Quynh Van 3025 Copper Oaks Alcove Woodbury, MN 55125 (C): 651-206-8023 (H): 651-578-7894 quynhvan122394@gmail.

com
Scribblescribbleerase. I paused to collect my thoughts before reattempting to begin an essay for AP US History class. The essay was due at the end of the week, but I figured I could use the last five minutes of class to get a head start. Having felt a light tap on my shoulder, I turned around to face my friend Erica. She whispered excitedly, Quynh, are you thinking of applying? I think its your kind of thing. Confused, I asked her, Apply for what? She answered with a flick of her right index finger right towards the classrooms Smart Board where our teacher had displayed information about something called the United States Senate Page Program. I began to read slowly - then faster and faster as my eyeballs traveled to match the rapidity of my beating heart. I began to hear Hallelujah singing in the back of my head and to feel warmth seeping to the very bottom of my toes; I had found something truly worth applying to. There was one catch, however, the applicant was required to be male. My heart slowed and my toes became cold. One would be able to guess that when I later discovered there existed a female page position for the summer sessions, I jumped at the chance faster than the blink of an eye. I am the one for the job, because I have notable leadership skills, strength in character, and a strong interest in politics and government. Throughout my life, I have never been afraid to accept responsibility or to take on leadership roles. As a member of my schools National Honor Society (NHS), I have chaired several committees, including the Coffeehouse Auditions committee. Coffeehouse is the pride of NHS and our school; we do our best to deliver, year after year, a concert of superb, student musicianship under organized and professional management. I was extremely proud of having played such an important role in this years Coffeehouse. In addition to leadership roles at school, I am also a leader in the Vietnamese-American community. I volunteer every Sunday morning as a Vietnamese language teacher at Phat An temple and have been a team captain for three consecutive years at the annual Phat An Survival Camp a competitive camp where each team uses teamwork, resourcefulness, and determination to try to win first

Quynh Van 3025 Copper Oaks Alcove Woodbury, MN 55125 (C): 651-206-8023 (H): 651-578-7894 quynhvan122394@gmail.com
place. I have also always felt it important to continually increase ones leadership capabilities. I am always searching for opportunities that will give me leadership experience so that when I am called to lead, I do not fail those who are counting on me. I believe the United States Senate Page Program is one such opportunity that will help further my leadership abilities. Besides my leadership experience, I have always strived to forge good character. My goal in life is to live with a positive attitude and unquestionable character. Abraham Lincoln is said to have quoted, Character is like a tree and reputation its shadow. The shadow is what we think it is and the tree is the real thing. The real thing is what I strive for; I believe it is what marks a great person from the rest of the crowd. Sincerity is what I hold sacred and what I try to earnestly achieve in all my actions. I am sincere in my intent to live with good character, I am sincere in my hope of becoming a Senate page, and I am sincere when I promise that I will work with a can-do attitude everyday if I were to receive the position. I should also be considered as a serious candidate for the page position due to my deep interest in American politics and government. I have great pride in the American government and would love the chance to study its framework up-close and surrounded by the history of Washington D.C. As a daughter of first-generation immigrants, I believe I hold a fresh perspective of America and its government. My parents have always stressed to me the wonder of Americas government and the freedom the nation has offered them. Although I understand America is not without its faults and the nation has ample ways in which to improve, I still love this nation for the opportunities it has offered my parents and myself and hope to play a part in improving America and its citizens lives in the future. As a result, I am deliberating about majoring in political science in college. Although I enjoy many subjects in school, I have not yet discovered what I truly want to do with my life. I have a feeling, of the gut-instinct variety,

Quynh Van 3025 Copper Oaks Alcove Woodbury, MN 55125 (C): 651-206-8023 (H): 651-578-7894 quynhvan122394@gmail.com

that I will finally find what I am looking for in this page program. I would greatly appreciate it if I were given the chance to find out. I should be considered to be a Senate page because of my leadership experience, my character, and my interest in American government. I have never been so sure of applying to anything in my life and I know I have just as much to offer this program as this program has to offer me. Choose me, and I will not disappoint. Choose me, and I will do more than what is expected of me.

Office of United States Senator Al Franken Dear Director of Administration:

Quynh Van 3025 Copper Oaks Alcove Woodbury, MN 55125 (C): 651-206-8023 (H): 651-578-7894 quynhvan122394@gmail.com This is my complete application for the United States Senate Page Application. I have made an effort to be complete and candid so as to present myself as a worthy candidate for the program. The following list is what I have submitted and requested from others in order to complete my application: A completed Page Application High School Transcript Two teacher recommendations A 1-2 page essay

The United States Senate Page Program is a great window of opportunity that I hope I will be given a chance to fly through. When I heard about this program from my history teacher, I knew I had to apply. I have always been interested in American history, government, and politics. I also enjoy keeping up with current events by watching news channels and reading articles on the internet, in newspapers, and in magazines. I am a confident and adaptable person and am positive that I would thrive in Washington D.C. if given the chance. I love helping other people and am excited at the prospect of assisting Al Franken and other senators. I am a flexible person who is ready to learn new skills and to take on a variety of jobs in order to help out the best I can. I am also excited about the new experiences I would be able to gain if given the opportunity to be a Senate page. After all, what better way to learn about Americas law-making process than to assist those who make them? Not only would I be gaining a deeper understanding of Americas government, I would also have the chance to befriend other pages from around the country and meet many of Americas important leaders. To be a page would be a great honor and I have no doubt I would be forever inspired by the experience. Thank you for considering my page application. Sincerely, Quynh Van