Q- What prompted you to run for a seat in the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors representing Mason district?

A- Mason District is the most ethnically and diverse county in Northern Virginia. I feel that the current quality of opportunities has gone down in the district, with the cost of living increasing and more opportunities decreasing. I want to help change that.

Q. If elected what would be some of your main objectives in office?

A. I want to be the person who will unite the community, the civic associations, and faith based groups and for them to join hands with the government to make the Mason District a better place to live and coexist in.

Q. Describe the importance of education? I understand that you were elected president of the PTA of Jefferson High School and a member of the Board of Trustee for Randolph Macon College.

 A. I wouldn’t be where I am today without my education. That is the only tool that we have that nobody can take away from us. Being active and being supportive of our students and education were especially important when I was at Thomas Jefferson. It was especially important to guide students in whatever beneficial way we could, similar to being a cheerleader for our children and for educational growth. Education is the quickest way... the best ticket you have to achieve your dream. When meeting with the Secretary Of State, he told me that education is transformational. That is why people work so hard to become educated. It is the force that erases whatever class distinctions there are. My father said all of us do not have equal talent but all of us have an equal opportunity to develop our talent. I recognize the importance of cheering children on and encouraging good grades and good behavior. When I was growing up neither of my parents was present whenever I received any awards so I vowed to myself that I would always be there to cheer my child and children in general who have achieved academic achievements.

 Q. How would you best represent the cultural diversity of the Mason District?

A. I have worked hard to be successful, I have asked for nothing else except the opportunity to succeed. I have not forgotten the poverty of the third world country that I was born in. I was born poor and had to struggle everyday. Representing all of these people would give me a chance to give back. I can empathize more with these people because of my personal background and experience. I have a better understanding of all sides, and believe that I can be effective because of that.

Q. Your story as a woman escaping an abusive relationship is one of true inspiration. What advice would you give to women currently involved in a battered or abusive relationship?

A. There is help... when you fall down, you get up... just like children. The only way to learn how to walk is to fall down. People will try to hurt us -physically, mentally, but if the spirit is still intact, then we could survive any obstacles that we come across. I have been there. Look at me, I am self-sufficient. Count yourself first and foremost. When you learn how to do that, then you will survive.

Q. You were once honored as a “Model to Asian Americans.” In your opinion, what is it about you that truly epitomizes this title?

A. Being able to get people together to provide answers to problems the community faces. I am able to get the answers to problems from a pool of resources. Look at President Reagan, he was very successful. He surrounded himself with talent. You can’t just do it alone. You have to learn to have the drive, to persevere, to overcome obstacles. Once you have that, you will learn how to surround yourself with things and people that are good for you.

(Jennifer Burgos Miller, who works for a real estate agency, is a new volunteer reporter of the Manila Mail- ED.)<D>

By Jennifer Burgos Miller