supervisor to each policy aide, staff member, and volunteer, who all work to represent and genuinely improve the community. I’ve learned that in local government, every contribution, whether organizing community events, engaging with residents, or researching policy, adds meaningful value to the people they serve. Additionally, I was impressed with how deeply involved the office was with its community members and how much of an impact their work can have. The projects they take on are not only important but are also widely recognized and appreciated, showing that even a small team can make a significant difference in the lives of the community they serve. It is motivating to be a part of work that makes a tangible difference.
Through my role as a Fellow, I hope to gain a deeper understanding of local government, learn from the experienced staff at the office, engage more with the community, and apply my skills to support meaningful projects. Specific projects I hope to participate in are researching policy, planning community events, and supporting outreach initiatives. I look forward to serving the community while applying my academic knowledge and skills to support projects that make a meaningful impact and strengthen the work of the office.