Grassroots Spotlight: Jericho Asis

Jericho Asis is a third-year student at the University of Maryland in College Park, and a current RESULTS Fellow. We caught up with Jericho during the RESULTS Policy Summit as he buzzed around Capitol Hill between meetings with congressional offices.

What’s bringing you to the Hill today?

I really want to end poverty. I was actually born and raised in the Philippines, so I experienced and witnessed a lot of poverty down there. Now that I live in the States, I feel a certain obligation to give back to those who need help. I was once in their position, and that could be me there today. So I feel like I have to do something. Being on the Hill today and advocating for legislation that has the power to end poverty and help people really inspired me.

What has been your experience as a RESULTS advocate?

I think the fact that RESULTS is led by regular constituents is really inspiring. Before I was involved with RESULTS, I had this preconception that the only people who lobbied on Capitol Hill were those who knew exactly what they were talking about. When I came in, I realized a lot of us were new to this. A lot of us are just regular folks, with regular jobs, with regular lives, just advocating for what we’re passionate about.

What would you tell somebody who was thinking about getting involved with RESULTS?

Do it. No questions asked. Don’t be afraid of it, because I am actually very afraid of public speaking, and I don’t like to ask for things. I hate debates. Being part of RESULTS really brought out the best in me. I was hesitant when I was applying for the REAL Change Fellowship, but having this experience is something I’ll take away for the rest of my life. It will keep me going as a passionate advocate in the future.

What’s next for you?

I hope to finish my undergraduate degree, and I would ultimately love to go to med school. Before I go to med school, my dream is to work on the Hill on health policy. I would love to pursue a Master’s in Public Health in Health Policy. Being in RESULTS introduced me to this whole other side of me that I’d never really explored before. I feel like RESULTS has shown me that I can be passionate about policy, and that I can move forward with this as a potential career.

Anything else you’d like to say?

I love RESULTS. Apply to the RESULTS Fellowship!