Paging Kamala Harris

In August, I had the honor of working as a page representing Connecticut at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago. I was one of the youngest participants at the convention. I didn’t know what to expect, but the energy filling the convention stadium was overwhelming, exciting, and inspiring. Here’s how it went.

Day 1: Bright and early, I helped set up the delegation breakfast. At noon, an intern and I ran a lunch called Second Best Pizza with state officials. Connecticut residents love to compete in the pizza space, and we proudly wore a button saying, Our pizza is way better than your pizza. Next, an AAPI event for South Asians for Kamala Harris. The Veep is half South Asian, so the room felt like “one of their own” was representing them! Finally, the convention! Lengthy delays—protesters about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict—super emotional. Soon, we were inside and the night ended with President Biden’s speech, which was heartwarming, gracious, and inspirational. He has served our country for over 50 years! I had a hard time keeping tears in. 

Day 2: Early again. Breakfast speakers included lots from Connecticut—Gov. Ned Lamont, retired Sen. Chris Dodd, Rep. Jim Himes. Later I met Stacey Abrams and her 88-year-old mother, Dorothy. A little sight-seeing, a crucial nap, then back to the United Center to meet my aunt, Elizabeth D. Bhargava, Assistant Secretary of Housing and Urban Development. Then…roll call when every state pledged their support—4,567 delegates. The cheering! The Obamas’ speeches were uplifting and tear-provoking. Michelle is such a great orator, she connected with the entire stadium! I cannot remember hearing so many people cheer, clap, and cry. Aside from Kamala, she had the best speech of the week!

Day 3: Tough one, exhausted. The stadium was still electric though. Performers Sheila E, John Legend, and Maren Morris. Powerful videos. Speakers Gov. Wes Moore, Bill Clinton, and our own Sen. Chris Murphy. More acts: Keenan Thompson from SNL, Stevie Wonder. To end the night, Tim Walz acceptedt his nomination for the Vice President. Coach Walz! Coach Walz! Electric.

Day 4: Fatigue, adrenaline. It felt like no one wanted it to end. Connecticut delegates had a theme quote, counting each day until the election: Seventy-four days and a wakeup away… Honestly, no words can describe the feeling. Kamala’s speech beat all expectations. “We’re not going back!” She sounded ready, able, and confident. Balloons fell from the ceiling, tears streamed down people’s faces. It was a proud and inspiring moment that I will never forget. 

My mom was a delegate so we got lots of press requests. I didn’t always have a heads-up so I spoke slowly and thought carefully about what to say. Mostly I talked about what it meant as a South Asian American, a female, and a Gen Z teen to see Kamala Harris be a presidential candidate. It is a very proud feeling. 

I am beyond grateful for this incredible opportunity. It was a true honor to have a small window into this highly consequential campaign. My favorite task was helping hand out credentials in the mornings, as it allowed me to converse with delegates. On the last day, a stranger tried to steal our passes! There was never a dull moment! I am so excited to see our work turn into history, and I cannot wait for November 5!