Editor's note: Jedidiah (Jedy) Wang is one of the TOC teen volunteers that campaigned for candidates in AD57, AD65,  AD66 and SD34. He lives in Irvine. The following is his story.

The Orange Club, the Orange Wave, TOC. Saying, hearing or even thinking about these 3 words brings back a tidal wave of memories.

 

A little over half a year ago, Aunty An Lan introduced me to George Yang, a candidate who ran for the Lieutenant Governor before the primary election. I briefly talked with him for about 5 minutes, he told me to study the history of my people, ask questions about my heritage and be proud of my nationality. Although I didn't think much of his words, they stuck with me.

In July, my father showed me Bob Beckel’s racist comment on FOX News about Chinese people. I really started to understand the meaning of Mr. Yang’s words. That comment and many others were made to demoralize me and others. But, Mr. Yang was telling me to stand up, defend and rejoice about my heritage instead of being ashamed of it. But realizing this was just the first step of many to come.

My first actual day of volunteering was on July 19th of 2014, a Saturday. I was with my close friend Brian and another friend Ziyi. The only reason I was going at the time was to please my parents and to hang out with Brian. We were there to phone bank for Young Kim. I was taught how to work the phone and given a script. My first call, I literally read off the whole entire script because I was so nervous. Gradually I got used to the calls and started altering the script to make it shorter and crisper. In the end, with all our calls added up, we made over 500 calls.

The real turning point in my volunteering career was meeting and going to David Hadley’s office on Saturday August 2nd. His staff was so cordial and supportive, and David himself was an inspiring man. He really inspired me to be a better person by showing me how much he cared about the cause and not so much the position.

This was the first time I’d ever walked a precinct.  Even now, I can still remember being the first one to knock on a door, I was very scared of an angry person answering, but in the end a really nice man answered and we got a vote for David. Gradually as time passed that day, we got used to knocking on doors and talking to strangers.

Going to David Hadley’s office was also a bonding experience with my friend and mentor Mr. Alex Chen. Alex is a bold, hardworking man who never gives up, he taught me many principles that are essential to building a good character. Mr. Alex always led us precinct walking, he drove us around neighborhoods, led us around streets and even trusted us with his phone when we split up into 2 groups. Seeing his dedication made me want to work harder. One of our most memorable times was when Brandon and I got yelled at by an elderly man, after we regrouped and told him what happened he gave us encouragement and support. His words gave us new confidence and encouragement. That conversation changed me from volunteering to please my parents to volunteering for a cause.

On November 1st, I walked my last walk at David Hadley's. Office. I felt and saw with my own eyes the change in all of us. Brian, Ziyi and I, once kids clinging to adults, we were now all veterans leading adults as well as others on longer precinct walks. We learned how to map walks, knock on doors and read the charts. During my last walk, not once did I feel scared, I felt confident stepping up to each door. I knew that we were all making a difference, and I was immensely proud of everyone.

After my last precinct walk I spent time with Mr. Peter Wei. He is hardworking and always there when we need him. Peter was sick the day before, but he still came to support us in the cold. His actions really showed me what it takes to be a leader. We talked about TOC, the values I learned and the changes I went through. Our conversation really showed me how much everyone changed through TOC.

I would like to thank everyone who I encountered in my experience. I want to recognize some people who have really impacted me as a person. First, I want to thank my close friend whom I've known since the diaper days and regard to as a brother, Brain. If it weren't for you I wouldn't be at TOC because I wouldn't have gone alone. Thanks for coming to volunteer with me, I remember walking on the streets with you knocking on doors while chatting. Second, I want to thank Aunty An Lan, and Uncles Peter and Alex. You three are truly part of what TOC is all about - grassroot volunteers. I want to thank Aunty An Lan for letting me sleep over several times, organizing events and giving me rides to the far campaign offices. To Alex and Peter, you two are both people I look up to every day and want to be like. Thank you for your sacrifices because they truly did greatly impact the election and my life as well as the lives of countless others. Next, I would like to thank George Yang, though I only met you briefly, you've impacted me greatly with those few very meaningful words. I am changed because of our very short but important conversation. I would also like to thank my parents for introducing me to TOC and supporting my experience, and I love you both very dearly. Last but not least is Mr. David Hadley. I've walked for you many times, and never have I felt discouraged knowing that every time I was walking you were too. You walking with us showed me that you really appreciated our efforts and wanted to win not for the position but for the cause. Knowing this has changed my view on politicians.

           Well, all journeys come to an end. My journey this year is over, but next election I’ll be back, stronger and older. I look forward to making a difference again with all of the TOC members as well as politicians. That doesn't mean we won’t see each other again, I look forward to all the times we’ll see each other to reflect on our journeys. But, for now peace out TOC, and good luck to everyone who is heading to Sacramento. I know you guys can make a difference. Once again thank you everyone for changing me through this experience!